Sierra Nevada Alliance

Who we are

Sierra Nevada Alliance is a hub that connects programs and organizations to protect the Sierra Nevada. We work together to ensure that every ecosystem and community is healthy, resilient, and collectively cared for as a legacy for future generations.

The Sierra Nevada is rich in natural resources. It produces 60% of California’s water supply and supplies the state with 50% of its hydroelectric energy. Wildlife and biodiversity is abundant with 3500 plant, 572 animal, and 321 aquatic species.  

Despite the incredible importance of the Sierra's contributions to California Ecosystems, the region lacks the resources and funds necessary to protect and restore the natural ecosystem. We need your help to protect it! 

Your donations support:

-Ecosystem monitoring and restoration that helps protect the unique plants, animals, and natural resources of the Sierra

-Programs that create more future conservation professionals by training and helping place new staff at organizations

-Outreach that helps keep the community informed and interested in conservation so they know how to do their part

-Networking efforts that help unite conservation organizations to strengthen impact, such as policy meetings, collaborative projects, and more. 

-Fundraising and activism that helps us dedicate money towards conservation on the state level, create new policies to protect the environment, and help secure money for tribes to continue stewarding lands

Our Priorities

Workforce development: We train expert conservation leaders for the region and staff them at environmental organizations through three workforce development programs (Ambassadors, AmeriCorps, and Forest Fellows).

Healthy ecosystems: We work to support and restore healthy ecosystems by providing on-the-ground staff and helping provide funding for work to protect them.

Sustainable recreation: We raise awareness about how to care for the Sierra Nevada for those who live, work, and play in it. 

Our Programs

Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP): The SNAP program places AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra. They work on ecosystem monitoring and restoration, environmental education and outreach, and more. 

Sierra Corps Forestry Fellowship Program: We mentor and develop future leaders in the forestry field. We place fellows at organizations throughout the region to increase the capability of land managers, local agencies, and nonprofits to accomplish forest health and wildfire prevention projects. 

Conservation funding and 30x30 efforts: We secure conservation funding for the region, support important environmental protections and mobilize grassroots efforts. The goal is to protect 30% of land, water, and wildlife resources by 2030. We also help tribes secure their own funding through grant writing assistance. 

Lake Tahoe Ambassador Program: We hire youth in first work experiences and train them to share messages about how to take care of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Students share messages and tools to combat litter, dog waste, invasive species, and more. 

Community building: We work to engage and educate locals and visitors alike about the Sierra Nevada, the environmental challenges the range faces, and how to get involved. Our Member Group network also connects conservation organizations region-wide to build support for one another.