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

A grassy meadow with yellow wildflowers in the foreground, distant green hills and mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

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 5 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. The popular recreation along the nearby county road allows visitors to admire the meadow, reflect on the landscape’s history, and get an up-close view of the ongoing collective efforts dedicated to its long-term protection. 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.

Now a part of the Tahoe National Forest, Sardine Meadow reflects over a decade of collaboration between TPL and committed partners, with special thanks to the Truckee River Watershed Council, the United States Forest Service, and the Northern Sierra Partnership. Funding was made possible through strategic philanthropy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)—one of America’s most effective tools for expanding outdoor access.