Over my 7.5 years at the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), I’ve worn many hats. But one role that has truly captured my heart is helping people take that all-important first step into the environmental field — opening the door for the next generation of conservation leaders.

Why does this matter so much to me? Because I remember facing the classic “catch-22” early in my own career: every job posting asked for experience, but how could I get experience without a job? That’s why creating pathways into this work is personal.

This past year, we took that mission to the next level by hosting three California Climate Action Corps Fellows — in partnership with AmeriCorps, the Office of the Governor, California Volunteers, and Bay Area Community Resources. These fellows committed to 1,700 hours of service, gaining hands-on experience while making a real difference in our community.

Working side-by-side with CCRCD staff, they helped grow community gardens in under-resourced neighborhoods, supported Firewise communities, organized creek cleanups for Earth Day, and brought environmental science to life through Trout in the Classroom. They didn’t just learn — they led, engaged, and inspired others.

Now, as their fellowship wraps up, our inaugural fellows are heading off to continue their work in the environmental sector — here at CCRCD, in Davis, and in Southern California. We’re proud to have played a part in launching their careers, knowing they’ll carry forward the skills, knowledge, and passion they’ve built here.

Because that’s the goal: to keep people who care about the environment in the field — turning interest into action, and action into lifelong impact.