Environmental Stewardship
Preserving our coastlines, open spaces, and natural resources so future generations inherit a healthy home.
OCCF’s Environmental Stewardship initiative supports the preservation of Orange County’s coastal, marine, and natural ecosystems while expanding environmental education and conservation efforts.
Why it Matters
Healthy environments support public health, economic resilience, and quality of life for generations to come.
Impact Snapshot
Partnering with organizations protecting habitats, educating youth, and advancing sustainability.
Work in Action
Since 2012, the Warne Fund granted $5.5M to support enhancing the health and resilience of critical coastal ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability or growth of endangered populations. Programs funded include:
- Newport Bay Conservancy – Restoration of saltmarsh ant transitional habitats for multiple endangered species.
- Coastal Quest – Supports Orange County Coastal Resilience Multi-Sectoral Planning and Partnership to assess sea level rise vulnerability.
Vision 2030 is OCCF’s five-year strategic plan to turn generosity into lasting impact—amplifying giving and strengthening communities across Orange County and beyond. Supporting the local communities we hold dear is a key pillar of our Vision 2030 plan. A promising future for Orange County depends on knowing what our unique communities need and delivering solutions to the real challenges they face. Over the next five years, OCCF is committing to six core initiatives that reflect our shared commitment to Orange County’s thriving future; Educational Opportunity, Educational Access, Women’s Health, Environmental Stewardship, Community Power Building, and Youth Mental Health.The Power of Community Series as Seen on PBS!
Watch Protect & Preserve: Orange County’s Unique Ecosystems and discover the many ways our community is coming together to safeguard our natural spaces for generations to come.
Helpful Resource:
Randall Preserve Property Management Plan
Read the proposals for how different aspects of the land would be stewarded including ecosystems, Tribal access, and public recreational access.
The Coastal Resilience Strategy assesses hazard risk and community vulnerability, identifies nature-based solutions appropriate for this site, quantifies conservation and restoration action, and measures the effectiveness of our actions to reduce hazard risk and build climate resilience.
Spotlight Issue:
Endangered Species
OCCF’s Warne Fund was established to protect and preserve the habitats of endangered species, a pressing concern as many bird species such as the California least tern, snowy plover, and least Bell’s vireo face declining habitats along the Pacific Flyway.
Since its inception, the Warne Fund has granted nearly $4.2 million to support the protection of endangered species.
Get Involved:
Environmental Stewardship
Since 2019, OCCF’s Protect & Preserve Giving Day has raised nearly $800,000 for local nonprofits working together to support Orange County’s open spaces and marine protected areas that enrich 52 miles of California’s coastline.
Related Events
Join Us in Learning More About Our Community
Search OC Nonprofit Central for organizations addressing the causes and issues closest to your heart.
