In September, 2015, Forest Service officials presented CSERC with a national award for volunteer efforts on USFS lands in 2014. CSERC was selected from a list of 65 nominees from across America. At the ceremony, the Stanislaus National Forest recognized CSERC for the Center’s work in 2014, when CSERC staff and volunteers completed 17 projects with over 180 participants contributing 1,318 hours of volunteer labor.
Each year, CSERC works closely with Stanislaus Forest staff to identify restoration needs, plan workday projects, purchase supplies, and gather volunteers. Typical projects include restoring eroded hillsides, rehabilitating degraded meadows, removing invasive weeds, blocking illegal OHV trails, and other vital work.
In response to the USFS award, Julia Stephens, CSERC’s then workday coordinator, shared: “Our volunteers deserve the greatest amount of praise. They donate their time; they work hard; and their efforts end up making a real difference for the forest. We are proud to partner with them on project after project, year after year.”
