A Forest Steward: Maeve Kristian, A Forest Futures Scholarship Recipient

Tags: Collaborations, Forest Futures, Forest Futures Scholarship, Forest Restoration, Forest Workforce, Philanthropic Education, Scholarships, Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, Wildfire Resilience, Youth Development

Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) believes in the power of people to shape a better future— especially when given the tools and support to follow their passions. TTCF recently introduced Forest Futures Scholarships to simultaneously help local students pursue their dreams and develop our forestry and fire workforce, a key element of our Forest Futures Impact Strategy.

Inspired by the Wild

Maeve Kristian, a lifelong Truckee local and an inaugural Forest Futures scholarship recipient, exemplifies the spirit of this initiative through her deep-rooted love for the outdoors and her commitment to giving back to the community she calls home. 

“I’ve always been really passionate about the environment,” she says. “I love being and recreating outside, and my parents fostered that in me.”

Maeve’s participation in Sierra Institute for Community and Environment’s P-CREW program was a pivotal moment for her. P-CREW is an immersive internship based in Taylorsville, CA, during which participants engage in meaningful conservation projects around fire ecology, watershed ecology, and forestry while camping for five weeks.* Alongside peers her age, she worked on invasive species removal, fence building, fuels reduction, and enjoyed recreational days exploring rivers and hiking trails.

 “It was just super fun and kind of cemented that I wanted to do work in the outdoor field,” Maeve explained.

Where Passion Found Its Path

Maeve’s drive is fueled by a genuine fascination with how ecosystems function—and a desire to be part of the solution to major environmental challenges.

“I have a deep curiosity about how ecosystems and the natural world work,” she says. “Studying forestry gives me the opportunity to learn about something I’m passionate about, which is exciting. Personally, it’s really important to me to address issues like wildfire and climate change and work toward solutions.”

Receiving the Forest Futures Scholarship was both a surprise and a deeply meaningful moment for Maeve. “I didn’t even know I got it until scholarship night, which was really cool.”

Her interest in forest restoration and environmental stewardship goes far beyond the classroom. As a student journalist for the Truckee Times, Maeve wrote an article about the Alpenglow Timber sawmill and cross-laminated timber (CLT) facility—a project proudly funded  through TTCF’s first Forest Futures impact investment.

She also drew inspiration from attending TTCF’s Forest Futures Salons in the spring. 

“I went to one of the Forest Futures Salons, and it was really interesting how they were working with the community,” she explains. “During my research, I looked through a lot of the work that the Forest Futures program does. I really admire the mission, and I just want to carry that on and learn more about the forest.”

Devotion to the Land In Which She’s Rooted

Though her path may take her to Missoula, across the U.S., or even abroad, Maeve sees her long-term future rooted in Truckee.

“I definitely see myself returning to Truckee and having my work benefit this awesome mountain community because I’ve grown to love it,” she says. “But I’m also excited to explore Missoula and other parts of the U.S.—maybe even the world if I study abroad.”

Ultimately, her goal is to preserve access to natural spaces and deepen people’s connection to the land.

“I want to keep places open where people can go outside and enjoy nature in a respectful and responsible way. I think that’s what really connects people to the land—encouraging them to care about it and give back,” she says. “I’d love to work with organizations like the Truckee Donner Land Trust that keep open space available.”

In five years, Maeve hopes to be doing hands-on work that keeps her out in the field—learning, growing, and staying connected to the outdoors.

“I hope I’m doing some cool work that I’m excited about and getting outdoors a lot,” she says. “My goal is to not work in an office. I’d love to travel, see new things, and continue learning—even if it’s not in a classroom.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

Gratitude shines through as Maeve reflects on the support that has shaped her journey. The opportunities made possible by the Forest Futures Scholarship have done more than open doors—they’ve affirmed her sense of purpose and belief in what’s possible. She offers her sincere thanks to TTCF for investing in students like her.

She also extends heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Rowe, a trusted advisor whose steady guidance and encouragement played a meaningful role in helping her take this important step forward.

Maeve encourages other students—especially those not taking traditional paths—to explore the many opportunities TTCF offers.

“I would definitely recommend applying for TTCF Community Scholarships,” she says. “I was so impressed by how many scholarships were awarded to such a variety of students. It’s important to know this support is out there and to go for it your senior year.”

*TTCF is a proud supporter of the Sierra Institute and has previously funded P-CREW in grant cycles.