Rural Community Development

Enriching Rural Forested Communities

Our rural community development work supports rural and Tribal communities across California by strengthening economic opportunity, workforce development, and local capacity. We focus on the intersection of community and environment.

Rural communities are dependent on the natural resources around them and are often on the front lines of catastrophic wildfire and historic droughts. We believe strengthening rural communities and amplifying rural voices is critical for the future of California’s forests, watersheds, and even urban populations, who are deeply dependent on headwater community forests and watersheds.

Through initiatives like North State Jobs First, the High Roads Training Partnership (HRTP), and a portfolio of drought relief and water infrastructure projects, we help rural communities secure good jobs, essential services, and long-term well-being. By connecting place-based knowledge with statewide resources, we’re building the foundation for stronger rural futures.

Strengthening Rural Futures Through

Community-Led Solutions

Centering Local Knowledge and Leadership

We collaborate with rural and Tribal partners to ensure that economic and environmental solutions are rooted in community priorities.

Building Economic Opportunity

From workforce training to infrastructure upgrades, we lead efforts that address the realities of today’s challenges while investing in long-term well-being.

Workforce Development and Economic Opportunity

High Roads Training Partnership (HRTP)

A training-to-employment program driven by tribal leaders in land stewardship.

North State Jobs First

A collaborative regional planning initiative for the 10 most north-eastern counties of Northern California.

Drought Relief

A drought-relief initiative building water resilience for rural and tribal communities.

Join our mailing list

We’re hard at work in our local forests and communities and we’re excited to share important updates with you via our monthly newsletter. Thank you for your interest in our work and being part of our community!

Let’s work together

Let’s work together. Whether you’re part of a community, an organization, or a funding entity —your involvement matters. Join us in building a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future for rural & urban communities and the landscapes we all cherish.