Independence Lake Preserve is an absolute gem in our region. A number of times it was almost developed and turned into a resort and a VIP retreat, but was saved by the Truckee Donner Land Trust in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy.
Date: Friday, August 12th
Time: Arrive at 8:45 a.m. to the meeting place. Decide who wants to car pool. Tour leaves at 9:00 a.m. sharp.
Meeting Place: The Donner Historic Camp Site at Alder Creek. Take highway 89 North, about 2 1/2 miles north of I-80. Look for someone in an orange vest on your right at the Donner Historic Camp Site.
Distance, Difficulty and Duration: The carpool caravan will drive 15 miles north of Truckee on Hwy. 89, taking a left at the Jackson Meadows Reservoir Road turn off. We will then take a left at the Independence Lake sign and travel a dirt road to the Preserve. From the large parking area, we will take a short hike down to the Lake. The day should end about 2 p.m.
Description: From the Lake, people can take turns kayaking, go swimming and hike part way around the Lake (with Nancy), 2.6 miles ones way. Enjoy music, en plein air painting, flora and fauna. Try to plan to return to the beach picnic area by 12:30 p.m. to have lunch with the group (at the Waddle Ranch tour, attendees brought food to share and it was kind of a pop up potluck). During lunch, KV Van Lom, of the Truckee Donner Land Trust, will talk about the ecology and history of the Lake and region.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, bug spray, lunch or snacks, swim suit, and plenty of water. Nice to have: camera, field books, and hiking poles. Be prepared for sun exposure, some shady trails. Sorry, no dogs.
THERE ARE NICE RESTROOM FACILITIES NEAR THE BEACH AREA WHERE THE SILVER KIA SPORTAGE (KV’S CAR) WILL BE PARKED.
Tour Guides: Nancy Lopez, Trails & Vistas, 530-448-3440; K.V. Van Lom, Truckee Donner Land Trust, 530-448-0491.
Please let Nancy know if you need to cancel, as there may be people on the waiting list. Nancy: 530-448-3440