Local CEO Wins Environmental Honor

As the CEO of Conservation Corps North Bay for nearly 20 years, San Rafael resident Marilee Eckert has crusaded for the environment time and time again.

But when Assemblyman Jared Huffman presented her with the 2011 Environmental Hero of the North Bay Award on May 2, the honor came as somewhat of a surprise.

"I knew that there was a nomination going in but I thought it was for our organization, not for me as an individual," she said.

Eckert and roughly 200 people spread out over two counties work on a wide array of environmental projects, from building trails to growing organic food. The organization also strives to teach school kids about actions they can take to reduce their carbon footprints.

"There is always something that demands special attention," Eckert said. "With the added challenges of budget cuts and a depressed economy there is no shortage of opportunities to use my problem solving skills."

The Conservation Corps North Bay has just undergone a major growth period, expanding to include Sonoma County and the launch of an Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden.

"Getting this recognition helps to raise my credibility and profile which will help as I continue to build strong relationships in our communities to work together to save this beautiful planet we live on," she said.

Eckert was passionate about the environment long before she took her position at the CCNB. As a child, her family had a horse farm at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she frequently rode horses on trails around the terrain. She also recalls lying outside in her yard to watch stars and fireflies.

"I think that is where my love of nature began," she said.

In the past year alone, the CCNB has rehabilitated over 40 miles of county creeks, constructed and maintained 222,000 miles of trails and diverted 329,000 lbs. of recyclable materials originally destined for landfills, among many other accomplishments.

She is particularly found of Limantour Beach, which she values as a sacred place.  “I feel expanded and free when I see clear blue skies and smell the scene of pine or a sea breeze," she said.

Now she manages an annual budget of $6.5 million, three facilities in San Rafael, Novato and Cotati, and serving hundreds of youth every year through many programs.

"I like to focus on developing youth because they are the ones that will carry this work forward," she said. "I can only hope to give them the knowledge and skills to make decisions and try to make them fall in love with nature so they will protect and preserve it."