SYRCL’s Executive Director to Speak on Forest Health and Water Resilience 

Forest health and clean, reliable water are critical concerns for people living in Nevada County. As climate change continues to reshape our environment, what will it mean for our forests, the quality of our water, and the future of our communities? 

On November 15th, SYRCL’s Executive Director, Dr. Aaron Zettler-Mann, will address these questions at a public program hosted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Nevada County Branch. 

The Connection Between Forests and Water 

Dr. Zettler-Mann’s presentation, titled “Our Connected Landscape: How water, forests, climate and people intersect,” will explore the deep interconnections between our forests, water systems, air quality, and living ecosystems. Dr. Zettler-Mann will describe how these four natural “spheres” work together and how healthier forests lead to cleaner water and stronger, more resilient communities. 

The presentation will address critical questions that affect everyone living in Nevada County: 

• Why does restoring mountain meadows affect farms miles away? 
• What do we mean by “nature-based solutions” to climate challenges? 
• Why is climate change so unpredictable? 

Dr. Zettler-Mann will also discuss practical steps that can be taken both at home and across the region to adapt to changing conditions and build resilience.  

This is a program for anyone who wants to understand the big picture and learn how we can all play a part in shaping a sustainable future for Nevada County. 

Dr. Zettler-Mann was on KNCO on Monday, November 3rd, talking to Tom Fitzsimmons about his talk:

Why This Matters Now 

Nevada County sits at the intersection of multiple climate-driven challenges. Catastrophic wildfires are reshaping forest landscapes. Drought and reduced snowpack are altering water availability. And the ecosystems that support clean water and healthy communities are under increasing stress. 

Understanding these connections and the actions we can take to protect our watershed are essential for building a sustainable future in the Sierra Nevada foothills. 

SYRCL’s Forest Health Work 

The South Yuba River Citizens League is actively working to reduce wildfire risk and build forest resilience across the Yuba River watershed. Through strategic partnerships and science-based approaches, SYRCL focuses on: 

Meadow Restoration: Revitalizing mountain meadows that store water, capture carbon, and create natural firebreaks. Healthy meadows help slow fire spread and provide critical refugia for wildlife during and after fires. 

Forest Thinning and Fuel Reduction: Collaborating with land management agencies and partners to reduce hazardous fuel loads in overgrown forests. Strategic thinning helps restore forest structure to conditions that are more resistant to high-severity fire and drought. 

Community Education and Engagement: Connecting residents to forest stewardship opportunities and providing science-based information about wildfire risk reduction and climate adaptation. 

These efforts recognize that protecting water quality begins with protecting the forests and meadows that filter, store, and regulate water flow throughout the watershed. Healthier forests mean more reliable water for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. 

Event Details 

• What: “Our Connected Landscape: How water, forests, climate, and people intersect”  
• Who: Dr. Aaron Zettler-Mann, Executive Director, South Yuba River Citizens League 
• When: Saturday, November 15th | Doors open at 9:30 AM, program runs 9:30-11:30 AM  
• Where: Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main Street, Grass Valley  
• Cost: Free and open to the public 

About AAUW Nevada County Branch 

For more than 75 years, the American Association of University Women Nevada County Branch has been striving to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. 

AAUW membership is open to individuals with an associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a qualified educational institution. For individuals interested in participating in branch interest groups and other activities who have not had the opportunity to complete a degree, the Nevada County Branch offers “Friends of AAUW” membership. 

For more information about AAUW Nevada County Branch, visit nevadacounty-ca.aauw.net. 

Join the Conversation 

Whether you’re concerned about wildfire resilience, water quality, forest management, or climate adaptation, this presentation offers valuable insights into the science and solutions that can help protect our watershed and our community.