San Mateo-Based Sempervirens Fund Sets Tree Guinness World Record

SAN MATEO, CA — Sempervirens Fund, a land trust based in San Mateo, set a Guinness World Record on Monday for most photos of people hugging trees uploaded to Instagram in one hour.

The organization, which aims to protect and preserve habitats in the Santa Cruz mountains, solicited responses through the #HugATree challenge. On Monday, 593 people uploaded photos to Instagram using the hashtag in celebration of Earth Day.

“We are so grateful to our friends and supporters for showing their love for trees on this Earth Day and for helping establish a Guinness World Records title with the #HugATreeChallenge,” said Sempervirens Fund Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Matthew Shaffer. “The outpouring of support during #HugATreeChallenge shows that people both love trees and understand the uncertainty they face as the impacts of climate change continue to produce extreme and dangerous weather and wildfires. Sempervirens Fund stands at the ready as we prepare for a potentially catastrophic wildfire season, and we’re so glad that so many of you stand with us.”

REI Co-op which sponsored the challenge, will donate $10,000 to Sempervirens Fund.

“Congratulations on achieving the new Guinness World Records title for most people hugging trees uploaded to Instagram in one hour. We are delighted we could be part of this official record event,” said Guinness World Records official adjudicator Michael Empric.

Click here to view submissions for the record-setting accomplishment.