ABOUT US
In 1991, The C.R.E.W. got its start teaching teens how to work on backcountry trails in the Los Padres National Forest. Through hard work in the outdoors, crew members learned new skills, confidence, discipline, respect, and the value of a well-earned paycheck.
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Today, C.R.E.W. members spend more than 11,000 hours in the field each year. Throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, our trail work covers hundreds of front and backcountry miles. We perform fuel reduction and fire prevention for land conservation groups, municipal agencies, and homeowners. And we have a growing body of restoration projects that support healthy, biodiverse, and resilient lands.
For some of our team members, working at The C.R.E.W. is their first experience in a steady, paid job. Others are college students on a path to careers in forestry, environmental science, and fire science. Many crew members simply know that they enjoy the challenges and rewards of outdoor work and are exploring their options for the future.
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We invite you to meet our staff team and our Board of Directors. Learn about our impact in the Ventura River Watershed and throughout the region. If what you read here inspires you, sign up for our e-newsletter to stay connected and become part of a large community that supports The C.R.E.W.’s positive impact on our region’s young people.
OUR MISSION
To give young people employment and develop lifelong skills through environmental work that restores natural land and protects communities against wildfire.
OUR VALUES
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We support the responsible management and conscientious use of the environment. Our work develops young leaders and an ethic of land stewardship that benefits the whole community.
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C.R.E.W. projects support healthy habitats and waterways, maintain backcountry trails, protect against wildfire, and support natural disaster recovery.
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C.R.E.W. projects support healthy habitats and waterways, maintain backcountry trails, protect against wildfire, and support natural disaster recovery.
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Since 1991, in partnership with public and private landowners and with the support of our community, The C.R.E.W. has employed hundreds of teens and young adults. C.R.E.W. alumni include conservationists, fire fighters, foresters, small business owners, and current C.R.E.W. supervisors mentoring the next generation.
OUR VISION
Every teen and young adult should have the opportunity for meaningful employment that challenges them to grow, mature, and learn new skills. Through hands-on field work, The C.R.E.W. engages young people in environmental projects with lasting impact. At the same time, C.R.E.W. staff receive mentoring and career development at a pivotal time in their professional lives.