Celebrate Earth Day With Daily Acts

Earth Day is an annual event demonstrating commitment to environmental protection and stewardship. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, with a nationwide rally organized by former Wisconsin State Senator Gaylord Anton Nelson. Within the year, the U.S. government established the Environmental Protection Agency, and by 1990, Earth Day became an international event recognized by more than 140 countries around the world.

While Earth Day is a once-a-year global celebration, there are many ways to make an impact daily. Consider the following ways to practice sustainability right here in Tahoe Donner.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Bike or Walk Along Truckee’s Paved Path System to Downtown Truckee

The Trout Creek Trail is a paved pathway that connects Tahoe Donner to downtown Truckee. This 1.5-mile one-way trail (three miles out and back) with a moderate slope provides a scenic, convenient and car-free route to the historic downtown area and is ideal for families on foot, with strollers or on bikes. From downtown, access over 26 miles of additional paved paths throughout the Truckee area! For more information on the Town of Truckee’s incredible trails, click here.

The Town has also recently launched a pedal-assist electric bike share program in partnership with BCycle LLC. There are various docking stations conveniently located around town that allow locals, visitors, and commuters to rent bikes to meet their daily travel needs. To learn more and find the station nearest you, download the BCycle App.

Take Advantage of Free Transportation with TART Bus Routes + TART Connect

The successful microtransit pilot program from Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) provides free, on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation within defined areas, including Tahoe Donner and the greater Truckee area. With expanded services throughout Tahoe’s North Shore communities, utilize the shuttle service in combination with TART busses for safe and convenient area-wide public transportation.

Click here to learn more about the TART regional transit program.

Choose Locally-Grown Produce and Meat Options Tahoe Donner

Did you know that Tahoe Donner’s restaurants – The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Alder Creek Cafe and Pizza on the Hill – incorporate fresh and locally sourced meats and produce in their offerings when they can? The next time you stop in for a bite, make it a point to ask for local menu options. Visit tahoedonner.com/dining to learn more about dining in Tahoe Donner.

REDUCE WASTE + MAINTAIN DEFENSIBLE SPACE

Properly Dispose of Trash, Recycling and Yard/Green Waste

Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal provides weekly curbside pickup of trash and blue-bag recycling. Additionally, in partnership with Keep Truckee Green, various opt-in services are available for residents to conveniently and properly dispose of waste, including recycling and green waste rolling carts, green waste dumpsters and large item scheduled curbside pickup. Familiarize yourself with the trash schedule and waste and recycling services by visiting Tahoe Donner’s dedicated waste management page here.

The Green Waste Pickup Program starts May 5 and runs through October 12. Neatly cut and stack any shrubs, tree limbs or trees up to 8 inches in diameter and leave them on the curbside in an open area with at least 3 feet of clearance. You must make a reservation online through the Truckee Fire Protection District, which manages curbside pickup through Measure T Funding.

Maintain Defensible Space Around Your Property

Compliance with Tahoe Donner’s defensible space and forestry management guidelines helps protect against the threat of wildfire and keeps forests healthy. In cleaning and maintaining a perimeter around your property free of excess forest and household debris, you can contribute to ongoing forest restoration efforts that preserve critical natural resources and biodiversity in the landscape.

To learn more about Tahoe Donner’s forestry management and defensible space practices, click here.

Ditch Single-Use Food + Drink Containers

Beginning this year, all food establishments in Truckee will charge a $.25 fee for disposable cups and food containers provided for to-go orders. Save money and help reduce landfill waste by bringing your own reusable drinkware and take-out containers when dining out. Visit Keep Truckee Green for more information on this new ordinance.

ENJOY TAHOE DONNER TRAILS + OPEN SPACES

Volunteer with Tahoe Donner’s Trail Crew

Tahoe Donner is home to some of the most stunning trails in the Truckee area. On Stewardship Days, work alongside the trail crew to improve and maintain the trail network, including building new singletrack, clearing downed trees, putting up signs and more. You can also attend various land management webinars, project site visits and educational tours to learn more about the work done to preserve and protect the community’s open spaces and ecosystems.

There are two events planned for April:

On Friday, April 25, take a guided hike with Tahoe Donner’s Forestry Manager around McGlashan Springs, where you’ll learn about local trees and past + present forestry projects.

Then, on Saturday, April 26, celebrate Trails Day with a fun meet-and-greet along the Trout Creek paved bike path—hosted by the Tahoe Donner Trails & Open Space Committee in partnership with Rails to Trails!

Click here to register for the events and for details about other upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Pick up After Your Pets!

Furry family members shouldn’t miss out on the fun on trails, but if they need to relieve themselves, make sure to pick up after your pets and pack their waste out. Dog waste bags do not decompose, and research suggests that even biodegradable ones do not break down fast enough to leave on the trails. Please carry out your dog’s waste to keep the trails clean and healthy.