Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Environmental Services

Taylorsville, CA 401 followers

About us

For over twenty years, Sierra Institute has developed innovative, place-based programs by engaging rural stakeholders through applied research, pilot studies, and collaborative problem solving. Recognizing the direct relationship rural communities have with forest landscapes, the Institute strives to promote social, environmental, and economic approaches that are sustainable from both human and ecological perspectives. Current Areas of Focus: Supporting Healthy Forests and Watersheds The Sierra Institute understands that the sustainability of natural ecosystems and rural communities are inextricably linked. We strive to develop innovative projects that tackle the challenges of ecological restoration and rural community development as one. Building Vibrant Communities The Sierra Institute works at the local, regional, and national level to advance woody renewables in impoverished communities facing high threat from catastrophic wildfire. Through the Rural Community Development Initiative, the Sierra Institute provides organizational and technical capacity building assistance to nine community organizations working on forest biomass utilization projects. In addition, the Sierra Fellows Program places advanced-degree Fellows into communities throughout the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades. These fellows work collaboratively with rural communities to address their most pressing local needs. Developing Young Stewards We take a three-pronged approach to developing a stewardship ethic among rural and urban youth alike. This strategy involves recreation, environmental education and career development. Our recreation-focused programs include Friday Night for Teens and Greenville Outdoor Adventure Learning (GOAL). Sierra Institute also works with Greenville High School Natural Resources Program and leads P-CREW (Plumas Conservation, Restoration, and Education in Watersheds) summer internships.

Website
http://sierrainstitute.us
Industry
Environmental Services
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Taylorsville, CA
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1993
Specialties
Community Collaboration, Environmental Education and Outreach, Biomass and Woody Renewables, and Facilitation

Locations

  • Primary

    P.O. Box 11

    4438 Main Street

    Taylorsville, CA 95983, US

    Get directions

Employees at Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Updates

  • Join the Sierra Institute Team! We are offering 4 full-time, year-round positions with benefits & two full time seasonal positions within our Wilderness Fuels Module. Full-Time, Permanent Positions: Director of Development Watershed Restoration Project Manager Wood Utilization Project Coordinator Environmental Remediation Specialist Wilderness Fuels Module: Crew Member Crew Medic Come be a part of our impactful work supporting rural communities, addressing climate change, and restoring our stunning private and public lands! Click the link to apply: https://lnkd.in/ggMZu4VC

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  • 🌱 Discover the Lassen Paintbrush: A Rare Gem of the Sierra Nevada! 🌱 Did you know that the Lassen paintbrush (Castilleja lassenensis) is a plant species found only in the Lassen region? This vibrant wildflower is endemic to our unique ecosystem, meaning you won’t find it growing naturally anywhere else in the world! 🌍 The Lassen paintbrush thrives in the volcanic soils and high elevations of Lassen Volcanic National Park and nearby areas. With its brilliant magenta bracts and slender, greenish-yellow stems, it adds a splash of color to the rugged landscape, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. 🧬 Why is it special? Endemism like this is a sign of a well-adapted plant that has evolved to thrive in specific local conditions. The Lassen paintbrush is a testament to the resilience and diversity of our Sierra Nevada flora. However, its limited range and unique growth and habitat requirements and also make it vulnerable to environmental changes. This plant is a hemiparasitic species, meaning it relies on a host plant to obtain essential nutrients, especially during its early growth stages. The paintbrush attaches its roots to those of nearby plants, extracting water and nutrients—a relationship crucial for its survival. Because of this dependency, propagating the Lassen paintbrush is particularly challenging. Successfully growing it from seed requires not just the right soil conditions but also the presence of a compatible host plant. This complexity highlights the importance of preserving its natural habitat, where these intricate ecological relationships can occur naturally. Next time you're hiking in the Lassen area, keep an eye out for this incredible wildflower. Remember to admire it from a distance—let's help protect this rare species for future generations to enjoy! 🌸🌿 #LassenPaintbrush #EndemicSpecies #SierraNevada #Conservation #WildflowerWatch #LassenVolcanicNationalPark

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  • The Plumas National Forest (PNF), in partnership with Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (SI), published the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the North Fork Forest Recovery Project (NFFRP). Thank you to all those who have participated in public meetings and other avenues of engagement. With the release of the EA, the PNF and SI will host a public meeting to further discuss and hear feedback on the proposed land management activities within the project area. Please join us in Taylorsville at the Taylorsville Historical Hall on August 21st, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. The meeting will be open to all. Relevant documents and maps can be viewed online at: https://lnkd.in/g_mQ2Emr. The release of the EA triggered a 30-day public comment period. This period began on Friday, August 9th, and will end on Monday, September 9th, 2024. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. We are looking forward to talking more about the project with you at the meeting.

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  • We're thrilled to announce the successful completion of our second PCREW session. We want to give a huge shoutout to our youth participants, crew leaders, and partners for their unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for the environment. 🌿 Here is a quick look at what they accomplished in their 5 weeks! Invasive Plant Management: We successfully executed one week of intensive work targeting invasive species such as Scotch broom, French broom, and star thistle. This crucial effort is pivotal in restoring native habitats and safeguarding biodiversity. Trail Maintenance Enhancement:Dedicated one day to the maintenance of the Almanor Recreation Trail, ensuring that this popular trail remains accessible and enjoyable. Our work involved clearing debris and making necessary repairs, improving the user experience. Fuels Reduction & Burn Piles Development:Conducted two weeks of comprehensive fuels reduction in Plumas Eureka State Park. By strategically removing excess vegetation, we have reduced wildfire risks and contributed to a healthier forest ecosystem. Contributed to the creation and updating of burn files, which are essential for future fire management planning. These files will facilitate more effective and controlled burning strategies, enhancing long-term fire resilience. Deer Guzzler Installation:Installed deer guzzlers over two days, providing vital water sources for wildlife. This initiative supports local deer populations, particularly in areas where natural water sources are limited. Our sincere thanks to the exceptional Sawyer crews and all project partners whose dedication and hard work were instrumental! Your commitment has driven significant progress and ensured a successful session and we thank you for your contributions to youth stewardship! We are so P-CREW Proud!!

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  • The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Watershed Restoration Project Manager with responsibilities for a growing suite of watershed restoration projects. The Sierra Institute’s watershed restoration work emphasizes the collaborative development of meadow and stream restoration and forest road infrastructure improvements that improve ecological function and protect critical aquatic resources. The current project portfolio is centered on a million-acre focal landscape for the South Lassen Watersheds Group, a collaborative addressing forest and watershed management, climate resilience, and economic development in critical upper watersheds of Battle Creek, Mill Creek, Deer Creek, and the upper North Fork of the Feather River. This is a tremendous opportunity for a talented natural resource professional who is excited to join a collaborative organization expanding capacity for restoration across the Northern Sierra and Southern Cascades. The selected individual will work closely with Sierra Institute staff, non-governmental partners, and federal land management agencies to advance watershed restoration as part of multiple large landscape restoration projects to improve forest resilience across the only anadromous watersheds on public lands in the Sierra Nevada, as well as support post-fire restoration in the Dixie Fire footprint.

  • Explore your passion for conservation! Join the Sierra Institute team as we embark on a mission to protect our forests, watersheds, and rural communities in the face of climate change. We’re on a search for dedicated individuals who are ready to make a difference. Whether you’re looking for a permanent role or a seasonal adventure, this is your chance to join a community committed to restoring our landscapes and building lasting change in the Sierras. Apply today and help shape a brighter future for generations to come

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