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14 Environmental Organizations in California

Many notable environmental organizations in California value the earth and society’s safety. What are the names of these organizations? What is their mission, and what do they do to achieve it? Take a look at this list of 19 environmental organizations to get a complete picture of these groups and learn the answers.

It is encouraging to know that so many individuals and organizations are concerned about the environment. This is because our world is currently experiencing significant environmental problems. These include pollution, climate change, and the extinction of animals and plants.

This article provides a list of organizations dedicated to saving the environment and promoting sustainability throughout California.

Environmental Organizations in California

1. Environment California

Environment California

Environment California is a nonprofit organization that advocates for environmental laws in California. It is located in the United States of America. It is linked with the environmental advocacy organization – Environment America and the Fund for the Public Interest.

Its mission is to increase awareness and encourage everyone to make California a greener and healthier state.

Here are some of the campaigns that Environment California supports in its efforts to make the world a greener and cleaner place:

  • Environment California prioritized the protection of the environment.
  • It is primarily concerned with promoting fundamental environmental values.
  • The organization’s goal is for everyone to be able to breathe clean air.
  • They want to ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water.
  • It is also our goal to have sustainable energy to power our daily lives.

This secured legislation that led to historical development in solar, wind energy, and improving air quality. It has also improved environmental health by cutting global warming emissions in 25 states.

The campaign “California Against Single-Use Plastics” is run by Environment California to reduce plastic pollution. The campaign focuses on stopping the production of single-use plastics, like straws and grocery bags. It also aims to increase recycling rates for plastic products.

Environment California has already engaged and earned thousands of members and activists in all 50 states. This is because of its political will and environmental projects.

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2. Environmental Defense Center

EDC logo 2

This is among the most well-known environmental organizations in California. The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) works to protect and improve the ecosystem along California’s south-central coast. They do this by educating the public, advocating for change, and taking legal action.

This environmental protection organization was founded in the city of Santa Barbara, in the state of California. It was established in 1977 to empower grassroots organizations to enhance environmental protection.

There are several programs and initiatives run via the Santa Barbara Channel. These include clean water programs, open space, and wildlife programs. These programs help educate and empower Californians to preserve the natural and human environment.

The organization also includes projects that deal with climate change and energy issues.

Using education, activism, and legal action, the Environmental Defense Center safeguards and improves the quality of life in California. The organization believes that each of us has an essential part in the wellness of our environment and our communities. It also recommends that we should all work together to achieve a sustainable future.

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3. Butte Environmental Council

Logo of Butte Environmental Council

Butte Environmental Council (BEC), a nonprofit organization based in Chico, California, can be found there. It is among the environmental organizations in California that care about the state of the environment.

Founded in 1975, the Bart Environmental Council is an influential grassroots environmental organization. It works to provide the neighborhood with environmental education, awareness, and engagement. They do this through different programs, projects, and events. It was constructed to proactively address several of the most pressing regional concerns the community is now facing.

The efforts and projects undertaken by the Butte Environmental Council are as follows:

  • Cleanups of parks and creeks
  • The purpose of block parties is to clean up the neighborhood to remove rubbish and invasive species from nearby waterways.
  • Assist local environmental organizations
  • The Oaks Restoration Projects

Butte has gained support from more than 900 individuals who are members, employees, and board members. The Butte Environmental Council has achieved its goals and continues to work on environmental issues.

See Related: Bear Trust International

4. Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice

CCAEJ

Founded in 1978, this organization has extensively promoted environmental justice. Beginning with the closure of the Stringfellow Acid Pit toxic waste site in Urupa Valley, California. This resulted in cleaner air and healthier communities for the residents of that community.

This organization proactively brings communities together to improve the social and natural environment. This is done by identifying opportunities for cooperation, and collaboration, to solve environmental issues.

The group believes in the importance of renewing communities for a sustainable future. To make this happen, the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice works tirelessly to raise awareness and motivate communities to take action in their neighborhoods.

The organization fosters local leadership, community mobilization through effective efforts, and the development of a basis of community power. They do this to raise awareness and educate people about the value of our environment.

See Related: Environmental Organizations in North America

5. ECOSLO – Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo

Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo

The mission of the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo is to protect and preserve the natural resources of San Luis Obispo County. This is done via educating, campaigning, and taking actions, all of which were accomplished.

The efforts of the ECOSLO are motivated by the desire to safeguard and conserve county parks and recruit volunteers for the yearly Creeks to Coast Cleanup.

The organization has also set up the Green Business Program, which provides free technical support to SMEs. Their aim is to aid them in saving money and resources as much as possible. It is also devoted to sustainable living while striving to enhance our quality of life and the economic health of their local economies.

ECOSLO works tirelessly to support the conservation of the environment, build community cohesion, and assist communities. It promotes and encourages sustainable, healthy natural systems and livelihoods in San Luis Obispo.

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6. Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice

Logo of Greenaction

Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice seeks to promote social justice and environmental awareness. They do this through environmental education of present, and future generations. It is an aspirational group founded in 1997 and is based in San Francisco and Kettleman City in the state of California.

The group works to raise awareness and provide insights to low-income and working-class populations in indigenous areas. Its goal is to engage and educate Kettleman and San Francisco communities to enhance health and reduce pollution in their neighborhoods.

Among the goals of Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice are the following:

  • Zero waste future;
  • Clean air and clean water;
  • Cleanup of contaminated sites;
  • Community empowerment and education;
  • Environmental Justice and civil rights;
  • Energy and climate justice; and
  • Preservation of indigenous lands.

The organization works to organize community empowerment to influence the businesses and government policies and practices. It safeguards health and advances environmental, social, economic, and climate justice in California and beyond.

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7. The Nature Conservancy in California

logo of The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit environmental organization based in California. It has a broad range of geographic scope regarding where its programs and events are held outside of San Francisco.

In addition to Africa, the conservancy works in the Asia-Pacific region and Canada, and the Caribbean. In addition to Europe, India and the United States are among the countries on which the organization focuses its efforts.

The Nature Conservancy works to combat the concerns of rapid climate change and biodiversity loss both in the United States and worldwide.

The Nature Conservancy’s foundation was laid between 1915 and 1949. It has since grown into one of California’s most influential environmental organizations. It’s been working to raise awareness and work to protect the environment.

This organization is founded on decades of local on-the-ground knowledge and experiences. Nature Conservancy also aims to maximize its power to impact change. They do this by bringing together existing solutions, decision making, long-term support, and partnership working for the common good.

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8. Sierra Club

logo of Sierra Club

In California, Sierra Club California serves as the organization’s legislative and regulatory lobbying arm on behalf of the state’s Sierra Club chapters.

The Sierra Club is one of the country nation’s oldest environmental organizations, founded in 1899. Californians, including environmentalist John Muir, formed the organization in 1892. The main aim was to protect the state’s wilderness areas, which were under threat from development.

California Environmental Council is one of the essential environmental organizations in the state that speaks with a unified and powerful presence on statewide environmental policy measures before the government and state agencies.

Sierra Club California aims to support the preservation, rehabilitation, and enjoyment of California’s natural environment. The organization was founded in 1970. To empower organizations and activist groups to speak with a single voice to support California conservation, this is intended for municipalities and locals.

Sierra Club has branches in every country and a national membership of much more than 1 million people. This is because of its projects and activities that have been implemented to protect the environment and improve the quality of life in California.

California is exceptional among counties in that it has more than 400,000 members, making it the most significant state organization.

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9. Sustainable Conservation

logo of sustainable conservation

Sustainable Conservation is an environmental group that helps California prosper by connecting people to solve the most challenging problems that land, air, and water face.

The organization has achieved several significant milestones in California. One of their campaigns was the Sustainable Conservation PlantRight campaign. This campaign succeeded to protect water quality from nitrate pollution of groundwater. It also implemented methane digesters that convert cow waste into renewable electricity and fuel.

It is now promoting creative services to address the water demands of California’s environment, population, and industry. These are currently being implemented.

Sustainable groundwater management solutions for following generations. The organization’s projects and programs emphasize developing sustainable groundwater treatment and speeding up the conservation of natural and commercial areas and waterways.

See Related: Monterey Bay Aquarium

10. Sonoma County Conservation Action

Sonoma County Conservation Action

SCCA (Sonoma County Conservation Action) is a non-profit environmental group based in Sonoma County, California. Since 1991, it has promoted environmental concerns and raised awareness.

The group has been identifying environmentally concerned county people, disseminating information and election recommendations, building membership, and motivating individuals to write to choice and assist in electoral campaigns.

Conservation Action is the most economically practical organization in Sonoma County. This is because of the strength of grassroots organizing. It primarily raises issues about the need to protect California’s woodlands, particularly in the county of Sonoma.

For years, Sonoma County’s historic oak woodlands have been unnecessarily destroyed for development. At the same time, there has been little regard for the biological significance of native oak and wooded areas.

The organization also emphasizes the importance of preventing urban sprawl, reducing forest clearing, and mobilizing and empowering our ecologically-minded residents.

See Related: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

11. Los Angeles Conservation Corps

Los Angeles Conservation Corps

Los Angeles Conservation Corps is considered one of the country’s major urban conservation corps. It provides opportunities for young adults in Los Angeles to get involved in conservation.

Its mission is to help young people explore new avenues. They also reward employment and learning opportunities. This helps to contribute to the advancement of Southern California.

The environmental organization organizes green community initiatives and works to develop environmental awareness. Through its clean and green program, the Los Angeles Conservation Corps works to ensure that the communities they serve have a clean, safe, and healthy environment to live and enjoy.

The organization’s young adult members assist with habitat restoration, recycling, tree planting, and food waste rescue. The organization’s mission also included cleaning alleyways and establishing parks. Los Angeles Conservation Corps continues to provide a clean community and a chance for the youth to be environmentally conscious.

See Related: Monk Seal Foundation

12. Environmental Protection Information Center

EPIC

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) in Arcata, California, is an environmental protection group that demonstrates its love and concern for the environment via its actions. This community-based, non-profit group works to protect and restore Northwest California’s forests using science-based approaches.

When a group of residents banded together in 1977 to effectively end aerial pesticide applications by industrial logging firms in Humboldt County, the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) was born.

The group was established to protect the natural wonders of the region. Among the natural wonders of Humboldt County are the Trinity Alps, Smith River, and one of the world’s most extensive remaining stands of old-growth redwood trees.

The Environmental Protection Information Center’s campaigns center on the following topics:

  • The protection of endangered species
  • Restructuring of the industrial forestry sector
  • Restore the natural cycle of wildlife to its previous state.
  • Advocacy for public lands
  • Preserve the Richardson Groove

The organization also organized events to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage communities to safeguard and conserve their natural resources.

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13. Sierra Club San Diego Chapter

Sierra Club San Diego Chapter

The Sierra Club San Diego Chapter is one of the most well-known and admirable environmental organizations in California. In San Diego and Imperial Counties, Sierra members are immediately registered in the Sierra Club San Diego, which has a membership of over 15,000 environmental people.

The organization’s ultimate goal is to achieve environmental health. This can be defined as the state of being in which humans and their environment exist in a mutually beneficial relationship. The three main goals of the Sierra Club are to conserve the environment, protect endangered species, and raise public awareness about environmental protection.

In addition to being an environmental organization, the Sierra Club provides services to tourists and visitors in San Diego who are looking for outdoor adventures in the outdoors.

Because the organization protects a variety of forests and natural resources, it can take and guide locals and tourists on hikes, bike rides, and skiing excursions and educate them on the importance and beauty of protecting our natural resources.

Sierra Club volunteers accept the organization’s invitation to continue raising awareness about the environment and species conservation through various actions and projects.

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14. Asian Pacific Environmental Network

Asian Pacific Environmental Network

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California, improves environmental awareness. The organization believes that everyone in the neighborhood and the state of California deserves to live in a clean and healthy environment.

It is one of the organizations that provide initiatives and programs to educate communities in California. They teach the importance of maintaining a clean environment and encourage everyone to strive for a cleaner and greener environment.

In 1991, the First National People of Color Environmental Justice Leadership Summit stated the ideals and environmental concerns. The concepts evolved into long-term strategies and an organization dedicated to environmental protection.

Every program, action, project, and individual of the organization was ingrained with environmental ideals. As a result, there is a greater awareness of the need to help our earth and ecosystem. The organization’s goal is to organize a movement that will result in fundamental economic and social systems changes.

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15. Natural Resources Defense Council

Logo for Natural Defense Council

The Natural Defense Council (NDC) is a nonprofit, public interest environmental law firm in the United States. It was founded in 1970 and has its headquarters in New York City. The stated mission of the NDC is to “use the power of the law to protect people’s health and environment.”

The organization litigated, lobbies, and educates the public on environmental issues. It also partners with other environmental organizations to achieve its goals.

The NDC has been involved in many high-profile cases. This includes being co-counsel in the successful lawsuit to stop the George W. Bush administration’s attempts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.

In 2011, the NDC merged with the Environmental Defense Fund.

The Natural Defense Council is committed to environmental justice.

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16. National Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit environmental organization in the United States. It was founded in 1905 by George Bird Grinnell. Its mission is “to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.”

The society has more than one million members and operates in more than thirty countries. It publishes Audubon magazine and the Audubon Field Guide series. The organization is also campaigning against nuclear and environmental threats.

The National Audubon Society is best known for its work to protect birds, such as the campaign to stop the hunting of wild turkeys.

The National Audubon Society is also concerned with the environment and conservation. It has been involved in the fight against climate change, the promotion of renewable energy, and the preservation of wetlands.

17. Burbank Green Alliance

Burbank Green

The Burbank Green Alliance is a group of volunteers who work together to improve the environment in Burbank and surrounding communities in California. They do this by organizing events and projects that educate the community about the importance of sustainability and conservation.

One of the main goals of the Burbank Green Alliance is to promote awareness of the need to reduce waste. They do this by hosting events that teach people how to recycle and compost, as well as by organizing cleanups and other projects to keep Burbank clean.

The Burbank Green Alliance also works to promote renewable energy and sustainable transportation. They host events that teach people how to reduce their carbon footprint, and they work to make it easier for people in Burbank to walk and bike.

The Burbank Green Alliance is a group of volunteers who are dedicated to improving the environment.

18.TreePeople

logo for TreePeople

TreePeople is a nonprofit environmental organization in the United States. It was founded in 1972 by Andy Lipkis. The mission of TreePeople is “to inspire and empower people to take personal responsibility for the health of their community and environment.”

The organization does this by teaching people about the importance of trees and nature. The organization has trained more than one million people in environmental stewardship and helped to plant more than two million trees. The organization also operates a green infrastructure program, which helps cities to manage stormwater using trees and other plants.

TreePeople is a nonprofit environmental organization that inspires and empowers. They organize events and projects that help people to connect with nature and to improve the environment. Some of these events and projects include tree planting, water conservation, and recycling education.

TreePeople also helps to promote renewable energy and sustainable transportation.

19. Heal the Bay

healthebay mobile

Heal the Bay is a nonprofit environmental organization in the United States. It was founded in 1985 by Dorothy Green. The stated mission of Heal the Bay is “to protect and improve coastal water quality throughout California.”

The organization does this by working to prevent pollution, cleaning up beaches and rivers, and promoting conservation.

One of the main goals of Heal the Bay is to promote awareness of the need to reduce waste. They do this by hosting events that teach people how to recycle and compost, as well as by organizing cleanups and other projects to keep beaches clean.

Heal the Bay also works to promote renewable energy and sustainable transportation. They host events that teach people how to reduce their carbon footprint, and they work to make it easier for people in California to walk and bike.

FAQs

What is an environmental organization?

An environmental organization is a nonprofit, public interest group that works to protect the environment. These organizations litigate, lobby, and educate the public on environmental issues. They also partner with other environmental organizations to achieve their goals.

How many environmental groups are in California?

California contains 294 environmental organizations.

What is the most influential environmental organization?

The World Wildlife Federation is a global leader in conservation and environmental issues. There are more than 5 million supporters around the globe who work for the company from 125 countries. Approximately one hundred conservation initiatives are supported. World Wildlife Fund is a non-governmental organization.

What is the largest environmental group?

WWF is the largest environmental group. Its mission is to preserve natural beauty and reduce the most urgent threat to biodiversity. WWF is a world-renowned conservation group. It is supported by a million people around the globe and operates from around 200 locations.

What are the 3 major natural or environmental issues in California?

Drought, wildfires, and climate change are California’s three biggest environmental concerns.

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