From the Desk of the Executive Director: Looking back at 2022 and toward 2023
Late fall hikes on land you and I protected together offer me an opportunity to reflect, with gratitude, on all that we’ve accomplished in the last year.
As I walk through Lacey Meadow, it reminds me of how important open space is for our region’s ecology and its natural resources, and I’m grateful for its beauty.
Looking over lands protected by the Land Trust from Frog Lake Cliff, photo by Simon Williams.
And as I stand atop Frog Lake Cliff, looking across neighboring ridges and valleys, I think about how each project builds on the one before. One connects lands for migrating wildlife, another protects the headwaters of a mountain stream.
I’m thankful to follow a new trail through pristine forests above Frog Lake, open to the public for the first time. Passing other people out enjoying the trail, I am amazed by the effort each campaign required from thousands of supporters. And that’s when I am most grateful for you, your energy, your passion, and your generosity.
Please continue partnering with the Land Trust in this important work to protect and enjoy, for nature, for people, forever, by donating today. Your gift will help preserve tens of thousands of more acres, build miles of trails, and care for the land for generations to come.
Together we’ve protected more than 40,000 acres – but what does that number really look like? It’s bigger than Bryce Canyon National Park, and a bit smaller than Acadia National Park. It’s one third larger than Pinnacles National Park.
The Land Trust completed more than 100 unique land transactions to reach 40,000 acres. Each of those deals were made possible only with the generosity of our supporters over the last 32 years.
Those 40,000 acres are spread out among existing conserved properties, filling in gaps between land protected by the U.S. Forest Service and California State Parks. All that adds up to a large portion of the northern Sierra preserved for wildlife, forest health, and outdoor recreation.
Just counting acres, however, doesn’t do justice to the gold-orange glow of sunrise hitting Black Wall, or the calls of the sandhill cranes echoing across Webber Lake. Instead, those numbers amplify the countless adventures you enjoy with friends and family in your favorite wild places.
There are still many acres to protect, miles of trail to build, and treasured moments left to enjoy. I hope you’ll continue supporting this important work. Please help us care for the northern Sierra by making a gift to the Truckee Donner Land Trust today.
Your generosity has a multiplying effect for conservation in the Truckee-Donner region. In 2022, your giving was bolstered by local, state, and federal funders to provide care for more than 800 acres of forests over the coming years. This work will help improve habitat and increase wildfire resilience.
Your support was the catalyst for our partner organizations to initiate the restoration of two major meadow systems this year – Van Norden and Lacey meadows. And your passion was matched by the dedication of 240 volunteers who worked on Land Trust properties and trails, stewarding them for all to enjoy, forever.
Van Norden Meadow is being restored on Donner Summit, thanks to you.
Your gift made in the final months of this year enables the Land Trust to pursue the next critical acquisition. To respond to changing forest health needs. To care for our trails after the coming winter’s storms.
Please make a year-end gift today as we pursue conservation and stewardship success in 2023 and beyond. Your gift makes a significant impact on our region, and I am so thankful for it.
As I look back on this year and the 31 years before it, I am so appreciative for your support. I’m grateful for the beautiful, irreplaceable lands we’ve protected together. And I look forward to all that we can continue to achieve for the Truckee Donner region in the future.
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Truckee Donner Land Trust, thank you for your continued generosity. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with memorable time in the great outdoors.
With warm regards,
John Svahn, Executive Director