Sardine Meadow

Sierra County | California

What We Did
Conserved an essential, scenic meadow in the northern Sierra region

Our Goal
Preserve the landscapes that are critical for wildlife habitat and watershed quality

Support Our Work in California

Sardine Meadow by the Numbers

569

acres protected

miles of stream channels restored

1,500 acres

of Sardine Valley supports riparian systems

350 acres

of restored meadow

The Natural Magic of Sardine Meadow

Many know Truckee, CA, as a beloved destination for outdoor adventure, but fewer realize the quiet ecological power of Sardine Meadow. Just 20 miles from town, this landscape holds essential meadows, streams, and wildlife that help sustain the area’s natural balance and beauty.

Sardine Valley spans 1,500 acres, surrounded by National Forest land, and includes a vast, open meadow and intricate riparian systems that play a critical role in the health of the region. Trust for Public Land protected 569 acres here, working with the Truckee River Watershed Council to restore 350 acres of meadow where years of damage had drained the land and disrupted its delicate ecosystems. By repairing five miles of historic stream channels, the project helped bring back natural water flow and created healthy habitat for wildlife, including the rare Lahontan cutthroat trout and the willow flycatcher.

The preservation of Sardine Meadow isn’t just about a healthier landscape—it ensures people can connect with the land through nearby hiking and cycling, for generations to come. As part of the Truckee River Watershed, one of the National Forest Foundation’s 14 “Treasured Landscapes,” this valley remains a gateway for hikers, cyclists, and backcountry explorers seeking scenic beauty and adventure. New educational signage along the nearby county road invites visitors to reflect on the landscape’s history and the collective efforts that’ll keep it protected for years to come. Every visit to Sardine Meadow offers a chance to connect with something bigger, as the landscape works to restore natural balance, and people work to ensure its continued preservation.

About This Project

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Get in Touch With Our California Team

Los Angeles Office

135 West Green Street
2nd Floor
Pasadena, CA, 91105
(323) 223-0441
california@tpl.org

Sacramento Office

1107 9th Street
Suite 1050
Sacramento, CA, 95814
(916) 557-1673
california@tpl.org

San Francisco Office

23 Geary Street
Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA, 94108
(415) 495-4014
california@tpl.org

Guillermo Rodriguez

Vice President Pacific Region, California State Director

california@tpl.org