Developing Youth and Conserving Natural Resources
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Our Impact
Last Year Our Youth Corps...
Diverted 495,507* pounds of E-waste from the landfill.
*Based on internal weights. Official count will be available in Fall 2024.
Restored 366 acres of natural habitat.
Reduced fire fuel on 487 acres of public and private land.
Restored or maintained 130 miles of trails.
Diverted 7,945 tires from the landfill.
Corpsmember Spotlight
It Stays at Home: Corpsmembers turned Supervisors in Santa Rosa
CCNB prides itself on the milestones corpsmembers reach while in the program. Our Career Pathways department works closely with each corpsmember to ensure they are ready to embark on living-wage careers. This pride is reflected in the trust CCNB extends to outstanding corpsmembers who know the program well, and many corpsmembers become part of the team at CCNB. To that end, all Natural Resources Crew Supervisors in Sonoma County are former corpsmembers!
Some corpsmembers may choose careers aligned with the natural resources and waste management work they do at CCNB, some choose from a myriad of other fields, but all bring with them a knowledge of environmentally conscious practices to apply to their professional and daily lives. Those who stay at CCNB continue to provide essential services to our communities and build resilience against the effects of climate change.
CCNB benefits greatly from the input of former corpsmembers. They know the program the best. They understand first-hand the opportunities our program offers, and they offer valuable insight into the challenges. They can offer a unique degree of empathy to the young people who come to CCNB which allows us to better serve program participants.
Greg Sitter, Senior Manager of Natural Resources Partnerships and Projects, said “this has brought a strong sense of resilience and continuity to the program. Corpsmembers connect more easily with supervisors who share their background and have walked the same path, creating a culture of mutual understanding and trust.” Additionally, “these supervisors also come in with a deep knowledge of the types of projects we deliver, our network of partners, and the day-to-day operations of the program. It’s been a highly successful approach that reinforces a dynamic of growth and achievement—demonstrating what’s possible when young adults are given the tools and opportunities to lead,” he added.
Project Spotlight
Recycling in the Wine Country
A local leader in waste management, CCNB’s Zero Waste department is constantly looking to expand the repertoire of materials they can collect for recycling, actively diverting waste from our communities away from landfills. Funded by an annual grant from CalRecycle, CCNB now collects glass bottles, cardboard, and PET/plastic wrap from wineries and tasting rooms throughout Sonoma and Napa counties, helping California’s statewide recycling goals.
A direct result of legislative shifts to California’s Beverage Container Recycling Program (the Bottle Bill), which incorporated wine and distilled spirits containers, CCNB joins broader efforts to enhance recycling rates, reduce litter, and protect California’s environment. These shifts also improve the infrastructure to support recycling efforts. CCNB now has two full routes, which have increased the tonnage of materials collected annually in the North Bay. Since the launch of this program, CCNB has collected over 22,000 pounds of glass, over 5,000 pounds of cardboard, and over 6,000 pounds of PET/plastic wrap for recycling.
At the same time, corpsmembers gain valuable hands-on training hours as they participate in these collection routes. They get experience with record keeping and data management: all materials are subject to extensive tracking and reporting. They make use of skills with tools and equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and lift jacks and learn to manage partner participation, ensuring they keep up with the demand for these services. Exposure to new industries also broadens options for corpsmembers as they explore what type of careers to pursue after completing our program.
Brandon Benton, Zero Waste Manager, said “this project has been a great expansion of Zero Waste Programs operating within the North Bay. We are poised to make a significant impact on local recycling efforts and overall sustainability within the wine industry.” As the need for more waste management arises, CCNB is happy to grow its offerings and provide our community with more opportunities to recycle.
