Since 1991, the Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers (C.R.E.W.) has been a driving force for both equity and environmental resilience in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Our mission is to empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities, through paid, hands-on environmental work that restores natural ecosystems, builds climate resilience, and protects neighborhoods from wildfire. At the heart of this mission is our dedicated field staff: young adults who gain valuable experience in wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and trail construction while earning industry-recognized certifications. By clearing hazardous fuels, building sustainable trails, and revitalizing native landscapes, our crews not only safeguard communities and support biodiversity but also forge meaningful career pathways in conservation and land management.
Our youth education program, Once Upon a Watershed, engages students in hands-on watershed education, restoration, and stewardship, inspiring a deep connection to the natural world. Serving Kindergarten, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from over 20 schools in the Ventura and Santa Clara River watersheds, OUW’s mission is to “awaken wonder, appreciation, discovery, and connection with the natural world.” Through interactive outdoor experiences, students develop a sense of responsibility for Earth’s interconnected systems, building confidence and hope as they learn how their actions can create meaningful change at the local watershed level.
Our teen leadership program, Green Valley Project, empowers teens in Ojai, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks to become the next generation of environmental leaders. Through programs like the Youth Council, participants take on leadership roles by designing community gardens, organizing public planting events, and creating educational materials that inspire conservation. The Pax Environmental Science Institute offers an immersive eight-week career development experience, where students shadow professionals, practice field science methods, and explore local ecosystems. Additionally, the year-long Nursery Internship provides hands-on training in habitat restoration, from seed collection to plant propagation. Together, these opportunities build skills in leadership, science, and stewardship while making a tangible impact on local communities and environments.
Founded in 1991Established in 1991, The Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers was a response to two urgent crises: the lack of positive opportunities for young people in Ojai and the growing threats to the environment. Recognizing limited job prospects for youth and the need for action to protect natural resources, our founder created The C.R.E.W. as a solution that would empower young people while addressing critical environmental challenges.
