Dear Truckee River Supporter,

This fall, we’re excited to have so many amazing opportunities to appreciate and protect the Truckee River! Starting at home – we encourage you to take a seasonal look at your irrigation system as you get ready for the upcoming first freeze. Then, get to know a new section of the Truckee River by participating in an educational event, planting trees alongside our Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce, or taking a self-guided Burning Man Art Walk along the river. As you read through this newsletter, you’ll also learn more about our Workforce crew member, Joe Roybal and Sky Hart, our new Outreach Coordinator.

This Month's Newsletter Includes:

1. River Friendly Yards: Winterizing Your Irrigation System

2. Meet Sky Hart, OTR’s Outreach Coordinator

3. Burning Man Art: Taking a Stroll Along the Truckee River

4. Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce Program: With Crew Member Joe Roybal

5. OTR’s Upcoming Events

6. Support Our Work? Consider Donation to One Truckee River 

Have you made a plan to winterize your home's irrigation system? By winterizing your irrigation system, you'll remove all water from inside its pipes, so it doesn't freeze and expand. Winterization also includes disconnecting and turning off your home's outside water for the season ahead. Depending on the type of system you've set up and your personal level of DIY-aptitude, you might feel comfortable taking on winterization yourself - but it's often easier to hire a professional who already owns all the tools they'll need.

According to Megan Andrews, QWEL certified professional and Commercial Horticulture Program Coordinator at UNR Extension, "maintaining your irrigation system isn't just a garden chore, but a sustainability act. Making sure your system is running efficiently will help conserve water, reduce runoff and protect our natural resources - including the Truckee River!"

Here's Andrews' top tips to keep in mind - and information about a FREE upcoming TMWA Workshop about how to winterize your yard!

Whether you live, work, or spend time along the urban stretch of the Truckee River – or simply want to lend a hand – we can’t wait to see you at one of our upcoming events! Starting this fall, One Truckee River is hosting a series of volunteer days, river-education walks, and community workshops.

Coming up soon: We’re planting trees with the Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce Program on October 11th and learning about wildlife with the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance on October 25th. 

“I’m excited for everybody who comes out, helps out, and learns more about the Truckee River and the innovative work that’s being done to protect it,” expresses Sky Hart, Outreach Coordinator for One Truckee River, in coordination with the Truckee River Community Advisory Team. “Volunteering is a fun way to get to connect with our neighbors while making a real difference in our community and for our river.”

Keep reading to hear more from Hart about what’s in store, why these events matter, and what motivated them to get involved in protecting our river.

As the gateway to Burning Man, Reno has proudly embraced its culture - with dozens of temporary and permanent art installations throughout the heart of the city and along the Truckee River. These art installations, created by artists from around the world, enrich Reno's cultural scene and support local artists' careers while fostering community spirit and encouraging public participation. 

Have you been curious about Burning Man but haven't had the chance to attend? When it comes to Burning Man, there’s so much to explore right here in town, along the shores of the Truckee River.

“When I was homeless, I lived by the Truckee River for a little while. It was a big resource ,” Joe shares. “Now, I have an opportunity to give back what I got from the river – and I’m so grateful for it.”

As a crew member on our Truckee River Urban Tree (TRUT) Workforce Program, Joe Roybal is protecting and increasing wildlife habitat along the Truckee River by planting native trees and replacing and improving above ground irrigation systems. All of his work, alongside the other crew members, is improving the riverbanks along the Truckee in Nevada. The program not only conducts restorative vegetation management, but provides meaningful professional experiences, helps develop participants’ skillsets, and gives career support to individuals with barriers to employment. In short, Joe gets an opportunity to make the Truckee River a better place while working to turn his life around.

October 11, 2025: Tree Planting Volunteer Day with the Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce, John Champion Memorial Park, 10am-12pm

October 25, 2025: Bird & Wildlife Walk with OTR & Northern Nevada Bird Alliance, Fisherman’s Park #1 10am-12pm

November 8, 2025: Tree Planting Volunteer Day with the Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce, John Champion Memorial Park, 10am-12pm

One Truckee River’s mission is to work towards a healthier, thriving, and sustainable river connected to the heart and minds of its community.

At One Truckee River, we only email sporadically. To stay up to date on the latest news along the gem of our region, the Truckee River, give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.