A Portrait of the Yuba River
Mission:
The Yuba Project is a storytelling non-profit expressing the profound energy of the Yuba River Watershed and its relationships through photography and artistic media. We partner with organizations and communities working to foster connection, provide advocacy, and inspire conservation of the watershed.
Why We Care
Art in Service of a River
The Yuba Provides life, recreation, and connection to millions of people across Northern California. It is home to diverse and stunning ecosystems, from the granite slabs of the Sierra to the grassy marshes of the California Delta, and for thousands of years has been the Ancestral Homeland of the Nisenan Tribe.
Despite its importance and beauty, the Yuba River is a place that has been, and continues to be, deeply impacted by the Anthropocene age. From the collapse of the salmon to the ecocide wrought by California’s Gold Rush, the Yuba has a complex history that continues to evolve just like the river itself.
The Yuba Project is a direct response to a deep love for the Yuba River by a team of Nevada City-grown artists. We believe that art and storytelling can be incredible tools for educating and advocating for the better preservation of this land and for its return to a balanced state.
Inspired by the Yuba, this art project is a way to give back to our home.
Recent Work
- Chasing Garter Snakes
We set out on a mission to create photographs of the garter snakes that call the Yuba home. While not incredibly rare snakes, getting a fantastic photo of one proved no small feat. About Garter Snakes Along the banks of the Yuba River native garter snakes thrive in the riparian zone, slipping through shallow water… Read more: Chasing Garter Snakes - Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
The Yuba Project joined Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission on a ride along to watch the team collect and deploy water temperature sensors. These sensors are placed throughout the Yuba River to monitor temperature daily throughout the year. The data from these sensors is compiled into annual reports, which are used by environmental agencies throughout… Read more: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission