Butte Environmental Council: Advocating for a Healthy Community

Located in gorgeous Butte County, the Butte Environmental Council (BCE) is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environmental health of Butte County. Supported by 300 members, over 1,000 volunteers, 50 local business sponsors and more than 4,000 social media and newsletter subscribers, BCE is focused on protecting and defending the land, air and water of Butte County and the surrounding region through action, advocacy and education.

BEC envisions a community in which humans are living in harmony with the Earth and neighbors are engaged, empowered and organized to advocate for the environment and the community. BCE programs focus on working to protect groundwater, improve air quality and encourage growth that is healthy for the community and the environment.

Students at the monthly BEC Cooking with Food Scraps workshop.

BEC advocacy, action and volunteers transform the Butte County community

Since 1975, BEC advocacy and action has made a huge difference in Butte County and surrounding areas. Their first major accomplishment was a collaboration with Sierra Club and North State Wilderness that resulted in 6,000 acres of Ishi, Bucks Lake and Chips Creek designated as a wilderness area in 1984. In 2014, they received a grant from the California Wildlife Foundation which, in collaboration with the City of Chico Parks and Recreation District, was used to collect and plant about 150 acorns in Upper Bidwell Park. They then watered the oaks during the summer for seven years for a seedling survival rate of 83%.

Membership and volunteers are the heart of BEC, demonstrating an amazing ability to bring people together and build a strong community. BEC is best known for the Bidwell Park and Chico Creek Cleanup and Restoration Project during which hundreds of volunteers work together every September to remove thousands of pounds of waste from local creeks and parklands. Volunteer Faith Churchill says, “I have volunteered numerous times with the BEC. One of the most memorable experiences [was] during their annual creek clean up event. Not only did I feel welcomed, but I had a great time contributing to an important event.”

BEC celebrates Earth Day

To commemorate Earth Day each year, BEC hosts the Endangered Species Faire, now in its 43^rd year. Over 3,000 attendees at this fun youth and family event participate in interactive exhibits, activities, presentations and festive entertainment. This year’s Endangered Species Faire will be held Saturday, April 20, 10am-4pm at the Chico City Plaza. Over 40 environmental organizations will exhibit at the fair, providing educational information and interactive activities that teach fairgoers how to take care of the earth and its creatures. Stage performances will include music and live animals. The highlight of the fair is The Procession of the Species, a parade of school children, organizations and individuals who create puppets of endangered species. BEC invites the community at large to participate in the parade. Go to becnet.org/bec-events/endangered-species-faire to for ideas for children and families who want to join the parade.

Educational programs advance BEC goals

To advance its work in the community, BEC offers educational programs ranging from informing the public through workshops and outreach campaigns to bringing environmental education into classrooms and opening opportunities for children and families who homeschool.

Through their newest intiative, Eggs in the Classroom: Watershed Education Program, BEC is now the home of the eggs from 35 Chinook salmon. The program offers a variety of educational experiences including floating classrooms, field trips and the opportunity to raise eggs in the BEC lobby and in classrooms. Children and families who participate in homeschooling are able to sign up to view the eggs throughout the beginning life cycle stages.

Butte Environmental Council is working hard to take care of the land and offers many opportunities for volunteers as well as educational opportunities for children and adults. To be part of this amazing organization, visit becnet.org, email staff@becnet.org or call (530) 891-6424.