In mid-July, the Sierra Nevada Alliance’s Forestry Team came together in Mammoth Lakes for an energizing in-person retreat. Over two days, our team—joined by 11 of our current and former Sierra Corps Forestry Fellows from across California—shared insights, honed creative problem-solving strategies, and explored the landscape of forest health projects shaping the Eastern Sierra.
Led by our Forestry Program Managers, Taylor and Kelsey, the mornings were dedicated to immersive brainstorming sessions designed to tap into the team’s collective expertise. We transformed a simple conference room into a dynamic think-tank—walls lined with butcher paper, markers in every hand, and personal notebooks and fidget tools to foster open-minded collaboration. The goal: to reimagine how our Forestry Program can amplify its impact in supporting Sierra Nevada’s forest ecosystems.
We structured our time around three guiding objectives:
- Foster peer learning and connection.
- Innovate new strategies to increase our program’s efficacy and long-term impact.
- Equip our Fellows with facilitation skills to lead collaborative brainstorming in their own work.
To spark thoughtful reflection, our first day began with a personal writing exercise: each team member explored their proudest accomplishments and envisioned their future career aspirations. These individual stories became the foundation for a deeper dialogue on how personal ambition aligns with collective purpose—how our team’s unique strengths can drive meaningful outcomes for forest health projects across the region. The afternoon took us into the field, where we toured active restoration sites around Mammoth Lakes, gaining on-the-ground perspectives from partners working to safeguard the health and resilience of Sierra forests.
On the second day, we leaned into deeper discussions about the intersection of professional value and personal worth—recognizing that while building conservation value is essential for project success, nurturing self-worth and mental well-being is equally critical for sustaining the passionate professionals leading this work. These conversations are vital as we look to build a Forestry Program that not only delivers measurable ecological benefits but also cultivates a thriving, empowered workforce capable of meeting the complex challenges ahead.
Gatherings like this are more than just meetings—they are a renewal of purpose. The energy, creativity, and dedication of our team inspire us to push further, think bigger, and collaborate deeper. As we continue to support the forests, communities, and organizations of the Sierra Nevada, we remain committed to fostering the kind of thoughtful, innovative leadership that drives real change on the landscape.
We are grateful for the opportunity to convene, reflect, and grow—and we’re excited to bring these insights into action as we expand our program’s reach and deepen its impact in the seasons ahead.
Funding for Sierra Corps provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Business and Workforce Development Grants.
