Our 30th Anniversary – Sierra Streams Institute

Founding chemist John van der Veen, left, and biologist, first ever employee, and long time Executive Director Joanne Hild, right, testing water quality as members of Friends of Deer Creek.

30 Years of Community Science

For 30 years, Sierra Streams Institute (SSI) has been working to keep our local lands and waters healthy. From small beginnings on Deer Creek to becoming a trusted voice across the Sierra Nevada, we’ve always stayed rooted in the belief that science and community go hand in hand.

For three decades, SSI has been a trusted leader in :

Watershed science
Restoration
Science Education
Research
Community Science

From grassroots beginnings to region-wide influence, our efforts have consistently centered on community-driven science, data-informed action, and a deep reverence for the natural world.

Today we begin an anniversary campaign to raise $100,000 to honor 30 years of research, restoration, education, and community science. Can we count on your support?

What have we accomplished in the last 30 years?

We have seen a lot of change in the last 30 years, check out our timeline of major events for Sierra Streams Institute:

Open timeline in a new tab for easier reading

30th Anniversary Campaign

This anniversary is more than a milestone—it is a celebration of how far we’ve come and to renew our commitment to protecting and restoring Sierra watersheds. As changing climate, wildfire, and development pressures grow, so does the urgency of our mission. The 30th anniversary is a time to deepen our roots in the community, invite new partnerships, and expand the circle of people who understand, support, and are inspired by our work.

Our 30th Anniversary Campaign—is a year-long initiative designed to honor three decades of science, stewardship, and education. With a goal of raising $100,000, this campaign will include storytelling, events, and community engagement activities that celebrate our history and illuminate the path forward. The campaign will culminate in a celebratory event in May 2026, bringing together our founders, partners, volunteers, donors, and community to mark this important occasion—and to invest in what comes next.

SUPPORT THE NEXT 30 YEARS