Please note: The list of the Club's 2023-24 contributions can be accessed here; it no longer appears as a drop down under the Conservation tab.
In 1920, the Contra Costa Hills Club (CCHC) was founded by Harold French, an avid hiker and environmental visionary and activist. With the help of other like-minded individuals, his tireless campaigning for the protection of open space resulted in the establishment of the East Bay Regional Park District. The purpose of the new CCHC was not only to provide hiking opportunities and fellowship, but also to promote conservation.
Now, more than 100 years later, the CCHC continues the tradition of conservation by supporting more than two dozen nonprofit environmental organizations that preserve and protect land and sustain the trails on which we hike. The Conservation Committee researches nonprofit organizations and selects those that best fit the interests of our club. They also must receive high scores from charity-rating services, if applicable.
Although some of the organizations to which we donate are national in scope, we tend to give preference to those that protect and enhance the ecological soundness and hiking opportunities in the Bay Area and Northern California. Acquisition of land for public open space, habitat restoration and construction and maintenance of hiking trails are some of the kinds of projects to which we assign high priority. The Committee also highly regards organizations that provide young people with experiences that prepare them to be protectors and stewards of the environment as well as those that take on the polluters and despoilers through litigation and lobbying. A list of the Club's 2023-24 contributions is available for download.
The Conservation Committee meets monthly. Conservation issues should be addressed to Beryl Vonderheid.
Now, more than 100 years later, the CCHC continues the tradition of conservation by supporting more than two dozen nonprofit environmental organizations that preserve and protect land and sustain the trails on which we hike. The Conservation Committee researches nonprofit organizations and selects those that best fit the interests of our club. They also must receive high scores from charity-rating services, if applicable.
Although some of the organizations to which we donate are national in scope, we tend to give preference to those that protect and enhance the ecological soundness and hiking opportunities in the Bay Area and Northern California. Acquisition of land for public open space, habitat restoration and construction and maintenance of hiking trails are some of the kinds of projects to which we assign high priority. The Committee also highly regards organizations that provide young people with experiences that prepare them to be protectors and stewards of the environment as well as those that take on the polluters and despoilers through litigation and lobbying. A list of the Club's 2023-24 contributions is available for download.
The Conservation Committee meets monthly. Conservation issues should be addressed to Beryl Vonderheid.
For more information on the Club's history and conservation efforts, see the presentation by Noël Siver at the club's 100th anniversary celebration.
Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park is now open! Solano County may be a powerhouse for processing tomatoes, but it is also home to this beautiful park after many years in the making for necessary improvements to accommodate people of all ages with all kinds of abilities. It’s for hikers, bikers and equestrians who can roam deep into the property without disturbing each other. Its 1,500 acres with seasonal creeks and streams, many oaks at least 100 years old and views of the coastal range and rocky outcrops. If lucky, golden eagles can be seen flying. And if pronouncing the name of the park seems daunting, here’s a hint on how to do it: "Putt-win-oh War-klaw Kaw-doy De-he”. Best of all, member contributions to the CCHC Conservation Committee helped support the Solano Land Trust that worked to open the park.
The Conservation Committee has prepared a Memorial to long-time Club member Sylvia Saunders who passed away in September 2024.