SCMF UCC Join Inland Empire Regional Meeting on Wildfire Resilience

The Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) and our Urban Conservation Corps (UCC) were proud to participate in the Inland Empire Regional Meeting, hosted by the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force at the University of Redlands. This gathering brought together leaders in landscape health, wildfire resilience, and community protection to advance regional solutions across Southern California.

Highlights of the Inland Empire Regional Meeting

• Resource Fair & Learning Sessions
  The Event began with a resource fair, followed by morning and afternoon sessions diving into the 2025 Action Plan and regional priorities. Participants shared strategies for resilience and ecosystem stewardship.
• Field Tour: North Big Bear Landscape Restoration Project
  The following day featured several field tours. SCMF/ our UCC crew joined and assisted the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) in the tour of the North Big Bear Landscape Restoration Project, which was led by the SBNF and the Headwaters Resiliency Partnership. This 13,000-acre initiative focuses on montane forest health, water quality, and managing landscapes at the urban-wildland interface. On-site discussions included the Southern Montane Forest Conservation Strategy, innovative conservation finance with partners like Blue Forest and National Forest Foundation, and a spotlight on workforce development opportunities – including our Urban Conservation Corps Crew.

Why This Matters

• Bridging Strategy with Action
  Engaging in this regional forum ensures that SCMF remain at the forefront of wildfire resilience planning — from policy development to boots-on-the-ground implementation.
• Empowering the Next Generation
  Highlighting SCMF’s Urban Conservation Corps crew in the field tour underscored the vital role of young conservation professionals in restoring California’s landscapes.
• Strengthening Partnerships
  Collaborating alongside federal and regional partners like the USFS, Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, and Headwaters Resiliency strengthens interagency coordination and accelerates large-scale impact.

We’re energized by these collaborative opportunities and inspired to continue planting seeds for resilient forests, safer communities, and meaningful conservation careers across Southern California.