Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) has completed the first phase of a capital improvement plan designed to improve the energy efficiency of its job training and education facilities and upgrade common areas frequently used by corpsmembers and staff. CCNB’s buildings in San Rafael, Novato, and Cotati were constructed in 1974, 1983, and 2003 respectively and were in need of critical upgrades.

Using state funding supplemented with foundation grants, CCNB has installed drought-resistant landscaping and a new roof made of recycled tire material in Novato, reconfigured the San Rafael parking lot with new fencing and gates, added solar in San Rafael and Cotati, upgraded HVAC, security, and lighting/electric systems, and painted all three locations. Wherever possible, corpsmembers gained valuable hands-on training by working alongside contractors and CCNB staff. Work will resume in late fall with projects including kitchen and bath renovations, upgraded corpsmember lockers, and the installation of water filling stations.

Completing these important improvements will enable CCNB to invest money that would have been spent on high utility bills and ongoing repairs and maintenance into direct services for low-income young people who are working to better their lives. Through this work, CCNB continues to lead the way in embodying its mission of developing youth and conserving natural resources for a strong, sustainable community.