Greening Up McIver Dairy Meadow
Right in the heart of Truckee on Donner Pass Road sits a little meadow with a not so little problem – McIver Dairy Meadow.
Known for its sledding hill, the meadow’s historic use as a dairy, as well modern land uses, had contributed to the degradation of the meadow. When the Truckee River Watershed Council’s water quality monitoring estimated 2 tons of sediment were being contributed from this site annually to the Truckee River, it was clear something had to be done.
Big benefits from a tiny meadow
Improving water quality
A healthy meadow slows, infiltrates, and filters water and runoff as it flows through, reducing the sediment contributed downstream—in this case, by 2 tons!
Improving habitat quality
The restored meadow provides better habitat for native species of plants, birds, and fish.
Reversing past degradation
Large amounts of artificial fill were removed, revealing wetland soils beneath, allowing native meadow plants like sedges and rushes to return.
Re-watering dry portions of meadow
By reconnecting the creek with its floodplain, we elevated the water table, allowing wet meadow habitat to return.
Protecting the foundation of a historic dairy barn
With the help of archeological and architectural experts, TRWC determined how best to protect the historical buildings in the meadow in conjunction with the restoration.
Where it
all happens
McIver Dairy Meadow is located in the heart of Truckee, along Donner Pass Road across from the Villager Nursery.
To stay up to date on the project, follow TRWC social media pages: @trwcnews on Instagram and Truckee River Watershed Council on Facebook.
Fast Facts
Location: along Donner Pass Road across from the Villager Nursery
Scale: 4 acres of meadow
Schedule: September 2019 – October 2019
Budget: $475,000
Partner: Town of Truckee
Timeline
Dig
deeper
For more information on assessments, monitoring, plans, reports, and general information on the McIver Dairy Meadow restoration project, explore this resources section.
Updates
Construction Schedule
Heavy construction is wrapped up out at McIver Dairy Meadow!
Revegetation will continue, so please look for and respect all signage while the meadow is in this fragile state.