NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. — Conservation is built over time, through people who care deeply about the places they call home and who turn that care into action. From protecting land and expanding outdoor recreation to bringing organizations together and inspiring young people to lead, this work takes many forms. On November 21, Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) will recognize six individuals and organizations whose dedication and contributions reflect the many ways people can care for the land, strengthen their communities, and inspire others to take part in protecting and enjoying the natural and cultural places that enrich our lives.
2026 Conservation Award Honorees:
- Gary Snyder – William Nickerl Award for Conservation Leadership
Through his writing and environmental advocacy, poet Gary Snyder has helped shape how generations of people understand their relationship with the natural world. Here in the Yuba watershed, that commitment has also taken practical form. Snyder was among the local residents who helped establish the Yuba Watershed Institute to protect forestland and promote collaborative stewardship of the region’s public lands. His work bridges the power of ideas with action on the ground, helping build a lasting ethic of care for the landscapes and communities of the Sierra foothills. - Karen Henderson – John Skinner Sierra Outdoors Recreation Award
Karen Henderson’s commitment to connecting people with the outdoors grew from a lifelong dedication to education, agriculture, and the land. As Vice President of the Sierra TrailBlazers Running Club, she helped bring the Champion Mine Trail Race to life in partnership with Bear Yuba Land Trust, welcoming hundreds of runners to experience the trails and the beauty of Deer Creek. Through her work to build a stronger local running community and her vision for the Pines to Mines Trail System, Karen is helping expand opportunities for people to experience and enjoy the outdoors while supporting the future of recreation in Nevada County. - Robin Milam – Volunteer of the Year
Robin Milam’s dedication to conservation is rooted in a deep commitment to protecting the Bear and Yuba watersheds and connecting people with the natural world. A Nevada County resident for 30 years, Robin has been a longtime BYLT member and volunteer, serving nine years on the organization’s Board in executive leadership roles. Her commitment to restoring balance in the natural world extends beyond our region, including her work organizing events for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and helping launch the International Rights of Nature Tribunal. Through her years of service and environmental advocacy, Robin brings a lasting commitment to caring for the Earth and our community. - Yuba Watershed Institute – Partner of the Year
The Yuba Watershed Institute is being recognized for its longstanding commitment to protecting and restoring the forests and waterways of the Yuba River watershed. Founded by local residents in 1990, the organization has spent decades bringing together scientists, public agencies, landowners, and community members to care for local forests. Today, its work includes reducing wildfire risk, restoring forest health, and connecting people to the natural world through education and hands-on learning. Its collaborative approach demonstrates how lasting conservation can grow from a community’s shared commitment to the place it calls home. - Young Leader Award – Abigail Heiss and Jackson Heiss, Scouting America, Troop 20
Abigail and Jackson Heiss are being recognized for putting their commitment to conservation into action through their Eagle Scout service projects on Bear Yuba Land Trust Preserves. By taking on projects that benefit these special places, the siblings have helped care for local lands while demonstrating the leadership, initiative, and community spirit at the heart of Scouting. Their work is a reminder that young people can make a meaningful contribution to conservation today while helping inspire a lasting ethic of stewardship for the future.
Since 1990, BYLT has worked to conserve the natural, working, and cultural lands of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds while expanding opportunities for people to connect with nature. The organization has protected more than 26,000 acres of foothill forests, agricultural lands, meadows, and headwaters, and built and maintained more than 50 miles of trails. That work depends on a broad community of supporters, volunteers, partner organizations, and local leaders.
“The Conservation Awards are an opportunity to recognize the people behind this work and the many ways they contribute to a healthier, more connected community,” said Erin Tarr, Executive Director of Bear Yuba Land Trust. “Their efforts remind us that conservation is about more than protecting land. It’s also about the relationships, shared commitment, and sense of responsibility that help these places thrive.”
2026 Conservation Awards & Gratitude Breakfast
BYLT invites the community to join this year’s honorees for the Conservation Awards & Gratitude Breakfast on Saturday, November 21, from 9:30 to 11:30am at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City. The morning will include an awards ceremony and breakfast prepared by Purdon Studios, featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
In recognition of Nisenan Heritage Month, BYLT will donate $1 from each ticket purchased to the Nisenan Ancestral Homelands Reciprocity Program.
Tickets are $50, or $45 for BYLT members. Members can use promotional code MEMBER at checkout.
Event details and tickets: bylt.org/events/event/conservation-awards-gratitude-breakfast-2026
For more information, contact Annette Muller at 530-272-5994, extension 208, or annette@bylt.org.
2026 Conservation Awards & Gratitude Breakfast Sponsors
Bear Yuba Land Trust thanks the following sponsors for supporting this year’s celebration:
Baird Meyers Investment Group; B&C Home Garden Center; Country Copy Print Shop; Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty; MWA Architecture, Engineering, Interiors; Nevada City Engineering, Inc.; Robert Smail, Financial Advisor; SCO Planning, Engineering & Surveying; Scott Beesley Certified Financial Planner; Tara Kellerman, Mitchell Real Estate; Volz Automotive; and Weiss Landscaping.