Mountain Meadows

In the heart of the Sierra Nevada lies a sanctuary of natural wonder—Mountain Meadows. Here, where gleaming streams intersect with lush emerald forests, and sweeping greenery stretches to the horizon, nature flourishes in all its grandeur. As the second largest meadow in this majestic mountain range, Mountain Meadows boasts an abundance of wildlife, from the endangered willow flycatcher and Lassen paintbrush to California’s sole reproducing wolf pack.

At the mighty intersection between the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains, and the Great Basin and Modoc Plateau, this lush haven is a hotspot of biodiversity. But despite its ecological significance, decades of intensive grazing, water redirection, and other human activities have placed its delicate habitat in jeopardy. As climate change alters the landscape across California, wet meadows like these are becoming increasingly important for wildlife habitat amidst melting snowpacks and drying once-wet lands.

Recognizing the urgency of protecting this precious landscape, Trust for Public Land teamed up with our Sierra partners to safeguard Mountain Meadows forever. In 2021, we secured 2,477 acres of meadows and forestland, and continued our efforts in 2024 by protecting an additional 1,826 acres of adjacent land. Please note, there is no public access to this project, but it still serves as a powerful conservation story.

Our work at Mountain Meadows showcases the power of partnership to protect landscapes for future generations. Our work will help facilitate future research on meadow ecosystems, restore critical habitat, and preserve vital water quality. Mountain Meadows hosts the headwaters of the North Fork of the Feather River, a primary water source for the State Water Project—a system delivering drinking water and powering hydroelectricity for 27 million Californians. Together, we can protect breathtaking landscapes for the betterment of people and wildlife, securing a legacy of conservation for generations to come.