You are the Truckee Donner Land Trust

As spring reaches the Sierra I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished together – 40,000 acres of beautiful mountains, forests and streams protected, 45 miles of trails to enjoy, and restored woodlands and meadows for a healthier Sierra. Today, I find myself thinking about the reason we’ve been able to achieve all that: YOU.

The people of the Land Trust are the true strength behind this organization’s success. From our generous and passionate donors to our dedicated staff, from our driven board to our stalwart volunteers – each of you have your own reasons and motivations for helping the Land Trust. And you come together united for one goal: To protect and enjoy open space for nature, for people, forever.

Winston Crawford at Frog Lake

For Winston Crawford, the motivation to support the Land Trust came from his beliefs in open space preservation. “I think the notion of making these beautiful places accessible while also protecting them resonates with a lot of people,” Crawford said. “The Land Trust has a level of interactivity and commitment to working with people like me that really shows you’re trying to move the needle.”

I hope you see that same value in the Land Trust’s work. Your support helps the Truckee Donner Land Trust prioritize the protection of tens of thousands of acres more of open space while opening them to the public. Please donate today to build on all that we’ve done together.

The people of the Land Trust – you, your friends, neighbors, family, and colleagues – ensure this important work continues. From the hundreds of volunteers that take to our lands and trails each summer, to our partnering agencies and nonprofits, you all play a role in bringing your unique skillsets to bear on the challenges that face our world.

Headwaters Science Institute Executive Director Meg Seifert uses Land Trust properties as a living classroom to connect underserved youth with the outdoors and provide hands-on access to the sciences.

Meg Seifert

“The Land Trust is an incredible partner and bringing our kids to these lands that so many people came together to save is meaningful,” Seifert said. “I love  that the Land Trust recognizes that this kind of program is important.”

Your generous gift today will help the Land Trust continue to protect high mountain peaks and lush green meadows. Your support opens these places to the public both for your enjoyment, and for the benefit of future generations like Seifert’s students. We hope you’ll help us continue this important work with a gift today.   

You also lend your voice to the Land Trust’s work, garnering support for conservation and recreation. Geoff and Barbara Griffin have been deeply involved in the Land Trust for many years, advocating on behalf of the Land Trust’s mission with friends, colleagues, and even strangers out on the trail.

Barbera and Geoff Griffin at Royal Gorge

“We find ourselves talking up the Land Trust, whether we’re on a chairlift skiing or at a social gathering,” Barbara said.

“All you have to do is just get somebody out on the land the Land Trust has protected, and they’re going to be impressed,” Geoff added, who also served as a board member for the Land Trust.

Please make a gift in support of the Truckee Donner Land Trust today to ensure more acres are permanently protected for wildlife, for forest health and for the watersheds we all depend on. Your donation will help ensure the Land Trust can continue to care for the lands you have helped us preserve, together.

Whether you’re an ardent supporter who comes back year after year, or a new donor inspired by one of our recent projects, I cannot thank you enough. And I know the Board and Staff feel the same. There wouldn’t be a Truckee Donner Land Trust without you.

You ensure people can experience pristine meadows and streams in Lower Carpenter Valley, camp at Webber Lake, and trace the peaks and ridges above Donner’s blue waters on the Donner Lake Rim Trail. Thank you for believing in the possibilities of these magnificent places and helping to protect them.

While I think it is important to reflect on the past, I hope you will join me in looking to the future. To the next landscape to be conserved. To a new favorite trail. And together, we can work together to ensure that the Sierra Nevada we all love can remain beautiful and continue to inspire our children and generations to come.

The snow is rapidly melting, and I hope you’re looking forward to getting out on the land this summer as much as I am. Land Trust staff are always eager to talk about open space and trails – please send an email or give us a call to talk about your next adventures in the Truckee Donner area. Thank you for supporting the Truckee Donner Land Trust!

With Warm Regards,

John Svahn, Executive Director

P.S. On behalf of the board and staff of the Land Trust, I thank you for all you’ve done, and look forward to all we have yet to accomplish together. With your gift, you will be joining me in building on the amazing accomplishments of the last few decades into the future.

Greyson Howard