Plumas Charter School is the recipient of a nearly half-million-dollar grant through the outdoors equity program through the California State Parks Department. The funding awarded was part of the first round of two 50 million dollar allocations to help establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities.
The program also seeks to empower youth and families with outdoor leadership education, career pathways, environmental justice engagement and access to nature.
The charter school has dedicated the over 440,000 dollars towards its Rebuilding Connections to Nature After Dixie Fire program.
Outdoor Education Coordinator Courtney Gomola spearheaded the grant proposal with the goal of addressing trauma caused by the Dixie Fire, focusing on Indian Valley. Gomola collaborated with students, parents, and site leads to outline the post-fire program’s key aspects. Alongside reconnecting with nature and acquiring outdoor skills, the program emphasizes active involvement in ecosystem restoration and rebuilding a sense of belonging in Indian Valley.
The grant has helped finance a program coordinator, assistant, activities, and field trips. Program features have allowed students to participate in camping trips to state and national parks, planting native trees and flowers on burnt properties, monthly skill classes, wilderness first aid certification, winter sports sessions, and numerous other outdoor opportunities. While the focus has been on Indian Valley, Plumas Charter School students from Chester and Quincy are also invited based on available space.
A second round of this funding for the outdoors equity program has just been announced by the State’s Park and Rec division; if interested in applying, applications are due by Thursday, Dec. 14.
