California Chaparral Institute

Inspire Change with a Trusted Nonprofit Environmental Organization in California

Protecting What's Left

The California Chaparral Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization in California, founded in 2004, that's dedicated to protecting the biotic and geological wonders of California's chaparral biome - the state's most characteristic, yet most imperiled, native shrubland ecosystem. Through Nature education, scientific research, and engaging conversations, we strive to be the voice of the chaparral and all the life it supports.

What's Chaparral?

Chaparral is California's most distinctive wildland. Characterized by drought-tolerant, woody shrubs, high intensity, infrequent fire, and shaped by a Mediterranean-type climate (hot, dry summers & mild, wet winters), chaparral covers most of California's coastal foothills and interior mountain slopes. Grouping together the various chaparral types along the west coast of North America forms the California Chaparral Biome. Check out our Chaparral Page for more detail on California's remarkable native shrublands

Our Mission

To promote an understanding of and appreciation for the chaparral ecosystem and the geological foundation upon which it thrives to: - Foster connections with Nature and the creative spirit it can inspire.- Deepen awareness of the biological and geological wonders of this unique natural habitat. - Reconcile our modern existence with Nature to enhance our lives.- Support a new Nature-centered education model that encourages curiosity, insight, and meaningful engagement.
The only way to heal behaviors that damage the environment and ourselves is to address their actual cause - our disassociation from Nature and the self, and the resulting alienation from each other.
Despite civilization's influence, our ties to Nature remain strong as evidenced by the positive impact of spending time outdoors surrounded by the green felt of plant life, the conversations of birds, insects, and frogs, the fragrance of sage, and the curious nature of twisted rock layers and magnificent boulders. With an open heart, Nature can foster a reconnection with the innocent, wild self that dwells within each of us. As that connection grows, it becomes easier to embrace life, awaken our inner potential, and see Nature as part of who we are.
Nature provides a path to recognize, acknowledge, and heal psychological patterns that do not serve us - we can find ourselves by losing ourselves in Nature.

Please join us to help support our mission by becoming a member!

To stay informed and learn more about the remarkable chaparral ecosystem, please add your name to our mailing list.

Our Story


The California Chaparral Institute was established shortly after the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County, a 273,000-acre wildfire that marked the beginning of California's new era of catastrophic mega fires.
During and after the Cedar Fire, chaparral was inaccurately blamed as the cause of the fire’s devastation. San Diego County government will take advantage of this misconception by proposing a program to clear 300 square miles of backcountry habitat. After six years of involvement by the Institute and others to help the county develop a new fire risk reduction plan based on science, the county proceeded with its original program. The program was dropped after the Institute successfully challenged it in court.
Since 2003, the Institute has produced publications and provided hundreds of public presentations explaining the value of the chaparral ecosystem and how we can live safely within California’s fire-prone environment. The Institute has also coined several popular concepts shortly after the 2003 Cedar Fire to help promote science-based fire safety and an appreciation for the chaparral, including reducing fire risk in our communities “from the house out rather than from the wildland in” and identifying legacy chaparral stands over 50 years old as “old-growth chaparral.” We also identified properly maintained and hydrated trees and shrubs around a home as "ember catchers" and "heat sinks" that can help protect a home from igniting during a wildfire, both of which are slowly countering the habitat clearance myopia of Cal Fire and the public.
The Chaparral ecosystem is now more commonly recognized as an important part of California's natural environment. The US Forest Service issued a major policy statement in 2013 acknowledging the value and fragility of the chaparral and has held several symposia focusing on the ecosystem services it provides. New publications are also helping the public recognize and appreciate the chaparral.
Still, much work needs to be done as many agencies, such as Cal Fire, and even some environmental non-profits, see wilderness as a frightening or profitable thing to be cleared, especially when millions of dollars in grant money are available to do so. Such behavior demonstrates that the artificial distance between people and Nature remains a powerful force. Consequently, the California Chaparral Institute continues to focus on helping to bring the wonder of Nature back into people's lives through innovative educational programs, research, and outdoor experiences. The greater awareness of and appreciation for the wild, natural environment, the greater number of voices there will be to speak up for its protection.
Please listen to this special podcast with Roy Ben-Tzvi This interview provides an excellent overview of all things chaparral, including what we do, what chaparral is, the best way to deal with wildfire risk, and the role Nature can play in creating better lives and a more positive society.
Contact
California Chaparral Institute P.O. Box 545 Escondido, CA 92033
Regain control of your time and your humanity. Think, create for yourself. Visit Nature with friends.