Butte Environmental Council, Inc.

The Butte Environmental Council (BEC) is a highly respected environmental non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the ecological health of Northern California, particularly in Butte County. Since its founding in 1975, BEC has been a crucial advocate for sustainable land use, water quality, and the protection of natural habitats. Their commitment to environmental education and community engagement is evident through programs like water conservation efforts, urban forestry projects, and initiatives promoting local biodiversity. BEC’s ability to collaborate with local governments, schools, and community members makes it a key player in advancing environmental stewardship across the region.

The organization’s advocacy work, particularly around protecting endangered species, natural water systems, and mitigating climate impacts, highlights their leadership in environmental protection. Overall, Butte Environmental Council is an exemplary organization with a strong track record in environmental advocacy and a genuine commitment to the community it serves.

Anytime there is an event in my community BEC is present giving us information about ways we can work together to have a better community and planet in these challenging times. Information is key, education is important and positivity is welcome.
C.R.H., Oroville

When I first moved to Chico I looked to BEC as an opportunity to connect and find community. BEC has provided that and so much more. I was able to make friends and explore my own potential in working with environmental stewardship and advocacy. Working with programs like Eggs in the Classroom, RARE, the Oak Way Community Garden, and planting trees taught me skills that I will use for a life time. BEC is an asset to the Chico/Butte County community.

BEC is a wonderful nonprofit with so many opportunities for community engagement and education! They hosted an AMAZING endangered species faire and parade this year that family was able to participate in. In addition, they also hosted eggs in the classroom. Our kids got to watch salmon and trout eggs transform into alevin then fry and learn about their lifecycles before releasing them in the river. BEC also hosts a community garden at Oak Way Park. We love BEC!

I have been a supporter of Butte Environmental Council for over 10 years, and have become friends with members who have been a part of BEC for more than 35 years! It is a remarkable organization, providing a resource for community members to come together to tackle important issues, and advocate for a healthy environment for all. BEC puts on incredible events, which empower our neighbors to lead the way to clean air, water, and forests for the future. BEC is a wonderful organization and provides so much for the communities in and around Butte County! Thank you BEC!

Butte Environmental Council does amazing work in the community, I've learned tons from them regarding tree planting, composting, and much more. Everyone I've had the pleasure of meeting has been extremely helpful and pleasurable to work with. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community and do some great work, I can't recommend BEC enough!

The Butte Environmental Council is a grassroots nonprofit, serving an incredible purpose in the heart of northern California’s Butte County. Through action, advocacy and education, BEC works tirelessly with an important network of community partners to promote a protective defense of the vital natural resources. As a donor, I appreciate nonprofits that not only effectively organize to mobilize a community, but remain steadfastly committed to reaching across the aisle to get things done when necessary. From creek clean-ups to curriculums around climate change, BEC stays ahead of the curve in identifying threats to our collective, environmental wellbeing and helps promote the philosophy that change at the individual level is just as important and vital to the work overall.

I have worked with BEC by rallying the community to create an ecological mission statement, plant hundreds of trees and clean up our parks and waterways! BEC involves all ages, all demographics to get involved in the health of our community.

The culture and mission the Butte Environmental Council stives for, is what our community needs. This organization is a great way to provide environmental advocacy and keep our county engaged in a variety of projects. Happy to be part of the team!

Thank you BEC for all your help with the annual Chico Creeks and Bidwell Park Clean up! The park looks beautiful and I know our woodland friends thank us keeping trash out of the creeks and streams!

Butte Environmental Council engages with the community on important environmental-related topics to ensure the health and safety of our land, air, and water. We are an active organization, committed to hearing the voices of our community members and fighting for better solutions.

I have been involved with BEC for a little over a year now as a volunteer for the variety of events the organization holds throughout the year. I really appreciate the community action and educational outreach BEC does for our Butte County Comittee.

I've been involved with BEC for 6 years now, going on 4 as a board member. BEC is such a wonderful and essential piece of our community. The annual cleanup, forums, endangered earth/species fair, and more help make Chico a lovely place to live!

BEC does critical work in our community! Can't imagine where we'd be without them. Keep up the good work BEC!!

Butte Environmental Council, Inc. is highly active in the protection of air, water and land in Butte County and has been doing this work for decades. This is an action-oriented organization that delivers and works to insure a clean and sustainable environment for our community. We are all fortunate to have this dynamic organization working for the betterment of all.

so many great community events and education work!

BEC has been a non profit in Chico for over40 years. They have been involved with all aspects of the environment since the beginning from recycling to endangered species, park clean ups and planting trees. They are very aware of the environmental needs of our community. I have been a BEC supporter in many ways. I Love this Community Org

We always appreciate the community forums BEC provides on the variety of climate-related issues we deal with here, as well as their park clean up efforts for decades.

This is an amazing organization that has brought so many people in our community together by organizing environmental events such as creek cleanups, endangered species faires, recycling workshops, mass tree plantings, community gardens, and so much more!

BEC is a local institution that stays relevant by being completely willing to pivot to whatever environmental issue is important at the moment. Massive creek cleanup deploying hundreds of volunteers? They'll do it. Organizing a complex legal challenge to a new commercial development? Sure. Community forums educating people about the science and nuance of climate change, wildfires, or groundwater issues? All the time. They also replant urban trees, work on salmon passage issues, and so much more. Their mission comes from the community and reflects whatever challenges we're facing at the time. It's a multi-generational force for nature.

BEC's Bidwell Park and Creeks yearly clean up is incredible among their other programs. I volunteered this year and it was so rewarding to clean up trash to make sure it wasn't left in our parks and washed into the creeks and rivers. Thanks BEC for all you do!

BEC is consistently working to positively contribute to the community it exists within. Many community programs wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for BEC. I personally believe we need to see more organizations that act in similar magnitude to BEC

I have worked as a volunteer for the Butte Environmental Council for over ten years. The group works to protect our air, land, and water. They do big city-wide clean-ups of the creeks and waterways, they run programs for school children on recycling, and they advocate for environmental practices year round. My main volunteer job has been to create a Procession on the Species for the annual Endangered Species Faire, where nonprofits, schools and government agencies man booths to teach families about the natural world. We work with about 200 children to create papiér machê endangered animal species for our parade. Children develop a reverence for animals and their habitats. Extremely gratifying work for a hard-working group that has managed to carry on in hard Covid times.

BEC is an amazing organization that is widely known, loved and appreciated by the community members of Chico. This organization is constantly giving back to the community through advocacy, education and action. The most recent event that they hosted was the 46th Annual Bidwell Parks and Creeks Community Cleanup. On two days alone, with the help of hundreds of community volunteers, 20 tons of human-made debris was collected from the parks and creeks of Chico. This is just one of MANY things that BEC does to better the community.

Thank you BEC for continuing to protect the incredible natural resources in Butte County and beyond!

BEC rocks it. Thanks for all you do for our community! Our creeks are cleaner because of Cleanup days. Our air is cleaner because of the trees you plant. Our kids are learning how to be part of the waste solution. Thanks for all you do for us!

I have volunteered numerous times with BEC, one of the most memorable experiences has been during their annual creek clean up event. Not only did I feel welcomed, but I had a great time contributing to an important event. Afterwards, there was a thank party with free food which was amazing.

BEC has been an asset to the Butte County area for over 45 years! This organization stays on top of environmental threats to our communities, connects the people to important issues, and brings together private, public, and nonprofit sectors to solve issues. Thank you, BEC, for continuing fighting for our air, land, and water!

Butte Environmental Council inspires, educates, and supports others to be good stewards of the earth's natural resources. The hands on learning opportunities, civic engagement, advocacy, and community outreach provided by BEC is vital to the well being of the land, air, water and the community as a whole. BEC staff and the Board of Directors work together as a cohesive team accomplishing and exceeding goals. BEC continues to stay relevant and up to date on current environmental issues in Butte County and beyond. My experience has been nothing but positive and I continue to support BEC and the efforts being made daily.

Butte Environmental Council plays an essential role in the community, bringing people together for environmental action, advocacy and education. From the annual Creek clean up to the Endangered Species Faire to educational outreach to schools, this organization is a community gem!

For over four decades, the Butte Environmental Council has provided a resource for community members in Chico and surrounding areas who want to get involved in protecting our environment. I started as a volunteer in 2016, and fell in love with the work BEC does. From large community events like the Bidwell Park and Chico Creeks Cleanup, or Endangered Species Faire, to small group forums to learn about current water topics, and ways to participate in local climate action policy, BEC is a constant force in our community. I am proud to be a Board member and community partner for this much loved and much needed organization!

Butte County wouldn't be the same if it weren't for the work of Butte Environmental Council! BEC provides an effective platform for the community to advocate for the land, air, and water. It is a grassroots, people-powered nonprofit that has hundreds and hundreds of volunteers involved annually. Become a sustaining member today at http://www.becnet.org/donate.

The Butte Environmental Council is a hardworking, dedicated, and inspiring organization. The BEC serves as an outlet for community members to come together as a benefit to our environment. I have seen amazing work done with this organization. Recently, the Butte Environmental Council hosted their annual Chico Creek Cleanup. It was extraordinary to see all the volunteers that participated, the behind the scenes work from the core volunteers, and the overall sense of community and dedication.

BEC is an awesome nonprofit that stays up-to-date with education and advocacy of environmental issues within Butte County, and ties community and volunteer efforts into how their help impacts and improves the bigger picture. BEC deserves much more praise and recognition for their flexibility and ability to safely continue their multitude of community-based and educational program offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic and the worst wildfire season of California to date.

BEC is celebrating its 45th year of protecting the air, land, and water in our region! As a new Board Member, I am wildly impressed and humbled by the dedication and generosity of its member base. We recently held our 33rd annual Bidwell Park and Chico Creeks cleanup and had nearly 600 volunteers over the course of two days, making it our largest clean up ever!! To continue to have this level of support from our community, even through COVID is a true testament to the great influence that BEC has throughout Butte County! I am grateful to be a part of this organization!

One the many things I enjoy about supporting BEC is their community garden! I have a plot at the garden and getting to know the other garderns, learning about plants, food, bugs, and birds, and having a place I can come to relax and tend to my garden has been so wonderful. Thanks BEC for all you do!

Butte Environmental Council has continued to advocate for the protection of air, land and water in our region -- as well as for the quality of life of our citizens -- for 43 years running. Their Annual Bidwell Park & Chico Creeks Volunteer Cleanup and on-going Block Party Cleanups have fortunately set the standard for other volunteer groups to follow. And last, but by no means least, BEC's Annual Endangered Species Faire in May (now in its 40th year) is always a long-awaited community event where children and adults alike learn, play and engage with dozens of other environmentally-conscious organizations and businesses in an effort to spread the love and care for our planet far and wide.

Thank you for all of your hard work. The efforts of this organization are an invaluable asset to this community that too often goes unnoticed!

I've been volunteering/partnering with BEC for about ten years. Most recently my family and I have had the opportunity to help with the Oak Restoration Project in Upper Park. We strongly support this non-profit for being a champion for our park and greenways. Big thanks to all who volunteer with these environment saving causes. In these times of lean funding, BEC does an outstanding job of using their limited resources to make the biggest positive difference in our community. The Gonzalez Family

I support Butte Environmental Council. The educational programs are incredibly valuable, and provide participants with the knowledge and support to take ownership of creating change here in our area. We can have a positive impact on the land, air, and water right here, right now and into the future. I am proud of this incredible organization!

The BEC is such a wonderful program! I truly appreciate all the work they do for the community! Keep up the wonderful job!

Butte Environmental Council is great! All the people that are involved with this nonprofit organization are incredibly kind and dedicated to their work. You can tell that they really do want to make Chico a cleaner and safer place for all those who live here.

BEC has impacted my local community more than any other nonprofit environmental organization BY FAR! They have hosted creek clean-ups that I have been a part of. We gathered tons and tons (literally) of trash from our creeks and disposed/recycled it. I have been a part of a leadership program that they sponsor that has helped me to become more confident in my leadership and activism roles. Being a part of that program will enable me to take leadership roles in activist opportunities in the future! Every event that benefits our community and the environment, seems to have their sponsorship! I can't say enough good things about this organization. Thank you to all involved

I was there the first day of the Humbolt Community Garden. My son picked his own tomatoes for three years. With love I helped turn a mountain of compost more than once. With all the love of the garden, and how it turned my then fiancé into a gardener, it was only natural to get engaged and married at the H.C.G.

BEC is a great organization that benefits the Chico area in a huge variety of ways! From educating us on environmental concerns to organizing events and getting their hands dirty to clean up our parks and creeks, Butte Environmental Council is a massive asset to our community.

Butte Environmental Council has inspired action and advocacy in students, local citizens, and the community at large for over four decades. BEC is also a leader within the local Environmental Coalition.
My advocacy internship with Butte Environmental Council began my career as a water protector. I am proud to say I am a former employee, board member, and volunteer for this organization. I have benefitted from the continuous opportunities provided to the young people of our community.

BEC's Endangered Species Faire and Annual Bidwell Park & Chico Creeks Cleanup are two amazing events that both empower and inspire community activism and educate. BEC does very important work in the community and is a great resource for community members looking to learn more about local environmental issues.

BEC is a champion for the environment of beautiful Butte County! Their education efforts, especially the Endangered Species Faire, aims to excite the youth about saving the environment! All of the education programs are a great way to get involved.

This place is great! They put on so many events and are very involved with the community and really care for the surrounding area.

I've been part of BEC's park clean ups since the 80's and the Environmental Faire as well! Only the dedication of this organization had sustained these events all these years and these events are a huge educational piece of what makes Chico great!

As a volunteer of several nonprofits I appreciate BEC's ability to successfully organize events and volunteer opportunities so volunteers have a clear understanding of what needs to get done. Every time I have volunteered at their events I've been met with smiling faces and have had a great time. BEC does great work for our community and is one of my favorite places to volunteer for!

I have volunteered for a number of events and they have always been fun and informative. This non-profit has a clear focus and is able to plan a wide variety of events within the community. They do great stuff.

After college I didn't want to move to get a job because of my son's schooling. Being an intern at Butte Environmental Council has allowed me to be able to broaden my skills and find jobs closer to home. I am very thankful to be an intern here with such nice and professional people. I will never forget my intern experience, I love the Earth, and protecting it is top priority for me.

For over 40 years, BEC has been the trusted, consistent voice representing environmental interests on behalf of the residents of Butte County. BEC is the kind of organization I feel good supporting because the staff and board have the tools to educate and advocate while maintaining productive relationships and a long-term view for conserving air, water, and soil in our community.

BEC is a truly amazing organization that is a staple in the Chico and general Butte County communities. Without BEC, Chico's urban forest would be severely depleted, classrooms would not have had a recycling education program in K-12 schools for 15 years, our watersheds would be underrepresented, creeks would be littered to an unimaginable degree and children would not have the opportunity to learn about local endangered species every year at the Endangered Species Faire. I strongly feel that without BEC, our community would be at a loss. BEC is a leader for sustainability in our community

Interning for BEC has been an empowering and incredible experience, showing me what it truly feels like to be part of a strong team of inspired individuals that are actively making a difference in our community.

I am a donor and supporter of BEC because of the strong impact they have had for decades to protect the beautiful places I love in Butte County, as well as the air we breathe, and the water we drink. The strong team at this organization is always there to speak up for the benefit of future generations when it comes to Butte County decisions on development, water and air quality, and the protection of green spaces, and more importantly, they work to teach community members how to speak up for ourselves, and get involved in the decision making process!

The amazing staff are always there to greet you with a smile, and help you find the best answer to any question. A true community resource. I love BEC!

Butte Environmental Council is an amazing organization, and a strong hub for all environmental work in northern California. This group has been around 41 years, and is getting ever stronger.

The Butte Environmental Council is an incredible organization that has done a lot for my community over 40 years. With meager resources, they've been able to protect our groundwater, keep pollutants out of our watershed, educate our youth and bind Butte County citizens closer with their local environment. I feel truly blessed to live in a community where we have a great people doing great work for Mother Earth.

BEC Community Gardens is a great way for local people without land can grow and eat their own healthy organic food. It also serves as a vessel to "build community" within the environmental movement in Butte County.

The Butte Environmental Council is an incredible organization. With little resources, BEC has been able to fight many acts of injustice on our trees, water and people. The group is built on a tightly knit community of local members young and old who wish to see the Butte County area remain pristine and preserved for our future generations. That would not be possible without BEC standing as the voice of environmental justice. I wish my family in other areas had an advocacy organization like BEC in their neighborhoods.

A great non profit that has worked for over 40 years to save our land, air, and water. They hold great community events . The endangered species fair is a family favorite and the creeks clean up is invaluable.