Senate honors California Conservation Corps on its 50th anniversary

SACRAMENTO — The California State Senate on March 2, 2026, marked the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps (CCC), with Senator Laird calling the corps “the very best of California” for its work in conservation, disaster response and workforce development.

Senator Laird introduced more than 50 corps members and CCC leadership, named recent statewide core-member awardees who will be honored in Washington, D.C., and described the CCC’s statewide reach — 25 centers and roughly 3,000 individual core members — and decades of service protecting forests, restoring habitats, building and maintaining trails, and responding to wildfires and other disasters. “Core members earn a paycheck. They gain certifications. They learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership,” Laird said.

Senators Durazo and Jones offered additional remarks praising the CCC as a pathway to green-collar careers and highlighting local CCC facilities and graduation events in their districts. The Senate encouraged colleagues to meet corps members during Government Day activities and to acknowledge the corps’ contributions to community resilience and workforce training.

Senator Laird invited members to take pictures with corps members at the rear of the chamber following the recognition. The floor session continued with other ceremonial introductions and memorials.