Sierra Forever (formerly Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association)

Educate | Inspire | Explore: Sierra Forever EDUCATES and INSPIRES the public to EXPLORE the Sierra Nevada in the hope of increasing the number of public land lovers and stewards among us today and into the future. We run bookstores in 19 visitor centers and ranger stations throughout our region, lead interpretive hikes and presentations, hold certified interpretive guide trainings, offer hands-on educational opportunities for kids, and lead land stewardship efforts.

Sierra Forever has been committed to serving the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin region for over fifty years. As one of the oldest nonprofits in the region, Sierra Forever was established in 1970 by visionary citizens interested in helping the U.S. Forest Service provide interpretive education relevant to the unique surrounding landscape and to communicate with the public about the importance of public lands of the Sierra. Before receiving its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1972, Sierra Forever became one of the first independent organizations in the United States to operate under a Participating Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for interpretive services.

Sierra Forever is committed to providing high quality interpretive and educational programs, literature, products and events with the goal of creating strong emotional and intellectual connections between people and the public lands of the Eastern Sierra, motivating them to protect and preserve this region through effective stewardship, responsible behavior and personal investment.

Testimonials

"I had been impressed with Sierra Forever since I attended my first Eastern Sierra History Conference in 2022. What I learned then motivated me to go on discovering more of the Eastern Sierra, take courses in geology and earth science at Cerro Coso College, and volunteer at Laws Railroad Museum. Now, as a new Sierra Forever staff member, I hope to inspire others as much as I have been inspired to care for the beautiful lands and cultural richness of the Eastern Sierra." --Louis Medina, Outreach Director