Support Great Basin Institute in Serving Public Lands in the West
Support Great Basin Institute in Serving Public Lands in the West
Co-founded in 1998 by two PhD students, Jerry Keir and Sanjay Pyare, at the University of Nevada, the Institute began as a field studies program to mobilize University faculty, students, and volunteers in applied science and direct service to support national parks, forests, open spaces and public lands. Since then, for over two decades, GBI has supported over 7,500 conservationists serving hundreds of projects to realize positive environmental change across the western US. GBI has raised over $200MM for research, education, and service, making impactful contributions to serving the public and our public lands. GBI is based out of Reno, Nevada, with Satellite offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and South Lake Tahoe, CA. GBI is the recipient of the 2015 USFS’s “Regional Forester Award,” the Nevada Governor’s Points of Light Award in 2005 and was named “Outstanding Non-government Organization” by Environmental Leadership in 2001.
A 21st Century Service Corps, Nevada Conservation Corps harnesses the energy and idealism of volunteers and youth to serve public lands and communities. Since 1999, as a federally funded AmeriCorps program, the NCC provides valuable resource management services in the form of restoration crews and conservation internships, while providing professional development for youth, veterans and others seeking careers in conservation and land management.
The Institute’s Research Associate Program recruits qualified professionals—college graduates, graduate students, and experienced professionals—to design and implement field-based environmental management programs and projects. Research Associates provide technical assistance, research, analysis and data to support the conservation and management of natural and cultural resource in the West.
The Great Basin Institute enhances community engagement through our Interpretive Association at the Galena Creek Visitor Center, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Historic Site, and Rosewood Nature study Area. These facilities are jointly managed by the USDA Forest Service, Washoe County and the City of Reno. GBI offers community activities and events, field studies for schools, and day and residential outdoor education programs for students and the visiting public.
Great Basin Institute, through its programs, and field studies, has employed thousands of capable and enthusiastic individuals. Many of these individuals have gone on to apply this enthusiasm and the skills developed while with GBI to careers and public service beyond the Institute. GBI alumni inspire with their commitment to environmental and cultural values, their technical knowledge and skills, and their adaptability and perseverance. Here we celebrate those alumni who have contributed to the success of GBI and to the preservation of our natural resources.
GBI’s personnel have always been at the heart of our operations, whether working as Research Associates, Nevada Conservation Corps crew members, student volunteers, or administrative staff. A key component of the Institute’s mission is to contribute to the professional development of our employees. Many continue on to careers in land management and other areas of environmental policy. And in addition to the contribution made while working for GBI, many continue to contribute to our successful engagement with cultural and ecological sustainability through generous donations. If you’d like to help us in our mission, please consider a donating today.
The Great Basin Institute prides itself not only on undertaken effective conservation projects, but also on providing a foundation on which new and established professionals can continue to build their careers in conservation, land management, public service, and other occupations. As part of our effort to build a community of alumni and current employees, we’d like to hear from you about your time working for GBI, as well as your ventures beyond the Institute.
The GBI Alumni Facebook Group is a great place to connect with fellow GBI alumni. The Group exists as a place to share stories, photos, and personal updates. Additionally, it’s a place to post news items, promote events information, and discuss conservation, public service, and related environmental issues.
