Conservation & Stewardship

Yellow wildflowers in front of a snowy mountain and a clear blue sky.
Two kids swinging from a tree with a scenic mountain and lake view.

Protecting the Wild for Future Generations

The natural beauty that draws visitors to Truckee doesn’t stay wild by accident. It takes active care, collaboration, and community responsibility to preserve these forests, watersheds, and wildlife habitats for years to come.

In Truckee-Tahoe, conservation isn’t just a job for scientists—it’s something every visitor, local, and outdoor enthusiast can be part of.

What We're Protecting

  • Forests – Home to iconic Sierra trees like Jeffrey pine and quaking aspen, Truckee’s forests play a critical role in climate resilience, water storage, and wildlife habitat.
  • Watersheds – The Truckee River system sustains both local biodiversity and downstream communities in Nevada.
  • Wildlife – From endangered Sierra Nevada red foxes to migrating songbirds, the region’s animals depend on protected, connected habitats.
  • Trails & Recreation Zones – Popular outdoor spaces must be maintained and stewarded to remain safe, accessible, and ecologically sound.

Local Leaders in Conservation

Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT)

TDLT has protected nearly 40,000 acres of land and created new trails, campgrounds, and nature preserves—including Webber Lake, Waddle Ranch, and Donner Summit Canyon.
truckeedonnerlandtrust.org

Truckee River Watershed Council

From planting native vegetation to stabilizing stream banks, TRWC helps keep the Truckee River clean, flowing, and full of life.
truckeeriverwc.org

BEAR League

A volunteer-run nonprofit promoting education and prevention to reduce human-bear conflicts and keep bears wild. They operate a 24-hour hotline for bear issues.
savebears.org

Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS)

TINS offers birding walks, school programs, and citizen science events that connect people to nature and monitor wildlife health.
tinsweb.org

Starry sky with Milky Way; person holding flashlight in a field.

How You Can Help

Every visit makes a difference. Here’s how to make yours a positive one:

  • Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect fragile plant life.
  • Pack out all trash, including food scraps and biodegradable items.
  • Use bear-safe storage when camping or picnicking.
  • Avoid picking wildflowers or disturbing wildlife.
  • Respect closures and restoration zones.
  • Volunteer or donate to a local conservation nonprofit.
  • Take the Truckee-Tahoe Traveler Responsibility Pledge.

The future of these landscapes depends on the choices we make today.