Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association
Educating and inspiring people about Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Public Lands through interpretive products, exhibits, and programs.
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As one of the oldest nonprofits in the region, the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) was established in 1970 by visionary citizens interested in helping the U.S. Forest Service provide interpretive education relevant to the unique surrounding landscape, sharing with the public the importance of the Sierra public lands. ESIA became one of the first independent organizations in the United States to operate under a Participating Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for educational purposes. In 1971 ESIA received its nonprofit 501(c)3 status. Today, ESIA’s ongoing agency partnerships include the Inyo National Forest, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Tahoe National Forest, Death Valley National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, Manzanar National Historic Site, and the Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office.
National Forest Service Partners
- Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center (Lone Pine) – Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- White Mountain Public Lands Information Center (Bishop) – Open Tuesday through Saturday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed for lunch 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Schulman Grove Visitor Center (Bristlecone) – Closed for the season, Opening date TBD
- Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center (Mammoth Lakes) – Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed for lunch 12:00 pm -12:30 pm
- Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center (Lee Vining) – Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Tahoe National Forest Ranger Station locations (Camptonville, Nevada City, Foresthill, Sierraville, and Truckee) – Open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Humboldt-Toiyabe Ranger Station (Austin, Bridgeport, Carson, Sparks, and Tonopah) – Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
National Park Service Partners
- Devils Postpile National Monument – Closed for the Season.
- Manzanar National Historic Site visitor center and bookstore – open daily from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Our online store is always open for you to purchase books and other items for gifts, reading, and to support planning for your future travel to the Sierra Nevada. Our membership and donation program provides a discount for purchases and further supports ESIA.
Our Mission/Our Vision
Our mission is to educate and inspire people about Sierra Nevada and Great Basin public lands through high quality interpretive products, exhibits, and programs.
Become a Member
The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is dedicated to forging strong emotional and intellectual bonds between the Sierra Nevada and visitors of this broad region.
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Our Values 
Support and work closely with our public agency partners
Collaborate with our non-profit to achieve better outcomes.
Provide outstanding customer service
Encourage diversity in our program planning and implementation
Provide leadership in demonstrating professional interpretation in the Eastern Sierra
Act with integrity and fairness in all we do
Communicate openly and frequently both inside and outside our organization
Ensure financial responsibility and accountability
Show respect for everyone we encounter
Build and maintain a satisfying and fun work environment
UPCOMING EVENTS 
