Have You Read the News?
Our forest health work received some media attention earlier this week. Read on to learn more and hear from our Headwaters Program Director, Byron Krempl, about how we're leading efforts to bring health back into the watershed with over $55M in support.
On Monday, the Modesto Bee highlighted TRT's work with
Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) to prevent mega-fires. Restoring mixed conifer forests that either have been or are at risk of being burned by high-intensity wildfire reduces soil erosion, improves wildlife habitat, increases structure and thermal cover for wildlife species, improves stream habitat for fish, lowers water temperature in riparian areas, and produces jobs.
This diverse coalition shows what's possible when we work together, and can be used as a model in other areas of the West that are at risk of wildfire. This project shows that environmental protection and restoration contribute to a healthy economy and have positive impacts on surrounding communities.
These funds will improve equitable access to the outdoors for Modesto residents and will empower youth and families with outdoor leadership education, safe access to parks, recreation opportunities, and environmental education.
For nearly 20 years, we have sponsored the Trekking the Tuolumne River Program, which is a science standards-based curriculum that teaches kids about water, the ecology of the Tuolumne River, the many benefits of the River, and river and canal safety. This newly-funded effort builds on the old model to place greater emphasis on outdoor recreation and safety.
We are committed to providing outdoor experiences that help young people connect the dots between the classroom, their community, and their environment. Students who participate in this program will gain knowledge that will serve them for a lifetime and will help them become stewards of their own communities and local environment.
“I got involved with the Tuolumne River Trust for my children who are the future of this community. I love that my children enjoy the park, the river, the trees, and that they are learning so much about nature” says Norma Padilla-Davalos of Modesto California. Her four children have participated in our youth programs for over 5 years.
Learn More About the Outdoor Equity Grant Here
California State Parks awarded $57 million in Outdoor Equity Program grants to 125 different programs throughout California to advance the state's "Outdoors for All" initiative. The program is designed to expand opportunities for California's underserved communities to engage in outdoor recreation and improve their overall health and well-being.
