2024 Nonprofit of the Year

Congratulations to the 1st Assembly District's 2024 Nonprofit of the Year award recipient, Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES) Community! With this video, we celebrate this remarkable organization and explore the incredible benefits it brings to students and the community. Thank you to the WES Community board members for taking the time to share your organization with us.

WES Community is committed to promoting immersive outdoor learning experiences that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Through hands-on science education, WES fosters a love for the environment and instills a sense of stewardship in students.

Founded in 2011, WES Community is a dedicated nonprofit organization supporting the educational and scientific mission of Whiskeytown Environmental School (WES). Following the devastating 2018 Carr Fire, WES Community took on the crucial role of official fundraising partner for the National Park Service at Whiskeytown, focusing on rebuilding and enhancing the school.

Since the school's inception in 1970, Whiskeytown Environmental School has been a beacon of public outdoor education, offering K-6 students enriching 5-day overnight programs, 1-day programs, and week-long summer day camps. After temporarily closing due to the Carr Fire, WES reopened in 2021 with daytime programming for K-8 students, continuing its legacy of providing exceptional science education and a profound connection to nature.

Discover how WES Community's efforts are making a lasting impact on our children and community, nurturing future generations of environmental stewards. For more information or to arrange a field trip, please contact the Shasta County Office of Education.

Written by Assemblywoman Megan Dahle