Newton Drury became executive secretary in charge of publicity and fundraising, a position he held for twenty years.

Drury and the league obtained a six-million dollar bond measure passed to buy California redwood groves.

He was the first director without prior national park responsibilities, but came with strong conservationist credentials, having served as executive secretary of the Save the Redwoods League in California.

[4] The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is the 10[5]-mile (16 km) long two-lane road through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County, California, named to honor his efforts in the creation of Redwood National and State Parks.

Drury Peak[7] in the Mount San Jacinto State Park, Riverside County, California, is named after him as well.