Nonnative plants take up space and resources that would otherwise go to native plants, breaking down local ecological connections and food webs. Native birds depend on insects to feed their babies, and many native insects cannot sustain life from nonnative plants they haven’t evolved to eat. Because nonnative plants don’t do as good a job feeding native insects, this leads to less food for baby birds and biodiversity loss in urban and suburban areas.
Read MoreAs late summer approaches, you might notice more news popping up about toxic algae blooms. From Washington to Utah to Vermont, algae blooms were all over the news last summer and this summer’s drought conditions could lead to prime conditions again this year.
Waters across the U.S. are seeing higher incidents of algae blooms, and the Eastern Sierra is no exception. Down south, we saw algae blooms in Crowley Lake near Bishop and Bridgeport Reservoir. In the north, the Truckee River watershed had algae blooms at Virginia Lake in Reno and at Pyramid Lake. These algae blooms prompted local water quality officials and health departments to issue warnings to avoid swimming and recreating in these waterways due to health risks.
Water is our most precious and dwindling natural resource. And here in the high desert, we don’t get much of it. Nevada is the nation’s driest state, “with statewide annual average (1895–2020) precipitation only 10.2 inches. Temperatures in Nevada are 2.4 degrees hotter since the early 20th century and rising still, we will see declines in average annual snowpack, directly affecting our freshwater supply.” (NOAA)
Read MoreSift through the Cal Fire website, and you’ll see at the bottom of the page their offer of a short and to-the-point “2022 Fire Season Outlook.” Doesn’t look very good:
“Extended dryness originating from January is expected to continue into the spring with little precipitation leaving most of the state in moderate to extreme drought conditions prior to summer. These continued dry conditions with above normal temperatures through Spring will leave fuel moisture levels lower than normal, increasing the potential for wildland fire activity.”
If you get to talking with a soil, plant, or farming nerd about their craft there is a solid chance that the terms “soil food web,” “compost tea” or “compost extract” will come up. Though they may sound a bit distasteful, even witchy, they are definitely worth looking into as they provide a great service to plants and soils. Think of them as the ultimate super food for your garden ecosystem.
Read More“Think globally, act locally.” This popular phrase, first coined by Scottish city planner and conservationist Patrick Geddes in 1915, could not be more germane to these times we are living in. Flip on the news and you will undoubtedly learn of the latest environmental catastrophe and its negative impacts: from hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and droughts. It can be overwhelming, to say the least, and can leave one feeling hopeless and helpless when it comes to “saving the environment.”
Read MoreHave you heard of the Keep Tahoe Blue Campaign? If you answered, “Yes”, then you probably also know that one of the pollutants that affects Lake Tahoe’s world-renowned clarity is sediments. But sediments don’t just affect Lake Tahoe. They are also a pollutant of concern throughout the entire Truckee River Watershed and affect the Truckee River too!
Read MoreFall is the time of year when a lot of garden pests try to seek shelter for the winter. Unfortunately, they often consider our homes as an ideal over-wintering option. From mice to spiders to box elder bugs, everyone seems to invade when the temperatures start to drop in the Truckee Meadows.
Read More"All drains lead to the ocean." In the movie Finding Nemo, that phrase meant the little clownfish could be reunited with his dad. Everywhere else, that phrase means anything you put in your sink or, in fact, anywhere at all will eventually find its way to the ocean. Except everywhere doesn't include places like Nevada.
Read more on the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation blog.
As part of Truckee River Month 2021, One Truckee River invited the public to participate in the 2021 Truckee River Photo Contest. The theme was “community,” and photo judges selected photographs that capture the connection our community has to the Truckee River.
Read MorePlease join us for a Truckee River Month celebration of and update on the Truckee River Wayfinding Signage Project.
Read MoreSpring has sprung in the Truckee Meadows!
And since spring wouldn’t be complete without the cheerful chirping of songbirds, what better way to celebrate spring than by taking a moment to talk about providing for our feathered friends in our River-Friendly Landscapes.
Read MoreWhile winter may seem like a slow time for gardening, there’s still plenty to do to keep your landscape River-Friendly. One thing to consider is deicing salts used on icy paths and driveways. While they help melt ice and make our roads and walking surfaces safer during the winter months, they also can harm our pets and the environment.
Read MoreIt’s late winter. You’ve got cabin fever. It may seem like there’s nothing to do in the garden, and you’re anxiously awaiting the warmer days of spring. Well, you can put some of that restless energy into planning your garden for the next year.
Read MoreWe are delighted to announce the ribbon cutting of the first new Portland Loo on August 17, 2020 at 9:00 am at Brodhead Park! Please come and join us to celebrate the Loo's opening. The Portland Loo, River Restroom Project, evolved out of the One Truckee River Management Plan, Phase I that was developed over the course of many years with multiple Government, nonprofit, local businesses, and residents’ input and insight.
Read MoreWe're incredibly thankful to the folks at the Galena Creek Visitors Center for putting together these awesome resources for Truckee River Month! Make sure to check out their video on our Facebook page.
Read MoreThanks to friends of OTR, Mike White and Mark Vollmer, we will be highlighting a Truckee River trail from their book “50 Best Strolls, Walks, and Hikes Around Reno” each week in May. Their book is available for purchase online at Sundance Book Store.
Read MoreBrought to you by the Reno Bike Project Since group riding is currently discouraged, we wanted to encourage you to try some new rides on your own and look forward to the joyous events of Bike Month 2020, which will take place in September.
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