At the northern edge of Pasadena, the Hahamongna Watershed Park Annex has languished for over two decades. Once a ranger station and County Fire Camp, the site now shows signs of decay—boarded windows, cracked asphalt, and sagging roofs.
Yet there is hope for this neglected space. A local coalition, the Climate Resilience Environmental Education Center Coalition (CREEC), aims to breathe new life into the Annex. Their goal? To transform it into a hub for climate science, workforce training, and community healing.
The Coalition proposes an educational center that teaches environmental stewardship while creating job opportunities. A fresh generation of workers will gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration and sustainability, fundamentally changing lives and landscapes.
This site spans 30 acres and was purchased by the City of Pasadena in 2005 to preserve it for public use, preventing private development. Over the years, the land has seen numerous transformations; in 1970 it was sold for a water treatment facility that never materialized. The vision for the Annex finally became clearer in 2010 when planners recognized the need for educational and ecological growth.
Now, the city is reviewing bids to determine who will manage the site. CREEC hopes to redefine how public spaces can address climate challenges.
The coalition is not just a collection of organizations; it includes groups like Outward Bound Adventures and the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Together, they envision a “living laboratory” where climate resilience is practiced, not just studied.
Central to their mission is a focus on equity. Many of their programs target individuals who have been historically sidelined in environmental sectors—especially the chronically underemployed and those with past incarceration experiences. The Flintridge Center, for example, helps integrate these individuals into green jobs.
Brandon Hammerli, the project’s manager, shared a poignant perspective: “Every part of this center is designed to help community members engage, learn, and invest in themselves.” He notes that young interns are already part of the groundwork, contributing to design and outreach efforts.
Charles Thomas, executive director of Outward Bound, emphasized that this initiative isn’t about merely creating jobs; it’s a vital step toward inclusivity. “We’re not just opening doors; we’re building pathways,” he explained.
The knowledge gained here will be practical. Trainees will learn how to manage local ecosystems, from planting native seeds to monitoring biodiversity. “This is real work, with real impact,” Thomas noted.
If CREEC is chosen to develop the center, they plan to use their trained workforce to help construct it. This effort will focus on reusing existing buildings, which not only reduces waste but also preserves the area’s character and history.
The Coalition’s approach has already shown its potential. They currently have a $3 million contract with the Los Angeles Zoo to restore six acres of oak woodland. This project proves that investing in local people can lead to meaningful environmental and community restoration.
Recent climate-related disasters, like the Eaton Fire, highlight the pressing need for such initiatives. “Living through that changed my perspective,” says Thomas. The center aims to equip people with skills for a climate-challenged world, offering training in wildfire mitigation and water conservation.
If approved, the Annex will become a community space for education, art, and ecological learning. It will welcome school groups, host public workshops, and include cultural programs led by local Indigenous groups. This connection to local ecosystems will enrich the educational experience and serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
Pasadena is set to select a development partner soon, a decision that will shape the future of the Annex—a project years in the making. As Thomas points out, “This isn’t about buildings; it’s about people and giving communities the tools to thrive.”
In a world where climate change feels daunting, the vision for Hahamongna shines as a beacon of hope, showing that solutions are within reach. As Marcus Renner, a geography expert and advocate for environmental education, states, “The diverse coalition working on this project represents the cutting edge of 21st-century environmental education.”
Stay tuned as the city decides the future of this valuable site, where empty buildings could soon buzz with energy and purpose.
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