On October 31, the Southern California Mountains Foundation hosted an Environmental Justice Youth Summit to hear from participating youth about environmental and climate justice in the Inland Empire. The estimated 65 Urban Conservation Corps (UCC) in attendance learned more about environmental justice, plus how to harness and practice using their voices and knowledge to change their community. The event featured inspirational speakers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CAL FIRE, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
The UCC, along with Southern California Mountains Foundation, provide work experience to corps members in planting and caring for trees, building community gardens, constructing parks, building trails, restoring native habitat, and educating the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and climate change. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported the program with grant funding, aligning with its giving pillar of reinforcing healthy and resilient communities. They also participate in vocational training in tree-line clearance, wildland firefighting, tree nursery management, sustainable agriculture, and geographic information system mapping. UCC also provides job placement to these young people via full-time, well-paying, benefit-providing employers as they complete their paid work experience.
