The Northcoast Environmental Center is a unique, collaborative organization in that our Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of our Member Groups. Our Member Groups are local environmental organizations that share the goals and mission of the NEC. The NEC serves as a hub for these organizations to discuss current and ongoing environmental issues and projects to streamline the environmental community’s effectiveness in educating, conserving, protecting and celebrating terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of northern California and southern Oregon.
Interested in becoming a Member Group or Affiliate Member of the Northcoast Environmental Center? Email director@yournec.org.
NEC Member Groups
California Native Plant Society, North Coast Chapter
Originally formed in 1965 in the east bay region, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in California’s native plants. The Society, working through its local chapters, seeks to increase understanding of California’s native flora and to preserve this rich resource for future generations. Membership is open to all. Our members have diverse interests including natural history, botany, ecology, conservation, photography, drawing, hiking, and gardening.
Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC)
The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is a community based, non-profit organization that advocates for science-based protection and restoration of Northwest California’s Forests. EPIC was founded in 1977 when local residents came together to successfully end aerial applications of herbicides by industrial logging companies in Humboldt County. EPIC uses an integrated, science-based approach that combines public education, citizen advocacy and strategic litigation.
North Group, Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is one of the largest and oldest environmental organizations in the country. The Club’s purpose is to protect and restore wild places, public health and wildlife for future generations. It is a non-profit, member supported, public interest organization that promotes conservation by influencing public policy decisions—legislative, administrative, legal and electoral. The North Group encompasses all Sierra Club members living in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Western Siskiyou counties.
Redwood Region Audubon Society
The Redwood Region Audubon Society (RRAS.org) was founded in 1969 and is the northwest California chapter of the National Audubon Society. This energetic community of conservation-minded people is active in many ways. We offer free bird walks every week, a monthly program, and numerous special outings. We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization with approximately 600 members. The chapter relies on the energy and commitment of its members to keep it a strong and effective local conservation organization.
Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment (SAFE)
SAFE is a non-profit, member organization primarily based in Trinity County.
Forme
d in the mid-1970s, originally as an anti-herbicide group. By the mid-1980s, SAFE expanded its scope to include all forest management activities on public lands. SAFE continues to engage on pesticide issues in Trinity County and statewide. SAFE is currently an active member of the Trinity County Collaborative. SAFE is currently working with both Six Rivers and Shasta Trinity National Forests on road side shaded fuel break projects across the landscape.
Affiliate Member Groups
The Northcoast Environmental Center also has Affiliate Member Groups. These are groups who share our goals and mission, but are not necessarily able to provide someone who can participate on our Board of Directors. For more information on becoming an Affiliate Member, contact our Executive Director, Caroline Griffith at director@yournec.org.
Our current Affiliate Member Groups are
Humboldt Waterkeeper
Humboldt Waterkeeper was launched in October 2004 with a mission “to safeguard our coastal resources for the health, enjoyment, and economic strength of the Humboldt Bay community through education, scientific research, and enforcement of laws to fight pollution.” Humboldt Baykeeper’s programs involve scientists, students, boaters, fishermen, and other concerned citizens in the important work of protecting Humboldt Bay, its associated watersheds, and the coast through community education, water-quality monitoring, and pollution control.
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs)
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs) was founded in 1982 by community groups from throughout northern California who wanted a regional resource center for information and action about hazardous chemicals, especially pesticides, and for promotion of organically produced products.CATs currently works on pesticide issues in the following areas: forests & public lands, wildlife, agriculture, schools & public places, and home & garden.
Friends of Del Norte
Friends of Del Norte, the NEC’s northernmost member organization, has steadily worked to preserve the beauty and environmental integrity of the North Coast of California for more than 35 years. Founded in 1973 and still staffed completely by volunteers, Friends of Del Norte (FODN) has been instrumental in securing Wild and Scenic River designation for the Smith River and in establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area.
Zero Waste Humboldt
Zero Waste Humboldt is the only organization on California’s northwest corner that focuses solely on waste reduction solutions. Inspired by the Redwood Coast’s natural beauty and cultures, we educate the public, provide technical assistance and training, and advocate for sustainable materials management and Zero Waste. Our sense of urgency to conserve natural resources and fight climate change drive Zero Waste Humboldt to target all single use products and wasteful packaging with proactive waste prevention. Our public education campaigns create behavior change—not “green happy talk.”
Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities
CRTP is a group of Humboldt & Del Norte County residents dedicated to a new vision for transportation on California’s North Coast. We believe in funding transportation priorities which enhance the livability of the North Coast by protecting and supporting our unique local environment, economy and communities, while addressing the global climate crisis. We reject the outdated idea that our limited transportation dollars should be spent on building ever-wider roads.