This past Saturday we got to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sierra Streams Institute with a hands on science and art festival, Sierra Streams Fest. Our fundraising team had been working on organizing this event for months, stepping into the unknown with our first ever major event. It all started in our board room with board members and staff listing off different ideas, partners, and “what ifs”. This event began to blossom and grow as we reached out to to some of the many organizations we have worked with over the years. We didn’t want a traditional tabling event, so we asked them if they would be willing to bring in a hands on art or science activity to share with the community. The enthusiasm and creativity in their responses made it feel like we were on to something here. We created an internal team to put together some exhibits and activities that showed off the many facets of Sierra Streams Institute. The month leading up to the event was a whirlwind of creating, organizing, staffing, and marketing with the hopes of developing an impactful community event.

We arrived at Pioneer Park early in the morning to help with two art installations by Myrtle Tree Arts. Music for 33 Drains Pipes and Frog Garden took over the lawn behind the festival. It was fascinating listening to Ameera Godwin talk about the process of recording the sounds at different watersheds. I also loved seeing parents lift their kids up to the drain pipes to experience them first hand.

When our Science Director, Helen, approach us about bringing Embodiment Dance Collective to the festival with aerial performances focusing on flow and connectivity, we had to say yes. It was inspiring to see the delicate balance and strength of the performances all three completely different and leaving their audience with smiles on their faces. It feels like Helen is a super hero, leading her team of watershed scientists by day and jaw dropping aerial performances on the weekend.

Our interactive alley, was a mix of SSI and partner led activities which did not disappoint. We want to give a shout out to our partners who really brought their A game to this event, many even created their activities for this event. We are blown away by the excitement and creativity their brought. A special shout out to all our partners: Bear Yuba Land Trust, South Yuba River Citizens League, Tahoe National Forest, First Rain Land Stewardship (they brought their goats!), Wildfire Ready Coalition of Nevada County, Wolf Creek Community Alliance, Gold Country Fly Fishers, Critter Chat, Todd Gilens, Mr. Wizard, Mt Stream Mediation Center, Greensleeves, Placer Nature Center, and Cramer Fish Sciences.

It was also incredible to see SSI staff leading interactive science and art activities throughout the day. Their dedication to creating a welcoming environment and infectious enthusiasm really helped make this a great event. One of our staff members pulled me aside to tell me that one little girl had been at her booth for almost an hour. Two of our board members, David Herbst and Lynn Barakos, have been dedicated from the beginning to make this event a success. David brought live BMIs in a tank to get an up close and personal look. It’s usually Difficult to get a up close view of BMIs in the river due to the conditions they live in, making it extra exciting to have them at the event. Lynn brought her expertise in science education to the table with her Ph Test Station, connecting her activity with how we monitor the watershed.

This event also included two incredible musical performances by Juliet Gobert and Jessica Malone Band. It was amazing to have these musicians live on stage and to see our community relaxing, dancing and just enjoying the good times. We had delicious food from Grajeda’s Mexican Grill and it was a perfect day form some Lazy Dog Ice Cream. Shout out to our staff and volunteer led bar team serving up refreshments throughout the day.

We would not have been able to offer this free event if it wasn’t for our sponsors, so HUGE thank you to: BriarPatch Food Coop, City of Nevada City, Sierra Health Foundation, Brewbilt Brewing, Three Forks Bakery and Brewery, New West Wine, Montoliva, River Valley Community Bank, Grass Vallety Provisions, Tri Counties Bank, Judy Seabridge, Bob Branstrom, and Al Dover.