The People of the Land Trust - Nancy Nelson
Nancy Nelson
If you’ve been on one of the Land Trust’s docent-led hikes, you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Nancy Nelson.
Going above and beyond as one of the Land Trust’s volunteer docents, Nancy has spearheaded the program in coordination with staff, helping to arrange hikes, coordinate docents, and communicate with hikers.
“Nancy Nelson has been an incredible volunteer and ambassador for the Land Trust,” said Chris Rochefort, who manages the docent hikes as Director of Huts, Camping, Facilities and External Events. “I’m so grateful for her help.”
Nancy has a long history of enjoying the outdoors, growing up car camping and hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. Her first visit to Truckee was in 1974 as part of a six-week botany field trip from UC Berkely to the Sagehen Field Station (located between Lower Carpenter Valley and Perazzo Meadows).
“The Sierra were so beautiful that I was immediately hooked,” Nancy said. “My husband and I would come to Truckee two or three times every winter to cross country ski, and spend time in the area hiking every summer.”
Eventually Nancy and her family bought a vacation home to be able to come up every other weekend. After a career at UC Berkeley including time in a corn genetics lab and in the Botanical Garden, Nancy retired, and moved up to Truckee full time.
“Having skied in Carpenter Valley in the 80s before there were any gates, I was thrilled to learn it had been conserved. I went on an early docent hike and learned about the Truckee Donner Land Trust,” Nancy said. “When I heard that they also protected Independence Lake, I was convinced that this is a good group for me to get involved with.”
She joined the docent program and began leading hikes on Land Trust lands and trails.
“It’s so satisfying to work with this wonderful group of people, staff and docents,” Nancy said. “I particularly enjoy leading hikes and sharing my love of this area with the guests.”
Nancy is always looking for new volunteer docents.
“Contributing to this worthy organization and enjoying the land they have conserved has enhanced my experience living in Truckee. Join us!” Nancy said.