The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) is immensely humbled to be chosen by Senate Pro Tempore Mike McGuire as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 2*. The timing of this award is especially meaningful for us given 2024 is the 30th Anniversary of OAEC’s founding. As we celebrate our 30th year, we especially value Senator McGuire’s steadfast support for our Bring Back the Beaver Campaign which has been critical to a number of milestones leading to the fact that California now has a new Beaver Restoration Program managed by California’s Department of Fish & Wildlife. Going forward into the next 30 years, we are excited to expand our capacity to continue supporting nature-based, climate-smart, justice-oriented solutions for our local District 2 communities and all Californians.
“Your work to protect and improve the North Coast’s biological and ecological diversity through meaningful community-based projects and partnerships has made the Golden State a brighter place for all Californians and the animals who call our great state home. I especially want to commend your efforts on the Bring Back the Beaver Campaign – a project near and dear to my heart. I am truly grateful to have the honor of choosing Occidental Arts & Ecology Center as the 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year, an exceptionally special occasion as this year also marks your 30th anniversary of service to the North Coast.” – Senator Mike McGuire
*The 2nd CA Senate district encompasses seven counties, including all of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, and Marin counties, and the majority of Sonoma County.
