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Half a Century of Impact, CCC Turns 50

by | Jul 13, 2026 | News

JP Patton welcomes folks to CCC's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

A Golden Anniversary

Director JP Patton welcomes attendees to CCC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Five decades ago, as Governor Jerry Brown’s signature dried on Senate Bill 1575, the California Conservation Corps (CCC) began its mission by stewarding the environment and empowering young adults.  

“‘What constraints hinder you as you develop the CCC?’ they asked… One of us replied: only our imaginations,” alum Robert Burkhardt said about the beginning. 

Jerry Brown wishes the CCC good luck, signing the enabling legislation Senate Bill 1575.

The Beginning

Jerry Brown wishes the CCC good luck, signing the enabling legislation Senate Bill 1575.
CCC staff moving furniture into Camp Radford.

1970s

CCC staff set up 18 centers in 18 months, including Camp Radford (pictured).
Corpsmembers participate in wildland firefighting training in Jamestown.

1980s

Corpsmembers participate in wildland firefighting training in Jamestown.
Corpsmembers encourage communities to save energy through the "Flex Your Power" campaign.

1990s

Corpsmembers encourage communities to save energy through the "Flex Your Power" campaign.
CCC crews respond to Hurricane Katrina, helping neighbors in Louisiana.

2000s

CCC crews respond to Hurricane Katrina, helping neighbors in Louisiana.
A crew from the Ukiah Center replaces a bridge beam.

2010s

A crew from the Ukiah Center replaces a bridge beam. It's one of many trails projects completed across the state.
Corpsmembers plant trees in Paradise, helping the forest recover after the Camp Fire.

2020s

Corpsmembers plant trees in Paradise, helping the forest recover after the Camp Fire.

Since those early years, the CCC has grown into the largest and longest‑running conservation corps in the nation. Corpsmembers have tackled a wide variety of projects, making the State of California a better place for all. Together, they have:

  • Planted 25+ million trees
  • Completed 13,895 miles of backcountry trails
  • Completed 14+ million hours of emergency response work
  • Completed 86+ million hours of natural resources work
  • Connected with 48 countries to advance conservation globally 

Honoring this incredible legacy, CCC embarked on a Golden Anniversary Bus Tour across California. In San Diego, Los Angeles, Monterey County, Fresno County, the East Bay, and Chico, members and supporters of the CCC community came together to celebrate. 

The CCC Bus tours across California.

All Aboard

The CCC Bus tours across California in celebration of the department's 50th anniversary.
CCC Corpsmembers talk with an alum at the tool wheel.

San Diego

Corpsmembers talk with an alum at the CCC tool wheel in Balboa Park.
CCC supporters read about the projects Corpsmembers have completed in the greater Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles

CCC supporters read about the projects Corpsmembers have completed in the greater Los Angeles area.
CCC Corpsmembers listen attentively to speakers at the bus stop in Monterey Bay.

Monterey Bay

CCC Corpsmembers listen attentively to speakers at the bus stop in Monterey Bay.
CCC receives a certificate of recognition during the bus stop in Fresno County.

Fresno County

CCC receives a certificate of recognition during the bus stop in Fresno County.
Attendees pose for a large group photo at the East Bay bus stop.

East Bay

Attendees pose for a large group photo at the East Bay bus stop.
CCC Corpsmembers listen attentively to speakers at the bus stop in Chico.

Chico

CCC Corpsmembers listen attentively to speakers at the bus stop in Chico.

On July 7, the bus tour culminated with an exposition in Sacramento at the California Natural Resources Building – where agency leaders recognized CCC’s impact, centers organized demonstrations, alumni explored a pop-up history exhibit, and directors reflected on how the department has evolved.

At its core, CCC’s mission remains unchanged since 1976: To protect and enhance California’s natural resources and communities while empowering and developing young adults through hard work and education.

Looking ahead to the next 50 years of service, the California Conservation Corps will continue down this path of opportunity and transformation.

Guest of honor, Governor Jerry Brown, said it best “To work together for the environment, for the future. That’s what this program is all about.”

Attendees check into CCC's Golden Anniversary Event.

Come Together

Staff, Corpsmembers, alumni, and supporters check into CCC's Golden Anniversary Celebration.
Robert Burkhardt acknowledges CCC alums from the 1970s.

Alumni in the House

CCC alum, Robert Burkhardt, acknowledges staff and Corpsmembers from the 1970s.
Corpsmembers clap enthusiastically during CCC's Golden Anniversary.

A Celebration

Corpsmembers clap enthusiastically during CCC's Golden Anniversary.
Corpsmembers dig through slides from CCC's archives.

Journey Through Time

Corpsmembers dig through slides from CCC's archives.
CCC staff explain emergency basecamp operations.

Information Sharing

CCC staff explain emergency basecamp operations to event attendees.
Sammy the Steelhead visits the CCC's Fisheries Booth.

Making a Splash

Sammy the Steelhead visits CCC's fisheries booth - featuring live steelhead trout and native plants.
CCC Directors, past and present, pose for a photo.

Decades of Leadership

CCC Directors, past and present, come together to reflect on how the department has evolved.
Governor Jerry Brown speaks at the CCC Golden Anniversary Event.

Guest of Honor

Governor Jerry Brown speaks at the CCC Golden Anniversary Event.
Alums reconnect at CCC's Golden Anniversary Celebration.

A Time for Reconnection

Alums reconnect at CCC's Golden Anniversary Celebration.