This GivingTuesday, we’re reaching out with an urgent call to action: Help us continue our mission to protect and preserve the land and water of the Eastern Sierra in 2026. Our staff, volunteers, and supporters have made meaningful strides for our public lands this year, and with your help, we can do even more in the year ahead.
The Eastern Sierra remains one of the most ecologically rich and awe-inspiring regions in the West. It's home to ancient forests, rare wildlife, vast sagebrush plateaus, pristine waters, and some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the world. But these lands are facing mounting threats.
The current administration’s relentless attempts to privatize, lease, or sell off public lands to extractive industries are intensifying, placing irreplaceable habitats and culturally significant sites at risk. Harmful development, excessive extraction, climate pressures, and weakened protections are all converging on the landscapes we love and the local economies we live in. In 2026, we’re pushing back BIG — defending public ownership, challenging destructive proposals, uplifting community voices, and standing guard for the future of the Eastern Sierra. Your support today fuels that fight. Thank you for standing with us, today and every day, to keep the Eastern Sierra protected and cared for. |
Here’s How You Can Make a World of a Difference This #GivingTuesday: |
-
Donate: Your gift today will go directly toward our efforts to protect critical habitats, restore vital ecosystems, and advocate for stronger conservation policies in Inyo and Mono Counties.
-
Become a member or renew your membership – For just $35 a year, you can join FOI’s yearly membership to receive our Jeffrey Pine Journal publication, early access to Owens Lake Bird Festival tickets, and most importantly provide ongoing support to our mission. Just press the Donate Now button and select an amount of at least $35.
- Employer Match: Ask your employer to match your donation! It’s estimated that $4-7 billion in corporate matching gift funds go unclaimed each year. This is an easy way to make your donation go further.
-
Turn an old car into cash for conservation – Donate your vehicle.
-
Legacy Gift – Add Friends of the Inyo to your will or trust to make your care for the Earth part of your legacy.
-
Donate via IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution or Donor Advised Fund – Did you know there are potential tax benefits for donating from these accounts? Consult your tax advisor to see if this could be beneficial for your philanthropy.
- Donate stock – Potentially save capital gains by donating stock directly to FOI. Consult your tax advisor and email info@friendsoftheinyo.org for more info.
-
Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends and family—your voice amplifies ours. Every supporter makes a difference.
-
Get Involved: Consider volunteering with us or attending one of our upcoming events to help further our mission.
|
|
|
OUR GIVINGTUESDAY GOAL: $6,000 |
|
|
Our Giving Tuesday goal this year is $6,000 to help with the following of our most pressing needs: -
Hiring a full team of Trail Ambassadors to improve trails and educate visitors to public lands next summer.
- Hosting SnowSchool to introduce kids to snow science, winter recreation, and the source of more than 80% of our water in the West.
-
Putting on water education events throughout the year with our water education arm, Revealing Payahuunadü, to better equip our communities to advocate for a better water future.
- Keeping the hammer down against this administration's ongoing attempts to privatize, lease, or sell off your public lands to extractive industries.
|
Why your support matters:
With your help, we’ve achieved key victories, from protecting wildlife to restoring habitats. Your contributions help fund strategic campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of land and water conservation in our region. Your generosity directly supports hands-on restoration projects, fun events, and learning opportunities that provide lasting benefits to our local ecosystems.
This Giving Tuesday, your donation will have an immediate and lasting impact. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, every dollar counts in the fight to protect the Eastern Sierra. We are so grateful for the dedication and support of members like you. Together, we can keep the Eastern Sierra wild, beautiful, and protected for generations to come.
Thank you for all you do to support the natural wonders of the Eastern Sierra. We couldn’t do this without you. With great appreciation, Wendy Schneider
Executive Director, Friends of the Inyo |
|
|
Main Office: 621 W. Line St., Suite 201 Bishop, CA 93514
Satellite Office: 142 E. Bush St.
Lone Pine, CA 93545
Visit us online: FriendsoftheInyo.org
Write to us: info@friendsoftheinyo.org
Call us: (760) 873-6500
Like and follow us on social media: |
|
| |