The Land Trust is busy year-round working on conservation projects, holding events, organizing hikes, trailbuilding, recreational outings, and building the Donner Lake Rim Trail. Please check back often to read about our conservation progress in the news and view our updated calendar of events.

Newly Acquired

Martis Creek Estates

In spring of 2011, the Land Trust closed on this 122-acre property off State Route 267 across from the entrance to Northstar-at-Tahoe™. Known as Martis Creek Estates, the name of a planned subdivision. The Middle Fork of Martis Creek, a year round stream, runs for nearly a mile through the property. While the property is mostly Jeffrey Pine forest, it does provide riparian and aquatic habitat and has a functioning wet meadow. Key partners in the acquisition include the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, The Northern Sierra Partnership, Mountain Area Preservation Foundation, Sierra Watch, and East West Partners.

donner summit Canyon

In partnership with California State Parks, the Land Trust acquired 260 acres in Summit Canyon west of Donner Lake and immediately below Donner Summit. The project is the number one priority for State Parks Sierra District and is of statewide significance. Once acquired, the acreage property will be added to Donner Memorial State Park for the public to enjoy. The project includes Summit Creek and the confluence of Summit Creek and Billy Mack Canyon Creek. Combined, these creeks are the largest tributaries to Donner Lake. Along with 360 acres the Land Trust has already protected in the watershed, over 11,000 linear feet of Billy Mack Canyon Creek and 5,000 linear feet of Summit Creek will be protected within a total of 764 acres and nearly three miles of riparian corridor.

How to access Summit Canyon for great hiking and mountain biking: Heading towards the West end of Donner Lake, go past South Shore Drive and up Old Hwy 40. Make a left 400 feet past the winter closure gate into the parking area.