Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB), the oldest local nonprofit youth conservation corps in the United States, has secured funding through the State of California Proposition 68 grants program to complete a project on Azalea Hill within the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed.
CCNB will partner with the Marin Municipal Water District on Azalea Hill Trails Phase II, the first major step of a larger restoration and trail project on Azalea Hill. Corpsmembers from CCNB will convert 0.7 miles of eroded path along Alpine Lake into a multi-use route called Liberty Gulch Road, which can be used by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. To reduce erosion and impacts to the watershed in areas where the road crosses creeks, work will also include the construction of bridges and other crossings. Marin Water will oversee the fieldwork and all of the technical components of the project.
Work will also improve rare plant habitat and eliminate habitat fragmentation for wildlife. Corpsmembers will learn valuable skills including trail design and construction, carpentry, and native plant identification that will enable them to secure living-wage employment after completing CCNB’s paid job-training program.
CCNB’s Deputy Director Tyler Pitts said, “CCNB is extremely excited to partner with MMWD on this project. The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed is some of the most iconic land in Marin County, and this grant will enable us to simultaneously improve recreational opportunities and conservation efforts.”
Jack Gibson, president of the Marin Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors said, “We are pleased to be working with CCNB on this important phase of our Azalea Hill trail and restoration project. This work will provide proper multi-use access for watershed visitors, while restoring natural habitat for plants and wildlife in key areas. All of this work contributes to the overall health of the watershed.”
Work is slated to begin on July 6, 2020 and will continue through October 2020 with allowances made for weather as needed.
About Conservation Corps North Bay
Founded in 1982 as the nation’s first local nonprofit conservation corps program, Conservation Corps North Bay is a recognized leader in youth service. Our mission is to develop youth and conserve natural resources for a strong, sustainable community. You can learn more at www.ccnorthbay.org.
About Marin Water
Established in 1912, Marin Water is California’s first municipal water district. The district provides high-quality, locally sourced drinking water to more than 191,000 people in central and southern Marin County. Marin Water also manages 22,000 acres of watershed land on Mt. Tamalpais and in west Marin. Learn more at www.MarinWater.org