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Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve Emergency Fund
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We Need Your Support

On July 24, 2024, a wildfire was started in upper Bidwell Park in Chico. The Park Fire quickly spread to the surrounding landscape—including the immediately adjacent property of the University’s Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserves (BCCER).

The vast majority of the reserve’s 7,835 acres were burned over in the fire, causing varying degrees of damage to the land, destroying the reserve’s headquarters and most other structures, and deeply impacting the flora and fauna for whom the land is stewarded.

The BCCER has been an integral component of education and research at Chico State for a quarter century. While the University is still assessing how programming will be adapted in the wake of the fire, there are immediate, critical needs to minimize further harm to the wildlife, landscape, and watershed, and to ensure continuity of operations for its 40-plus employees and student employees.  

Recognizing the importance of the BCCER's work, the University Foundation Board of Governors has generously provided matching funds to aid in recovery:
$40,000 Rapid Recovery Match: Available until $76,000 is raised- $40,000 matched
$30,000 Jump-Start Match: Match deadline ended- $18,000 matched
The University Foundation has waived all processing fees so 100% of your gift goes directly to BCCER recovery efforts.

Recovery after the Park Fire

BCCER needs to restore basic infrastructure rapidly in order to carry out its vital—and time sensitive—wildlife, watershed, and land stewardship functions. Fauna in the area are in need of water and shelter immediately as food and water sources have been destroyed or contaminated by the fire, and it is crucial that erosion control measures are in place before rains begin this winter to protect the Big Chico Creek watershed and prevent flooding downstream. 

Wildlife Protection and Operations Restoration Greatest Needs

  • Protect the habitat of Big Chico Creek
  • Maintain water infrastructure for wildlife
  • Reinstall game cameras.
  • Employ students to carry out the volume of rehabilitation work
  • Rent or buy an office to serve as temporary headquarters for the BCCER crew until a long-term site plan is developed
  • Restore internet and communications
  • Repair damage to road infrastructure
  • Mitigate hazards


Thanks To Our Recent Donors!