Young adults across California are looking for ways to improve and enhance the habitats and environments near their homes and across the state. The California Conservation Corps is helping them achieve their goals of having a positive impact through paid, hands-on training that can lead to meaningful careers.
“I get paid to be in the water and do crazy stuff,” said Corpsmember Catee Cortez. “I came to the CCC to do salmon restoration project work. I’m learning about the habitats and I’m making a huge difference not just with the salmon, but California in general.”
Catee’s crew at the CCC Fortuna Center wades in local creeks to install and secure logs. As winter rains arrive, the logs will help provide places of rest and relaxation for the state’s endangered and threatened fish species.
“It’s basically creating a home for them,” she said. “We need to make a difference, so it’s just really awesome.”
Corpsmembers are improving habitat across the state in and out of the water. In Sequoia National Park, Fresno-based Corpsmembers are using native plants to help return a meadow damaged by flood waters to it´s more natural state.
“This work is going to radically impact the wildlife too,” said Corpsmember Isaiah Garza. “It’s going to be good habitat for all the animals. Sometimes we see bears out here, we see deer too.”
Enrolling in the CCC provides more than just an opportunity to give back and improve the environment. Corpsmembers are paid $2,610 per month. They also have the opportunity to earn scholarships, finish their diploma, and learn about different careers.
“Being out here is just an eye-opener to what I want to do,” Isaiah said. “I fell in love with the forest and the CCC is helping me be a better me. It’s inspired me to push myself every day.”
The physical work of removing invasive plants and building sanctuaries for endangered fish is a challenge. However, for the 18 to 25-year-olds in the CCC, it’s one they embrace to make a difference in California’s habitats and in themselves.
“It’s just awesome here and I love it,” Catee said.
Young adults across California are looking for ways to improve and enhance the habitats and environments near their homes and across the state. The California Conservation Corps is helping them achieve their goals of having a positive impact through paid, hands-on training that can lead to meaningful careers.“I get paid to be in the water and do crazy stuff,” said Corpsmember Catee Cortez. “I came to the CCC to do salmon restoration project work. I’m learning about the habitats and I’m making a huge difference not just with the salmon, but California in general.”Catee’s crew at the CCC Fortuna Center wades in local creeks to install and secure logs. As winter rains arrive, the logs will help provide places of rest and relaxation for the state’s endangered and threatened fish species.“It’s basically creating a home for them,” she said. “We need to make a difference, so it’s just really awesome.”Corpsmembers are improving habitat across the state in and out of the water. In Sequoia National Park, Fresno-based Corpsmembers are using native plants to help return a meadow damaged by flood waters to it´s more natural state.“This work is going to radically impact the wildlife too,” said Corpsmember Isaiah Garza. “It’s going to be good habitat for all the animals. Sometimes we see bears out here, we see deer too.”Enrolling in the CCC provides more than just an opportunity to give back and improve the environment. Corpsmembers are paid $2,610 per month. They also have the opportunity to earn scholarships, finish their diploma, and learn about different careers.“Being out here is just an eye-opener to what I want to do,” Isaiah said. “I fell in love with the forest and the CCC is helping me be a better me. It’s inspired me to push myself every day.”The physical work of removing invasive plants and building sanctuaries for endangered fish is a challenge. However, for the 18 to 25-year-olds in the CCC, it’s one they embrace to make a difference in California’s habitats and in themselves.“It’s just awesome here and I love it,” Catee said.
