Sierra Streams Institute

Programs: Restoration - continue stakeholder participation in the restoration process of sierra mountain streams and watersheds. Have undertaken extensive restoration efforts in the deercreek watershed. Continue to facilitate the bear river watershed group dedicated to restoring its watershed. Work also has included abandoned mine remediation, salmon habitat restoration, invasive non-native species removal, restoration of native vegetation, geomorphological restoration, and integration of traditional native practices. In 2017, assessed and developed restoration projects in 300,500 acres for the bear river restoration project.

education - work with local california schools, including community college and state universities to offer instruction in watershed science, both in the classroom and in the field. Develop science curriculum for all levels and abilities, and offer classes for organizations and the general public. Students participate in actual field restoration and monitoring projects, exposing them to careers in restoration ecology, hydrology, conservation, fisheries mnangement, and wildlands management. 750 students were served by these education projects. Instructed and certified 30 adult students in the california naturalist program with 10 weeks of instruction and 4 field trips.

research/monitoring - engage in all aspects of watershed science research to expand understanding of how to protect and improve watershed health and the health of the people who live in specific watersheds. Undertake studies, publish papers, make presentations at conferences, and share data with universities and agencies. Continued researach with 103 northern sierra nevada foothills women participating in a research project assessing links between the environment and human health. Prep for upcoming project to study possible mining contaminants in local preschool gardens.