Casey Mentzer, Treatment Plant Director at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility, oversees the processing of 30 million gallons of wastewater per day – as it’s treated to level of water quality that can be safely reintroduced back into our environment, into the Truckee River. “How does all of that work?” you might ask. After all, wastewater management is an all-too-necessary aspect of our lives that most of us prefer to think very little about.

“I’d really like to find a job either in a nursery or working as an arborist on a tree crew,” Gaetano Zorzi began. “The Workforce Program has given me valuable experience. It’s been a great opportunity to talk to the people who do this work on a daily basis – and learn from them. Now, I understand what would be required of me in these roles. I’ve built the skillset I’ll need to be a strong applicant.” 

Partner Feature: By participating in Trout in the Classroom, a program run by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1000+ students get to raise rainbow trout from eggs, learning about their lifecycles before releasing them into the Truckee River. Teachers choose to participate, and 70 classrooms in our region and 40 classrooms in Reno are a part of the program.

Looking for a new way to enjoy 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. Keep reading to get to know 3 new places to venture along the Truckee River this winter.

The results are in! 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. Here are our top findings:

In September 2024, we launched the One Truckee River Workforce Program. For just over a year, we’ve been pairing restorative vegetation management efforts along the Truckee River with workforce development, engaging people in our community in recovery. What does that look like? And what have we accomplished in our first 16-months since launching the Program? Keep reading for a sum-up - season by season - of our accomplishments to-date, what’s in store for the year to come, and how YOU can get involved!

What’s your favorite thing about the Truckee River? From recreation to restoration, wildlife to wildflowers, it was tough for us to pick just 10. Check out year-end list!

In the aftermath of the 2024 Gold Ranch Fire, One Truckee River has been working alongside our partners to restore and stabilize the burn areas along the Truckee River – reducing the risk of erosion and sedimentation. Today, we’re excited to announce the extension of this project, with funding approved for Phase II! Here’s what we’ve accomplished - and what’s next - in the Gold Ranch burn area.

Spending time with community along the Truckee River is one of our favorite ways to protect it. Thank you to everyone who made it out this fall for our volunteer days and educational walks! Together, we’ve been planting trees, learning about native plants, and identifying local wildlife. Here’s a recap of OTR’s fall events.

Is your yard ready for winter? Here in Northern Nevada, it can feel like there’s a lot to think about in taking care of our homes and yards. This season, we invite you to prep for the cold season with the Truckee River in mind. From pest prevention to tree planting, adding natives to our gardens to protecting our homes from fire, this is the perfect time of year to take a closer look at your yard.

Have you made a plan to winterize your home's irrigation system? By winterizing your irrigation system, you'll remove all water from inside its pipes, so it doesn't freeze and expand. Winterization also includes disconnecting and turning off your home's outside water for the season ahead. Learn more about how to do-it-yourself - or hire help from a QWEL certified professional!