2025 Year in Review: A Year of Vision, Growth, and Impact
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re grateful for the momentum, partnerships, and community support that made this one of the most impactful years in CLERC’s history. From major forest health milestones to meaningful progress at the Carnegie Library, this year showed what’s possible when vision meets action.
Quarter 1 | Laying the Groundwork (January–March)
January: We began the year by shaping the future of CLERC’s Discovery Center at the historic Carnegie Library. The Carnegie Visioning Workshop brought together staff, board members, and key partners to imagine a vibrant space for environmental education, storytelling, and community engagement — ideas that continue to guide the project.
The CLERC team at the Visioning Workshop
March: CLERC reached a major milestone with the successful closeout of our Phase 1 Forest Health grant. This work supported more than 30 landowners, deployed $4.7 million in funding, and improved forest health across nearly 2,000 acres. We also launched the Carbonizer Project with PG&E, transforming approximately 3,500 tons of woody biowaste into biochar for community use — turning wildfire fuel into a valuable local resource.
Quarter 2 | Recognition and Expansion (April–June)
April: CLERC received national recognition with the Congressional Climate Crisis Champion Award, recognizing our leadership in climate resilience and environmental stewardship. We also planted 23,000 seedlings in areas of the Mendocino National Forest impacted by the Mendocino Complex Fire.
The CLERC team with Congressman Mike Thompson
May: Momentum continued with the award of the Forest Health Phase 3 grant from CAL FIRE, expanding reforestation efforts in the Mendocino National Forest and on Cobb Mountain to strengthen long-term forest health and wildfire resilience.
Quarter 3 | Community Connection (July–September)
August: The historic Carnegie Library opened its doors to the public for a first look at the future Discovery Center. Community members explored early concept designs and shared excitement for a space dedicated to hands-on learning, environmental storytelling, and connection.
Quarter 4 | Building for the Future (October–December)
October: CLERC received a $65,000 unrestricted gift from Calpine in celebration of their 65th anniversary. These flexible funds help advance work that often falls outside traditional grant funding, strengthening our ability to meet community needs.
CLERC Team with donation check from Calpine
November: We launched ChippingDay.org, making it easier for residents to access CLERC’s Free Community Chipping Program and reduce wildfire risk.
December: We closed out the year with a milestone approval from the Lakeport City Council: a revised lease for the Carnegie Library. This decision clears the path for continued development of the Discovery Center and strengthens CLERC’s long-term partnership with the City.
Looking Ahead
Each milestone in 2025 reflects the collective effort of our staff, partners, volunteers, funders, and community members. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so energized by what we’ve built together and excited for what’s next.
Thank you for being part of CLERC’s journey.
