Make Every Day Earth Day in Tahoe Donner

By CYNTHIA CENDREDA

Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate 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. This year, Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22. While Earth Day is a once-a-year global celebration, there are many ways to honor it locally and make an impact daily. Consider practicing sustainability right here in Tahoe Donner.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Bike or Walk Along Truckee’s Paved Path System. The Trout Creek Trail is a paved path that connects Tahoe Donner to downtown Truckee. This 1.5-mile one-way trail (three miles out and back) with a moderate slope provides both a scenic and convenient pathway to the historic downtown area. It is ideal for families on foot, with strollers or on bikes. From downtown Truckee, access over 26 miles of additional paved paths throughout the area! For more information on the Town of Truckee’s incredible trails, visit townoftruckee.com/government/ truckee-trails-and-bikeways.

Utilize Public Transportation in the Truckee Area. While the TART bus route does not include Tahoe Donner, several bus stops are located at the bottom of Northwoods Boulevard within walking and biking distance of the neighborhood. Busses are also equipped with racks that can fit up to three bikes per bus on a firstcome, first-served basis. To learn more about the TART regional transit program, visit tahoetruckeetransit.com.

Eat Locally-Grown Produce and Meats in Tahoe Donner. Truckee has two terrific farmers markets in the summer – one on Saturday mornings in Downtown Truckee and the other in Regional Park on Tuesday morning – as well as several shops that specialize in organic and locally-grown foods. Tahoe Donner’s restaurants – The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Alder Creek Cafe and Pizza on the Hill – also all incorporate fresh and locally-sourced meats and produce into their dishes whenever they can. Next time you stop in for a bite, make it a point to ask for local menu options.

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 (keeptruckeegreen.com), various opt-in services are made 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 tahoedonner.com/waste-changes.

Maintain Defensible Space Around Your Property. Compliance with Tahoe Donner’s defensible space and land 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 important natural resources and biodiversity in the landscape. To learn more about defensible space practices and Tahoe Donner’s land management practices, visit tahoedonner.com/defensible-space.

ENJOY TAHOE DONNER TRAILS AND OPEN SPACES

Volunteer with Tahoe Donner’s Trail Crew and Other Groups. Tahoe Donner is home to some of the most stunning trails in the Truckee area. Work alongside the trail crew to improve and maintain the trail network, including building new singletrack, clearing downed trees, putting up signs and more. Additionally, groups like the TD Hiking Club and Friends of TD Trails coordinate volunteer events. Visit tahoedonner.com/volunteer to learn more about upcoming opportunities and sign up to volunteer today!

Ditch Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles and Snack Packaging. While water and snacks are essential for a day on the trails, single use plastic water bottles and packaging for energy bars and chips are often among the litter found on trails and in creeks and streams. To reduce the amount of trash ending up in natural spaces, opt for reusable water bottles and snack containers and securely pack out any wrappers you do have.

Pick up After Your Pets! Furry family members shouldn’t miss out on the fun on trails, but if they do need to relieve themselves, make sure to pick up after your pets and pack it out or dispose of in designated waste bins. 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.