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The Dixie Fire Memorial Scholarship

Featured Donor: John Shower

My professional journey has always been focused on promoting healthy ecosystems. With a Master's degree in Field Biology and Ecology, I have had the privilege of traveling both domestically and internationally, of observing firsthand the profound effects of human actions on the environment. I’ve witnessed the positive outcomes of places where care is taken to foster ecosystem health, as well as the devastating consequences of environmental abuse.

My late partner, Marty, and I shared deep concerns about the growing imbalance between human activity and environmental sustainability. We both felt strongly that urgent action was needed to restore this balance. After Marty’s tragic passing in a vehicle accident, I knew it was time to move beyond mere observation. It became clear that I needed to contribute more directly to reversing the environmental damage we had witnessed, and to live in a way that actively minimizes harm to our planet. It was no longer just about talking; it was time for action.

Years later, when our home was destroyed in the Dixie Fire, I received a settlement that provided the financial means to finally put my plans into motion. Both Marty and I have always valued education, believing it to be vital in achieving meaningful environmental change. Given this, the idea of creating a scholarship foundation to support students focused on ecosystem restoration and sustainability felt like a natural and impactful next step.

Our vision is to establish a scholarship trust fund that will provide annual scholarships from the interest earned, while preserving the principal in perpetuity. The initial donation of $100,000 is aimed at raising an additional $400,000 or more to ensure long-term impact. This fund will support students who are passionate about restoring and protecting the environment, with a particular focus on those affected by the Dixie Fire.

Plumas County, where we live, is a rural, economically challenged community that was hit hard by the Dixie Fire. We believe this scholarship can help provide opportunities for local students to pursue education in fields related to ecosystem restoration, which is vital for the recovery of our region. While the scholarship will be available to students nationwide, we are especially committed to helping students from Plumas County—those most affected by the fire and the loss of our natural landscapes.

Fortuitously, Feather River College, our local community college, offers a program that aligns perfectly with our mission. While scholarships are open to any student from any educational institution, Feather River College students will be prioritized, benefiting both our community and the college. By creating this scholarship, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders, while also helping to restore the balance between human development and the health of our planet.