Sierra State Parks Foundation

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Sierra State Parks Foundation Partners with the California State Parks in the Lake Tahoe and Donner region by funding projects and offering educational programs. Join us!

Coming up this Saturday! Don't miss this explosive talk ;)How did thousands of Chinese laborers carve a path for the Tra...
10/12/2026

Coming up this Saturday! Don't miss this explosive talk ;)

How did thousands of Chinese laborers carve a path for the Transcontinental Railroad through the granite of Donner Pass?

Join us for the next Sierra Speaker Series presentation, Explosives & Railroads, and uncover the remarkable story of the men, methods, and materials that helped make one of America's greatest engineering feats possible. Learn how black powder and nitroglycerine were used to blast tunnels, shape the railroad grade, and connect the nation during the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s.

Presented by railroad historian and longtime docent Paul Helman, whose 22 years of service at the California State Railroad Museum have made him a trusted interpreter of railroad history.

📅 October 17, 2026
🕔 Doors open at 5:00 PM | Program begins at 5:30 PM
📍 Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center in Truckee, CA
🎟 Suggested donation: $5 | No registration required
🚗 Free parking after 5 PM
🍷 Light refreshments and w**e available, courtesy of Highway 12 Winery

The Sierra Speaker Series is presented in partnership with California State Parks and the Nevada County Library and made possible through the support of Plumas Bank.

Happy World Mental Health DaySometimes the best reset button isn't on a screen. It's outside.Did you know studies show s...
10/11/2026

Happy World Mental Health Day

Sometimes the best reset button isn't on a screen. It's outside.

Did you know studies show spending as little as 10-15 minutes in green spaces can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue?

So today, give yourself permission to pause, take a deep breath, and soak in the natural beauty around you. Your mind and body will thank you.

Whether it's a walk beneath towering pines, a peaceful lakeside moment, taking in an epic view, or something else completely...what's your favorite place to reconnect with nature? 🌿

10/09/2026

They’re pretty to look at, sure -- but the changing leaves you see in autumn are really a striking example of nature taking extreme measures to protect itself.

Hosted by: Michael Aranda
Video Credit: SciShow

If you're hoping to catch Lake Tahoe's dazzling fall colors, mark your calendar. Peak fall foliage is expected around Oc...
10/09/2026

If you're hoping to catch Lake Tahoe's dazzling fall colors, mark your calendar. Peak fall foliage is expected around October 26, when the region's aspens, cottonwoods, and other deciduous trees are typically dressed in their brightest shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

Ever wonder what causes the annual color show?!

The timing of fall foliage is largely driven by daylight and temperature. As days grow shorter and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment used for photosynthesis. As that green fades, other pigments already present in the leaves begin to shine through, revealing the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of autumn. Because different tree species change color at different rates, the exact timing can vary, but when most trees are glowing with seasonal color, peak foliage has arrived. Whether you're cruising the shoreline, exploring a historic estate, or hiking a favorite trail, fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Tahoe's natural splendor. 🍁🍂

Photo credit to

Happy World Teacher Day! We're thankful for the dedicated California State Park Interpreters and docent tour guides who ...
10/08/2026

Happy World Teacher Day! We're thankful for the dedicated California State Park Interpreters and docent tour guides who bring the stories of the Lake Tahoe-Donner Lake region to life.

Through engaging tours, field trips, living history programs, and hands-on experiences, they inspire curiosity and connect visitors of all ages, including K-12 students, to the rich cultural heritage and remarkable natural history of this treasured place.

From sharing Indigenous history and pioneer stories to exploring forests, wildlife, and the lake itself, these educators help create meaningful connections that foster stewardship for generations to come. Thank you for your passion, knowledge, and commitment to making every visit an opportunity to learn, discover, and be inspired!

The wait is over! After a brief postponement due to a mechanical issue, the Tahoe Gal is back in operation, and A Liar’s...
10/07/2026

The wait is over! After a brief postponement due to a mechanical issue, the Tahoe Gal is back in operation, and A Liar’s Cruise is officially set for Saturday, October 10 at 4 pm!🍂⛴️

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon on the lake as Tahoe’s colorful characters, tall tales, and local history come to life aboard a scenic cruise. With crisp fall air, stunning Sierra views, and peak autumn vibes, it’s the perfect way to experience Lake Tahoe this season.

🎟️ Tickets are still available, but they won’t last long. Grab yours today and come aboard for a cruise full of laughs, lore, and lake views! 👇

Sierrastateparks.org/events/a-liars-cruise-2026

Save the date! 🗓️ Join us for our next Sierra Speaker Series event: "Black Powder and Nitroglycerin – Oh My!" on October...
10/07/2026

Save the date! 🗓️ Join us for our next Sierra Speaker Series event: "Black Powder and Nitroglycerin – Oh My!" on October 17th. Doors open at 5 pm.💣🚂

Ever wonder how thousands of Chinese laborers blasted through solid granite tunnels to construct the Central Pacific Railroad over Donner Pass in the 1860s? Chemical Engineer and veteran California State Railroad Museum docent, Paul Helman, breaks down the history, science, and dangerous explosives behind this incredible engineering feat.

Learn more: sierrastateparks.org/events/explosives-and-railroads

UPDATE: Because your safety comes first, we are postponing A Liar’s Cruise to October 10 due to an unexpected mechanical...
10/02/2026

UPDATE: Because your safety comes first, we are postponing A Liar’s Cruise to October 10 due to an unexpected mechanical issue with the Tahoe Gal. Repairs are expected to be completed on Monday, and we appreciate your flexibility as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Please contact us if you have any questions at [email protected].

We have some great news to share: AB 1804 has been signed into law! That means the California State Library Parks Pass i...
10/02/2026

We have some great news to share: AB 1804 has been signed into law!

That means the California State Library Parks Pass is now established in state law, helping secure the future of a program that gives Californians with a library card free vehicle day-use access to more than 200 participating state parks.

This is a big win for park access! 🎊

Thank you to California State Parks Foundation for leading the advocacy initiative!

10/01/2026

While the video is from earlier this year, recent development on a federal court ruling may secure the future of these rare, endangered foxes!

The Sierra Nevada red fox is one of the rarest carnivores on Earth, after historical populations were nearly wiped out by trapping, hunting, and predator control programs during the 1800s and 1900s.

Highly adapted to alpine elevations, these foxes navigate deep snow effortlessly thanks to dense fur covering their toe pads that acts like natural snowshoes. They also rely on acute hearing to detect small rodents moving through subnivean tunnels far beneath the snowpack.

Video credit to ABC10.

Address

Kings Beach, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15305839911

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