Community Nature Connection
Community Nature Connection is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free outdoor access, nature education, youth leadership, and professional certification programs to underrepresented communities across Los Angeles County, funded by grants, donations, training fees, and merchandise sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Community Nature Connection does
Community Nature Connection (CNC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 95-4316388) headquartered in Los Angeles, California, that delivers community-centered outdoor access programming to residents of Los Angeles County. Originally established in 1989 as the Mountains Education Program, the organization was reimagined under its current name in 2016 and now operates programs out of Vista Hermosa Natural Park and Elyria Canyon Park, with an additional partnership location at the LA River Center and Gardens. CNC's mission is to increase outdoor access for communities impacted by racial, socio-economic, and disability injustices by addressing barriers of cost (programming is offered free to participants), transportation (via the Transit to Trails program), proximity, and representation. Its primary service population comprises youth and families from historically underrepresented communities, with secondary audiences including schools, fire-prone community members, and outdoor professionals.
CNC's service portfolio spans multiple program lines: Outdoor Access Programs (community hikes, beach excursions, interpretive walks); the CNC Training Institute (Certified Interpretive Guide and California Naturalist certifications, plus Custom Trainings for organizational clients); Youth Leadership programs (Emerging Naturalists and the 12-week Outdoor and Coastal Access Leadership Institute); the Fire Resilience Education Program; the Volunteer Naturalist Program; the Akuutet Learning Nursery (native plant propagation and restoration); and a content/communications layer (blog, newsletter archive, Training Institute video library). The underlying technology footprint is limited to a Wix-hosted website, Mailchimp for email, PayPal and Square for payment processing, and Volgistics for volunteer management — appropriate for a community-based nonprofit rather than a technology company.
The revenue model is a hybrid of donations, grants, fee-for-service training, memberships, and merchandise. Donation tiers run from $5 to $100 monthly and $25 to $1,000 one-time; an annual membership is offered at $60; merchandise includes t-shirts ($30-$35) and stickers ($2); and the Training Institute generates fee revenue from individual certifications and corporate Custom Trainings. The largest revenue source is grant funding from government and foundation partners including the National Park Service, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, California State Parks Foundation, and California Coastal Conservancy. CNC is led on a pro bono basis by founder Amy Lethbridge, who concurrently serves as Chief of Staff at MRCA; the organization employed 1-10 people as of the most recent data.
Community Nature Connection firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Community Nature Connection
- Legal name
- Community Nature Connection
- Website
- https://communitynatureconnection.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Community Nature Connection is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free outdoor access, nature education, youth leadership, and professional certification programs to underrepresented communities across Los Angeles County, funded by grants, donations, training fees, and merchandise sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Community Nature Connection industry classification
Industry- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Education & Community Programs (Junior Ranger, Citizen Science, School Programs) (THAAAGAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF), Conservation & Citizen-Science Tourism (Research/Volunteer Trips) (THAAAEAI)
Keywords
Where Community Nature Connection is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Community Nature Connection business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
Revenue model
- Donations and Contributions: CNC relies heavily on tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. One-time and monthly recurring donation options are available at various levels ($25, $50, $100, $500, $1000). Monthly sustaining donations range from $5-$100 through Seed, Sprout, Seedling, Sapling, and Oak Tree tiers.
- Merchandise Sales: CNC sells branded merchandise including t-shirts ($30-$35) and stickers ($2) through their website storefront. These items support operational funding while promoting the organization's mission.
- Membership Program: Annual CNC Membership available for $60, providing community members a way to support the organization while receiving associated benefits.
- Training Institute Programs: The CNC Training Institute offers professional development, certifications, and training programs including Naturalist training, outdoor skills, and certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) and California Naturalist. Custom trainings are available for teams and organizations.
- Government and Foundation Grants: CNC receives funding from government agencies and foundations including Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, National Park Service, California State Parks Foundation, and Coastal Conservancy.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Free | Free Public Programming |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Green T-Shirt - $30 |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Charcoal/Blue T-Shirts - $35 |
| Subscription | Annual | CNC Membership - $60 |
| Unit Pricing | One time | CNC Sticker - $2 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Donations - $5 to $100 |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | One-Time Donations - $25 to $1,000 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Community Nature Connection product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Community Nature Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free outdoor access programming, environmental and naturalist education, youth leadership development, fire resilience training, and professional certification (CIG, California Naturalist) for communities in Los Angeles County impacted by racial, socio-economic, and disability injustices. Programs are delivered in person at parks and partner sites, supported by transportation, native plant nursery operations, and volunteer naturalist engagement.
Product overview
Community Nature Connection (CNC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates as a unified community programs organization rather than a software product company. Its core offerings center on increasing outdoor access for communities impacted by racial, socio-economic, and disability injustices. The primary programs include the CNC Training Institute (offering professional certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide and California Naturalist), Outdoor Access Programs (transit-to-trails, community hikes, interpretive walks), Youth Leadership Programs (Emerging Naturalists, OCALI Leadership Institute), and the Fire Resilience Education Program. Supporting services include a Volunteer Naturalist Program, Akuutet Learning Nursery for native plant restoration, Custom Trainings for organizations, and a Blog/Newsletter platform for educational content. The organization also sells branded merchandise and memberships to support its mission.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Companies that use Community Nature Connection
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Community Nature Connection technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Community Nature Connection partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.
- National Park Service (NPS)coreFederal agency partner providing support and collaboration for outdoor access and conservation programs. NPS logo appears on CNC partners page indicating formal collaborative relationship.
- Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA)corePrimary agency partner managing park lands where CNC operates programs including Vista Hermosa Natural Park and Elyria Canyon Park. MRCA and CNC collaborate on programming, workforce development, and park management. Founder Amy Lethbridge serves as Chief of Staff at MRCA.
- Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC)coreState agency partner supporting CNC through funding and collaborative programming in Santa Monica Mountains region. Listed as both partner and funder.
- National Association for Interpretation (NAI)coreProfessional association for interpreters and heritage educators. CNC offers Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training through NAI certification. Founder Amy Lethbridge recently served as NAI President.
- California NaturalistscoreUC Agriculture and Natural Resources program providing naturalist certification. CNC offers California Naturalist certification program as part of Training Institute.
- California Conservation Corps (CCC)secondaryState conservation corps providing workforce development and conservation opportunities. Partner in conservation and youth programming efforts.
- Nature for AllsecondaryCoalition working to connect all people to nature, particularly in the San Gabriel Mountains. CNC collaborates on programming and access initiatives.
- Los Angeles ZoosecondaryMunicipal zoo partner for wildlife education and conservation programming connecting communities to nature.
- Pacoima BeautifulsecondaryCommunity-based environmental organization serving Pacoima and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities. Collaborates on environmental education and community access.
- Southeast Asian Community Alliance (SEACA)secondaryCommunity organization serving Southeast Asian communities in Los Angeles. Partners on culturally relevant outdoor programming.
- Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC)secondaryWorkforce development organization providing conservation and environmental job training for youth and young adults in LA.
- TataviamcoreIndigenous tribe whose ancestral lands CNC operates on. CNC acknowledges Tongva, Gabrieleno, Tataviam, and Chumash peoples and partners with local tribes as part of expanding equitable outdoor programming.
- Outdoors for All AlliancesecondaryNational initiative working to ensure everyone has access to the outdoors. CNC participates as partner in outdoor access advocacy.
- Coastal Conservancy (California State Coastal Conservancy)coreState agency providing funding support for coastal access and environmental programs. Listed as both partner and funder for Transit to Trails programming.
- Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM)secondaryCollaborates on fire resilience workshops and community education at Elyria Canyon Park. Joint programming on defensible space and home hardening.
- Friends of the LA RiversecondaryCommunity organization focused on LA River advocacy and restoration. Partner for California Naturalist field trips and urban ecology education.
- Feminist Bird ClubsecondaryCommunity organization connecting people to birds and nature through inclusive programming. Guest speakers for California Naturalist program.
- Test PlotminorPartner for volunteer stewardship events at Rainbow Canyon Park including native plant maintenance and invasive species removal.
- California Native Plant SocietysecondaryCollaborates on plant-related education and native plant conservation at Elephant Hill and community events.
- Save Elephant HillminorCommunity coalition protecting Elephant Hill from illegal off-roading. CNC participates in panels addressing fire resilience and habitat management.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Community Nature Connection competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Outdoor Afro: National nonprofit reconnecting Black communities with nature through outdoor experiences, leadership training and conservation career pathways; highly comparable to CNC's Emerging Naturalists and OCALI workforce development work, though at larger national scale.
- Friends of the LA River: Community-based organization focused on LA River advocacy, restoration and education; CNC is a listed partner and the organizations collaborate on California Naturalist field trips and urban ecology programming in shared LA geography.
- Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains: Local special district providing conservation, fire resilience and environmental education programs in the Santa Monica Mountains; CNC partner on fire resilience workshops and community education at Elyria Canyon Park, with overlapping program types and geography.
- Los Angeles Conservation Corps: LA-based conservation workforce development organization training youth and young adults for environmental careers; CNC is a formal partner and the two organizations share overlapping target demographics (underrepresented youth, conservation career pipelines).
- Hispanic Access Foundation: National organization connecting Latino communities to public lands and outdoor spaces through partnerships, leadership development and advocacy; directly mirrors CNC's focus on breaking access barriers for Hispanic families in Southern California.
- Pacoima Beautiful: Community-based environmental justice organization serving Pacoima and surrounding San Fernando Valley communities; listed as a direct CNC partner and shares mission focus on environmental access, advocacy and culturally relevant programming in LA neighborhoods.
- Nature for All: San Gabriel Mountains-based coalition expanding nature access for underserved LA County communities; CNC is a formal partner and the two organizations share overlapping geography, target populations (BIPOC, low-income families) and program types (transit-to-trails, youth programming).
Broad incumbents
- Outdoors for All Alliance: National coalition advocating for outdoor access equity across federal and state policy; CNC is a partner organization but the Alliance operates as a broader policy/advocacy umbrella rather than direct program delivery.
- Children & Nature Network: National movement-building organization advancing equitable connection to nature for children; comparable mission to CNC's school programming and youth leadership work but operates as a research, policy and network convener rather than direct service provider.
Regional players
- California State Parks Foundation: Statewide nonprofit funding state parks access and equity initiatives across California; listed as both partner and funder for CNC and shares the outdoor access mission at a broader state-wide scope rather than LA-specific delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Community Nature Connection social profiles
Digital presenceCommunity Nature Connection compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Community Nature Connection financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Community Nature Connection leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Community Nature Connection funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Community Nature Connection M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Community Nature Connection
What does Community Nature Connection do?
Community Nature Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free outdoor access programming, environmental and naturalist education, youth leadership development, fire resilience training, and professional certification (CIG, California Naturalist) for communities in Los Angeles County impacted by racial, socio-economic, and disability injustices. Programs are delivered in person at parks and partner sites, supported by transportation, native plant nursery operations, and volunteer naturalist engagement.
Is Community Nature Connection a public or private company?
Community Nature Connection is a private company. It is currently operating.
When was Community Nature Connection founded?
Community Nature Connection was founded in 1989. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Community Nature Connection based?
Community Nature Connection is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Community Nature Connection make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Donations and Contributions are the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales, membership Program, training Institute Programs and government and Foundation Grants.
Who are Community Nature Connection's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Outdoor Afro, Friends of the LA River, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Hispanic Access Foundation, Pacoima Beautiful and Nature for All. Broad incumbents are Outdoors for All Alliance and Children & Nature Network. California State Parks Foundation is listed as a regional player.
Does Community Nature Connection have an API?
No public API is recorded for Community Nature Connection.
What industry is Community Nature Connection in?
Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAGAK, Education & Community Programs (Junior Ranger, Citizen Science, School Programs), with a secondary code of THAAAGAF, Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized). Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8200.