About Acterra

Bringing people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet.

Acterra is a San Francisco Bay Area 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Palo Alto that brings people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. In the face of daunting environmental challenges, our science-based approach instills hope while building community.

Our roots go back to 1970 with a long history of environmental action including watershed protection and land stewardship. Today, Acterra focuses its efforts on the most urgent issue of our time: climate change. To support an informed and empowered citizenry, we provide educational outreach through a wide variety of free workshops, public lectures and community events. We have many programs to support and prepare students to tackle climate solutions through individual and collective approaches. We are a convener organization that works hand in hand with community partner organizations as well as local and regional governments.

Our History
Our Team
Our Board
Advisory Board
Our History

Over the last 50 years, Acterra has fought for the environment.

1970
Janet Adams and Claire Dedrick founded the Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation, a precursor to today’s Acterra.
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1990
Staff and volunteers of the International Earth Day 1990 campaign founded Bay Area Action.
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2000
Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet is formed through the merger of Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation and Bay Area Action. Peter Drekmeier, David Smernoff, and Holly Million were hired as a three-person Executive Team (2000–2002).
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Present
Acterra is committed to supporting local initiatives and our communities.
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    We Advocate For

    Local Solutions for a Healthy Planet

    Our programs — across beneficial electrification, climate-friendly food, and education — build collective action in fighting climate change. We equip students, residents, civic leaders, and businesses with the ability to make informed and thoughtful decisions to create and participate in local solutions for a healthy planet. We advocate for:

    Equity for all communities

    Community-defined, resiliency-based solutions

    Alignment with science-based findings

    34
    years of operation
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    9
    Acterra employees
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    1735+
    volunteer hours provided per year
    Our mission is to bring people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. Our solutions prioritize equity for all communities, align with science-based findings, and are defined for the benefit of all.
    Our Team
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    Acterra is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your gift today is tax-deductible.
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