Sierra Forever Year in Review – Can you help us continue to educate and inspire in 2026?

Hello,

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a time for assessment, reflection and appreciation. 2025 has been one of the most challenging in recent years, and yet at Sierra Forever our overall mood is one of thankfulness. We are thankful for our supporters, staff, visitors, students and of course, the incredible and special public lands we work in.

This year, Sierra Forever and our public lands faced challenges unlike any we’ve seen in decades. Grant funding was cut. Federal staffing for the Forest Service was reduced, with no temporary seasonal positions to keep visitor centers open. Public lands across the West continue to be threatened. All while our region struggles with economic uncertainty and rising costs.

But through every challenge, Sierra Forever stepped up. And we were able to do it because of supporters like you.

Here’s some of what we accomplished this year:

20 visitor centers across California and Nevada were open and staffed by Sierra Forever, ensuring safe recreation, reliable information, and welcoming spaces for thousands of visitors, even in the face of severe Federal staffing cuts.

250 Inyo & Mono County 5th graders got out into their local mountains and learned about winter ecology and snow science at Eastern Sierra SnowSchool, with more than half experiencing snowshoeing in the mountains for the very first time.

The 10th Annual Eastern Sierra History Conference brought together over 150 historians, authors, and community members to celebrate and preserve the stories of the Eastern Sierra and Great Basin.

Over 700 visitors and locals joined us for interpretive hikes, campfire talks, wildlife pop-up tables, and naturalist-led programs that educate and inspire people to care for our public lands.

The Bishop Climbing Rangers had their most successful season of stewardship yet, with over 300 native plants successfully planted, 900+ pounds of trash removed and over 9000 feet of trail delineated. They also provided outreach and education to more than 2,300 climbers, protecting fragile landscapes in the Buttermilks, Volcanic Tablelands, Owens River Gorge, and beyond.

We brought Mountainfilm on Tour, the Backcountry Film Festival, and No Man’s Land Film Festival to the Eastern Sierra — growing community, inspiring stewardship, and raising support for our programs.

But we can’t continue this work without you.

2026 is likely to be another challenging year with the possibility of more funding cuts, more pressure on public lands, and more need for education, stewardship, and community.

By donating or becoming a member this Giving Tuesday, you will directly help: 

• Visitor centers stay open, staffed, and welcoming
• SnowSchool continue to reach every 5th grader in Inyo and Mono counties.
• More free interpretive hikes, talks, and pop-ups reach thousands.
• Bishop Climbing Rangers expand stewardship projects and outreach.
• The History Conference remain a cornerstone of learning and connection.
• And we will continue to work towards our mission to Educate and Inspire people every day.

Will you help us educate and inspire visitors and locals in the coming year?

Donate Today

Donate now or become a member at www.sierraforever.org/join-us

Together, we can protect the places we love for all to enjoy for generations to come.

From all of us at Sierra Forever, thank you so much for your support and we hope you have a holiday season filled with love, joy and beautiful mountain views.

With great appreciation,

Jeff Gabriel
Executive Director

News Staff