Wildfire risk, rising homeowner insurance costs, drought and shifting water supplies are no longer distant threats for Western Nevada County — they are daily realities shaping how people live, work and plan for the future. Local businesses, agriculture and natural lands are already feeling the strain, and residents know that resilience will require everyone working together.

That’s why community members are invited to join the launch of The Resilience Project of Western Nevada County, a new collaborative effort to cultivate a resilient rural future through education, conservation, land stewardship and storytelling that connects people, nature and working lands amid changing climate and economic conditions. The official community kickoff event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Grass Valley LOVE Building (660 Minnie St., Grass Valley, CA).

At the event, local agencies, landowners, businesses, nonprofits and residents will come together to:

• Learn more about the goals of The Resilience Project: Western Nevada County
• Connect with others who are addressing challenges like wildfire risk, drought, water security, rising insurance costs and the impacts on local agriculture and businesses
• Share input on community priorities and opportunities for action

The collaborative’s vision is to build rural community resilience through land stewardship, strong local economies and collaborative solutions. Its tagline — “Rooted in Land. Driven by People. Ready for Tomorrow.” — reflects its commitment to a resilient and inclusive future grounded in the community's strengths and values.

“Our county has always been defined by people who care deeply about this place. By joining forces across backgrounds, we are forging a path to protect our natural resources, our economy and our way of life for generations to come,” said Nevada County Supervisor Sue Hoek.

The collaborative is guided by a governing board made up of Nevada County, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County Resource Conservation District, Nevada Irrigation District, and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.

The kickoff event is free and open to the public.

Event Details

• What: The Resilience Project: Western Nevada County Community Kickoff Event
• When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 | 4 to 6 p.m.
• Where: Grass Valley LOVE Building, 660 Minnie St., Grass Valley, CA 95945
• Who: Open to the public
• Registration: Not required, but encouraged. Register for free through Eventbrite: www.nevadacountyca.gov/ResilienceProjectEvent

For more information about The Resilience Project and the upcoming event, please visit www.nevadacountyca.gov/ResilienceProject or contact Beth Taylor at beth.taylor@nevadacountyca.gov or (530) 559-9911.

About The Resilience Project of Western Nevada County

The Resilience Project of Western Nevada County is a public-private climate collaborative with a mission to cultivate a resilient rural future through education, conservation, land stewardship, and storytelling that connects people, nature, and working lands amid changing climate and economic conditions. The project is funded by the Regional Resilience Grant Program through the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation through June 2026.