Dear Truckee River Supporter,

How have you been enjoying and caring the Truckee River this winter? We surveyed our community last fall – and now we’re sharing the results! We’re also diving into our recommendations of 3 riverbank parks we know you’ll appreciate, an upcoming event to meet us at, and tips to protect your home from wildfire while protecting our watershed.

Here’s what’s inside January’s newsletter:

1. Explore the Truckee River: Find Your New Favorite Truckee River Park

2. 2025 Community Survey: The Results are In!

3. Firescaping: Growing Safer Yards

4. Upcoming Event: Philanthropy in Practice Pitch Showcase

Looking for a new way to get out and about along the Truckee River? Exploring a new park is one of our favorite ways to make the most of a warm winter afternoon. While many of us already have our favorite spots to recreate and relax along the Truckee, there’s nothing like finding a new strip of riverbank and appreciating our river from a fresh angle.

From picnic areas to playgrounds, walking paths to fishing holes, we’re fortunate to have such a huge variety of shoreline parks right here in town! These parks are great to enjoy on their own, as well as to use as jumping off points for longer walking, running, and biking journeys along the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail – the path connecting all three of the parks below.

Check out our latest blog to get to know 3 new places to venture along the Truckee River this winter!

Last fall, we asked our readers to share their input on how they enjoy and care for the Truckee River – and how they’d like to see it improved. Over 200 of you replied to our survey and we were so excited to see it. What did the survey show?

Click the link below to review our findings.

Firescaping is designing our yards to increase our homes’ and properties’ resilience to wildfire. By planning ahead, we don’t just protect ourselves – but reduce the potential for wildfire ignition, which can negatively impact the Truckee River’s water quality after a burn.

Are you ready to think about firescaping? Planning on making improvements to your yard this spring? Here’s a few ideas to keep in mind:

1. Evaluate your fire risk. Fires burn faster up slopes, so you’ll want to be extra-cautious if you live on a hill. Consider which direction the winds typically come from and create more defensible space on that side of your home.

2. Pick fire-smart plants. Drought-tolerant herbaceous perennials that stay green throughout the summer are great choices. In contrast, coniferous trees hold little water and should be avoided within 30’ of your home. 

3. Stay on top of maintenance. Trim branches hanging over your home, remove dead branches from trees and shrubs, and pull and dispose of dry grasses and weeds.

4. Looking for fire-smart native plants? Consider currants, yarrow, penstemon, serviceberry, lupine, and goldenrod!

Come hear OTR Executive Director Iris Jehle-Peppard pitch at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s upcoming event! February 12th, 5:30-8pm at the National Automobile Museum.

The Philanthropy in Practice Pitch Showcase is an inspiring evening where local nonprofit leaders will take the stage to share their missions, impact, and fundraising vision.

This interactive event will spotlight One Truckee River and other nonprofit organizations that have strengthened their fundraising strategies, impact storytelling, and donor engagement skills. Attendees will hear brief, compelling pitches, connect with community leaders, and play a role in helping elevate and invest in effective, mission-driven work happening across Northern Nevada.

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.