Celebrate Earth Day With Daily Acts
Alder Creek Adventure Center, Alder Creek Cafe, Association News, Bikeworks, Forestry, Member News, Pizza on the Hill, The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, TrailsEarth 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.
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.
Shop CSA + 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.
Additionally, the Northwoods Clubhouse is a pickup location for Mountain Bounty Farms’ Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share program, with boxes that include local and organic fruit, vegetables, flowers and mushrooms! While currently on hold for the winter season, CSA delivery to Tahoe Donner will resume in late spring and continue through the fall. For more information on Mountain Bounty Farm, visit their website.
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.
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.
Click here for details about 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.