Three Decades of Gathering Community for the Future of Our Watershed

By Addison Wingate, Truckee River Watershed Council Lead Storyteller

For the past 30 years, the Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) has worked hard to ensure our watershed remains healthy and protected for generations to come. Together with our dedicated partners and supporters, we are on the ground making real progress toward a more sustainable, more resilient landscape. In Tahoe Donner’s iconic Euer Valley, historic land use and heavy recreation have impacted several sections of the South Fork of Prosser Creek. Although large reaches of the creek are healthy and well-functioning, TRWC and Tahoe Donner have identified several areas – most notably near Coyote Crossing and Cowboy Crossing – where continued degradation threatens the future of this important valley. In 2025, TRWC completed the first phase of restoration along the South Fork of Prosser Creek in Euer Valley. In addition to repairing and reinforcing habitat in and along the creek itself, we improved eroding roads and constructed a 150-foot bridge and 500-foot boardwalk at Coyote Crossing to protect fragile meadow soils and vegetation. As a result of our work, in-stream habitat is healthier, banks are reinforced, downstream water quality is improved and sensitive meadow habitat is protected.

Just six months after the completion of TRWC’s first phase of restoration in Euer Valley, a 150-foot bridge spans the South Fork of Prosser Creek. Stabilization features in the creek bed allow for equestrian crossings.

This fall, we are continuing our restoration efforts in Euer Valley. The work will take place downstream of Coyote Crossing, improving access for sustainable Careful use of equipment in Euer Valley allows TRWC to recreation and restoring 2,000 feet of stream channel, 4.5 acres of meadow and 1.5 acres of riparian (or water-adjacent) habitat along Prosser Creek. Beyond the numbers, our work is helping protect the plants, animals and people that call this place home. Restoring places like Euer Valley helps build our community’s resiliency against an ever-changing climate landscape. Our work helps to prevent catastrophic wildfires, recharge groundwater stores and restore essential habitat for plants and wildlife. What’s more, we work to ensure these benefits continue far into the future, so future generations can continue to live, work and play in this special place.

We Can’t Do It Alone. Good News Is, We’ve Never Had To!

Since our very first Truckee River Day in 1996, thousands of community members have joined TRWC to ensure the Truckee River watershed is healthy and thriving for years to come. These volunteers have helped us restore sites throughout our watershed, from Donner Summit to the Nevada state line and Little Truckee Summit to Olympic Valley. Last year alone, over 300 passionate volunteers helped to restore nine sites across our watershed, including in Euer Valley.

Careful use of equipment in Euer Valley allows TRWC to restore stream and meadow habitat. This fall, TRWC is facilitating restoration with the help of Tahoe Donner Association and Balance Hydrologics.

Join Us for Truckee River Day

For three decades, Truckee River Day volunteers of all ages have been getting their hands in the dirt and their boots in the water. From planting trees in Tahoe Donner to building beaver dam analogs in Lacey Meadows, these volunteers make a real difference for the future of our watershed. This October, you can join them!
When: Oct. 18, 9AM-2PM
Where: Multiple project sites across the Truckee River watershed
Sign Up: truckeeriverwc.org

Young Truckee River Day volunteers plant native trees to diversify the forest at Sagehen.

Then Celebrate at the Annual River Fair

Join us at a celebration of our Middle Truckee River Watershed! Join TRWC and Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships (SWEP) for art, live music, free food (while it lasts) and environmental education activities. When: Oct. 18, 1-4PM Where: Granite Flat Campground

Get Involved!

There are many ways to get involved with supporting efforts toward maintaining a sustainable community where nature and humanity thrive together. To sign up for our e-news and learn more about TRWC’s work and partnerships, visit the Truckee River Watershed Council website.