California Local Conservation Corps Foundation

12/30/2025

: From Corpsmember to Community Leader

The Local Conservation Corps open doors for young people to build skills, confidence, and careers, and Corpsmembers like Patty “Loco” Mundo show the lasting impact of that investment.

After joining the LA Conservation Corps, Patty found support and purpose that helped her change her path. Through the Corps, she went on to the California Conservation Corps Backcountry Program, then built a career with the U.S. Forest Service as a seasonal trails sponsor and Hotshot Crewleader, eventually supervising a Type II fire crew in the Angeles National Forest.

Today, Patty serves as Vegetation Treatment Manager for the Glendale Fire Department, leading wildfire prevention work that protects local communities. Her journey reflects what the Corps do best: preparing Corpsmembers to become skilled professionals, leaders, and stewards who give back where it matters most.

Investing in Corpsmembers means investing in safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

12/29/2025

: Investing in People Who Power Conservation

In 2025, support from The Hearst Foundations, in partnership with the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC), helped launch the Land Stewardship Training Certification, a statewide Train the Trainer initiative led by the California Association of Local Conservation Corps to equip Corps staff to deliver foundational environmental education directly to Corpsmembers.

Impact highlights:
• 29 staff trained from 13 Local Corps
• 26 certified trainers
• Confidence in key conservation skills increased by up to 94%

Trainings were hosted by Conservation Corps North Bay, Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps, and LA Conservation Corps, building long-term capacity for conservation training across California.

Thank you to The Hearst Foundations and Cal-IPC for helping power opportunity, resilience, and stewardship.

12/28/2025

: Investing in People, Building Leaders

This past year, over 100 Corpsmembers and 65 staff from California’s 14 certified local conservation corps came together for our annual Corpsmember Conference, and it was a huge success!

From career-focused workshops to guest speakers from the California Conservation Corps and California State Parks, Corpsmembers gained skills, inspiration, and insight to fuel their futures. Beyond learning, they built connections, making new friends, networking with potential employers, and learning from peers across the state.

The day closed with fun and celebration: professional headshots, a photo booth, games, ice cream sundaes, and a raffle, proving that growth and joy go hand-in-hand.

This conference is more than an event, it’s a testament to the power of investing in Corpsmembers. By providing education, career pathways, and supportive networks, we empower young people to lead, serve, and thrive.

A standout 2025 success showing what happens when opportunity meets ambition.

12/26/2025

: When we invest in people, extraordinary things happen.

We’re proud to celebrate the LA Conservation Corps for receiving a The Corps Network 2025 Project of the Year Award for their wildfire recovery efforts following the Palisades and Eaton Fires in early 2025, in partnership with San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School, Sequoia Community Corps, Urban Conservation Corps. of the Inland Empire, and Orange County Conservation Corps.

Together, more than 70 Corpsmembers and 11 Staff stepped up to protect watersheds, neighborhoods, and infrastructure, all while gaining paid work experience, hands-on training, and valuable skills along the way.

This award-winning impact was made possible through support from the State of California, local agencies, and community partners working alongside the Corps to deliver rapid, effective recovery when communities needed it most.

12/24/2025

: Behind every Corpsmember’s success story is a community that believed in them.

In 2025, private philanthropic support helped expand education access, accredited trainings and certifications, career pathways, and critical support services for young people across California’s 14 Local Conservation Corps. From high school diplomas to job certifications to wraparound support, these investments changed lives.

Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing stories that show how donor support powered opportunity, strengthened communities, and helped Corpsmembers build brighter futures.

As we reflect this season, we’re grateful for every partner who helped make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and possibility.

09/17/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to the CA Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 105 appropriating Proposition 4 funds, including vital support for the Local Corps Grant Program!

These dollars will put Corpsmembers to work on critical conservation projects across the state while providing paid job training and pathways to lifelong careers.

This investment is a win for our environment, our youth, and our future.

09/10/2025

Had a great time at the CA Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force Summit in Inland Empire last week with our friends wade.crowfoot, Conservation Corps of Long Beach, LA Conservation Corps & Southern California Mountains Foundation. The Task Force is doing important work and we're thrilled to have these opportunities to network and partner in support of our great state.

Did you know that more than 700 Corpsmembers from the Local Corps and California Conservation Corps have been hired by CAL FIRE?! Proud is an understatement.

09/09/2025

09/08/2025

While the federal government rolls back critical climate policies and funding, California must keep moving forward. Our communities, our climate, and our Corpsmembers are counting on it.

We are proud to be part of a state that has long set the national standard for bold, progressive climate action. Through your leadership, our Corps have built fire-safe communities, restored natural habitats, fought climate change on the frontlines, and given thousands of young Californians a pathway to serve and succeed.
But now, with climate policy and funding under attack nationally, California’s leadership is more important than ever.

Governor Newsom, Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire & Speaker Robert Rivas you must reauthorize Cap-and-Trade & appropriate Prop 4 funds NOW. We're counting on you.

09/05/2025

What’s at stake if California’s leaders don’t reauthorize Cap-and-Trade and appropriate Prop 4 funds this year? Across the state, thousands of:

- Corpsmembers will have less access to paid training, job placement, and safety net services (during a year when the unemployment rate for young adults is 10.25% - the highest it's ever been)
- Acres of land will not be treated to prevent wildfires
- Neighborhood-cooling and utility bill-reducing trees will not be planted
- Pounds of trash will not be diverted from landfills
- Miles of recreational trails will not be restored or developed

… and the list goes on. We cannot take this risk. Governor Newsom, Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire & Speaker Robert Rivas we're calling on you to TAKE ACTION NOW. We’re all counting on you.

08/21/2025

Back in Sacramento with our friends, meeting with state legislators to urge them to invest NOW in natural & working lands!