Established in 2014 as a non-profit 501(c)3 entity, the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, fondly referred to as CLERC, embarked on a mission to unlock the secrets of Clear Lake and its encompassing watersheds. This ancient North American lake holds invaluable lessons waiting to be uncovered.

Yet, nature had different plans. CLERC stepped into a void within Lake County as wildfires wreaked havoc on our community. With visionary insight, our co-founders extended their helping hands to address pressing needs, unveiling a substantial mission: mitigating wildfire impact and charting a strategic course for Lake County's enhanced wildfire resilience.

Today finds us at a remarkable juncture. Through our joint efforts in Fire Prevention and Forest Health, we've become a valuable support and guide for community projects that enhance both the environment and the community. Our organization concentrates on key areas: leading wildfire readiness, bettering Clear Lake's ecosystem and its surroundings, renovating the Carnegie Library for environmental education, bolstering local partnerships, and setting up necessary systems and teams to achieve our mission.