The Sierra Nevada forests have been alive with activity this fall, as our dedicated Sierra Corps Forestry Fellows wrapped up their field seasons across California. From reforestation projects in Sequoia National Forest to educational programs in the High Sierra, each fellow has brought passion, science, and collaboration to every corner of the region.
Ruby spent her season leading Cone Camps with the California Reforestation Pipeline Partnership through American Forests. Ruby and her team traveled statewide, teaching over 200 participants how to survey and collect native conifer seeds. Following an unprecedented cone crop, Ruby authored two articles documenting the whirlwind season — capturing both the chaos and the beauty of restoration work: An Inside Look at Cone Camp 2025 and Cones and Chaos Rain: 2025 Cone Collection Season at a Glance.
Emily took a hands-on approach in the forest, monitoring cone development across multiple species — from Incense Cedars to Giant Sequoias. She refined field techniques, collected data, and supported germination trials, gaining valuable experience across several organizations, including SEGI and Sierra Cone.
Jack shared in this large-scale effort, leading cone scouting and collection for American Forests across Sequoia National Forest. His team gathered over 114 bushels of cones from diverse pine and cedar species — future seedlings for reforestation projects that will shape Sierra forests for generations to come.
Rob built on that success, helping coordinate both the collection season and reforestation planning for the coming year. Rob also represented his team at the national level, attending the SAF25 convention in Hartford, CT, and hosted corporate volunteers through the “In Good Company” event, offering firsthand insight into forest restoration and ecology.
Eva joined the Ancient Forest Society team to design a new assessment protocol for Giant Sequoias potentially impacted by bark beetles. She created an ArcGIS system to streamline field data collection and kept projects running smoothly during the team’s busy field season.
Lea also worked with the Ancient Forest Society, studying bark beetle activity in Giant Sequoias across nine groves in the Sierra Nevada. Her team climbed and sampled study trees to analyze the relationship between fire damage and beetle activity. Highlights of her season included working alongside international volunteers and climbing through Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park after a snowstorm — a scene she described as unforgettable.
Meanwhile, Kevin played a vital educational role at Columbia College, supporting Forestry and Natural Resources courses at the beloved Baker Station field campus. Across 15 courses and more than 200 students, Kevin helped ensure that hands-on forest education continues to inspire and prepare the next generation of conservationists.
Cecilia focused her energy on capacity building and collaboration through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Tribal Capacity Building Program. She facilitated eight workshops, developed a new GIS training series, and strengthened lasting partnerships between tribal communities and forest management teams.
Each fellow’s work this season reflects the mission of the Sierra Nevada Alliance: to protect and restore the natural environment of the Sierra by inspiring collaboration, advancing education, and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders.
As autumn gives way to winter, we celebrate the incredible impact of these fellows and look forward to the restoration, learning, and community that will continue to grow from their efforts.
Funding for Sierra Corps provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Business and Workforce Development Grants.
Click here to learn more about the Forestry Fellow’s work
