DONNER TRUCKEE LAND TRUST

Photo Courtesty Truckee Donner Land Trust

 When people fall in love with Truckee, it's rarely just because of the homes. It's the miles of forested trails, wildflower-filled meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and breathtaking Sierra views that make this mountain town unlike anywhere else.

What many don't realize is that much of this landscape has been protected through the work of the Tahoe Donner Land Trust. Since 1990, the nonprofit has helped preserve the places that define the Truckee lifestyle by:

• Protecting more than 40,000 acres of forests, meadows, rivers, and mountain landscapes.
• Creating and maintaining public trails for hiking, biking and year-round recreation.
• Managing Webber Lake Campground, one of the region's most scenic outdoor destinations
• Conserving wildlife habitat and working landscapes for future generations
• Connecting the community to nature through education, stewardship, and conservation programs.

How to Help: You help keeps the Truckee Donner region a special place to live, work and visit for generations to come. Volunteer, Adopt-A-Quarter-Mile, Donate and more!

PROTECTING 45,000+ ACRES 

The Tahoe Donner Land Trust's story began in 1990 when the beautiful Coldstream Valley near Donner Lake faced the threat of logging. A small group of residents rallied together, raising $150,000 to purchase the first 160 acres. Their vision launched what has become one of California's most successful land conservation organizations. 

INTERACTIVE MAP

Place your cursor over the map for pop-up information about Land Trust properties, and click the links in the pop-ups to learn more about individual lands and trails.

 PRESERVING MARTIS VALLEY

One of the Land Trust's most significant accomplishments has been preserving the beautiful Martis Valley corridor. Through projects including Waddle Ranch and Hopkins Ranch, these spectacular meadows and forests along Highway 267 remain open instead of becoming densely developed

Photo Courtesy by Douglas Devore

4,500 ACRES OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER 

One of the Tahoe Donner Land Trust's landmark achievements was protecting more than 4,500 acres along the Truckee River Corridor and Gray Creek Canyon. These landscapes preserve critical wildlife habitat, safeguard the region's watershed, and ensure that some of Truckee's most spectacular natural areas remain protected from future development. 

  LEGACY OF DONNER STATE MEMORIAL PARK 

Beginning in 1995, this has protected more than 2,100 acres across iconic landscapes including Schallenberger Ridge, Coldstream Canyon, Summit Canyon, Emigrant Canyon, and Lakeview Canyon — preserving scenic trails, wildlife habitat, and historic landscapes while creating one of the Sierra Nevada's largest state parks. 

Photo Courtesy by Tahoe Guide

FROG LAKE HUTS

The Land Trust's conservation work continues today with the protection of Donner Summit, Lower Carpenter Valley — known as the "Secret Garden of the Sierra" — and nearly 3,000 acres surrounding Frog Lake, Red Mountain, and Carpenter Ridge. 

These remarkable landscapes now provide year-round opportunities for hiking, backcountry recreation, and wildlife viewing while remaining protected for generations to come

Photo Courtesy by Donner Truckee Land Trust

2025 ANNUAL LAND TRUST REPORT

In 2025, the Truckee Donner Land Trust continued its mission to preserve the landscapes, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation that define our region. 

• 25,000+ Acres Stewarded
• 50+ Miles of Trails Maintained
• 2,050 Acres of Forest Restoration

The Land Trust celebrated the permanent conservation of 110 acres atop Jackass Ridge, protecting one of the scenic gateways into Truckee while helping safeguard forest health, wildlife habitat, and the views that make our community so special.

With over 20+ years of local expertise, over $2.5 billion in sales volume, and deep community connections, Alison is your trusted resource for everything real estate in Tahoe-Truckee. Contact Alison today! 

 LIVE IT. LOVE IT. TAHOE.