The People of the Land Trust: Jennifer Pearsall Kobert
Jenn enjoying the Donner Lake Rim Trail.
Jennifer Pearsall Kobert, the Land Trust Board’s Vice President, grew up at Lake Tahoe, but became involved with the Truckee Donner Land Trust through the Truckee Springs project.
“I’m originally from Incline Village, and became acquainted with this tiny organization in Truckee making attempts to acquire land around the Truckee area when I was in high school,” Jenn said. “Fast forward to when I returned to Truckee with my family in 2018. I was astonished by TDLT’s success in protecting wide swaths of pristine forests and habitat throughout the Truckee Donner area.”
The opportunity to connect downtown to open space and connect trails throughout the community struck a chord with Jenn, and she joined the volunteer committee for the Truckee Springs campaign.
“Largely, the preservation of our natural ecosystems is a devoted passion of mine. TDLT specifically has a special place in my heart because of its outsized impact in the Truckee Donner area,” Jenn said. “This small organization has managed some hugely meaningful land acquisitions and partnerships, built some of my favorite local trails, and preserved the most pristine ecosystems in the area. All of this is enough … but then they actually make that land public for everyone to enjoy.”
One of Jenn’s favorite Land Trust experiences are the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts.
“I’m a passionate trail runner. My friends and I route a 17-mile run out to Frog Lake every summer. One of the greatest joys is unlacing my shoes and diving into Frog Lake,” Jenn said. “I float on my back and gaze up at the cliffs and contemplate how small I am and oh, how this gives me perspective and joy.”
Jenn feels that supporting the Land Trust is important for its long-reaching and long-lasting benefits for the region.
“Supporting TDLT is so wide reaching. Your money does actually go to preservation and protection, and also enjoyment. You get to see and explore the land you protect. And it’s a gift you give to the future and our children that will live in it. It just keeps giving,” she said.