“Saving The Sierra: Voices of Conservation in Action” uses storytelling, radio and the Internet to explore
The project welcomes anyone with opinions about what needs to be done to save the quality of life in the Sierra–including how to sustain rural communities, preserve regional heritage, history and culture and conserve open space, clean water and air and wildlife habitats. (See the Storybooth schedule below.)
The 2-year project is co-directed by Peabody award-winning public radio editor and producer Catherine Stifter of Nevada City and educator, media-maker and community development practitioner jesikah maria ross of Davis.
“The stories of people in rural areas typically don't make their way onto the airwaves. But getting those stories out to the public is so important. That's why we're producing both public radio and web-based stories. There are 2 million people here and many decisions affecting us are made in
“The idea isn't to divide people into conservationists and others, but to broaden the conversation. Everyone loves this land. My hope is that in being able to hear other's stories, people will recognize their shared values and that this realization will enable them to envision a future together,” said ross.
The project website (http://www.savingthesierra.org) will eventually stream about 100 audio stories gathered by
Through the college’s Center for Sierra Nevada Studies,
To contact project co-directors Catherine Stifter and jesikah maria ross write info@savingthesierra.org
PUBLIC STORY BOOTH CALENDAR DATES
October 7, 49er Family Fest,
October 8, Indigenous People’s Day,
October 14 & 15, Harvest Arts and Peace Festival, Intermountain Nursery,
October 21, Loma Rica Ranch Harvest Festival,
November 2 & 3,
Project Partners
Sierra Nevada Alliance hosted Saving The Sierra's first storytelling workshop at their 13th annual conference in King's Beach last month. The
The Sierra Fund serves as advisor and fiscal sponsor. The Fund also provides publicity for Storybooth events and fundraising coordination.
Saving The Sierra: Voices of Conservation in Action is funded in part by the California Council for the Humanities through their California Stories Initiative is an ongoing grant line that seeks to create enduring images and sounds of contemporary