Alpine Green Living Summer 2009

N O R T H E R N N E VA D A , L A K E TA H O E , S I E R R A F O O T H I L L S , A N D S U R R O U N D I N G A R E A S

SUMMER 2009

Going NativeLandscaping with Indigenous Plants

The Cooperative Living AdvantageNevada City Cohousing

Natural Beauty Makeovers in Your Kitchen Down to Earth Eco-ArchitectureFARM FRESH TO YOUR KITCHEN | STAYCATIONS IN GOLD COUNTRY | BEST SIERRA HIKES

Teie, Gelwicks & Associates

Award-Winning Graphic DesignMarketing Materials Advertising Design Sales Collateral Packaging Design Brochures/Flyers Custom Publications

Something on your mind?Alpine Green Living is now accepting your articles and stories.To get published, contact: Judy Gelwicks Managing Editor [email protected] 800 493-5551 16887 Ski Slope Way Truckee, CA. 96161

Home of Alpine Green Living Magazine

1.800.493.5551 www.teiegelwicks.comwww.alpinegreenliving.comGreen Living Magazine

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summer 2009

An Alpine Green Hero Profile on local eco-advocate Scott Terrell Nevada City Cohousing Cooperative living has its advantages Farm Fresh Produce to Your Kitchen Bike Trails, Infill and Mixed Use Development Truckees plan for Sustainable Living Start at the Beginning A geologists favorite sierra hike The Pantry Facial Natural makeovers in your kitchen Going Natural Using native plants in your garden Camas in Bloom A harbinger of the sierran spring Planning Your Next Vacation Staying close to home can be one your best destinations The Art of Buying Green Real Estate Rock Solid Building with Nature Mike Darrow's incredible house of rock Down to Earth Energy efficient homes Sustainable Solutions Local green efforts and eco-news

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from the editorGreen Living MagazinePUBLISHER/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DAN TEIE [email protected]

INTRODUCING ALPINE GREEN LIVING MAGAZINEPUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR SCOTT BLAIR [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR JUDY GELWICKS [email protected] MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS LORI HYDE-BLAIR [email protected] WRITING/EDITING GIDEON RUBIN [email protected] JEREMIAH OSHAN [email protected] LUCETTA SWIFT [email protected] AD SALES [email protected] 1-800-493-5551 HOW TO REACH US By Phone: 1-800-493-5551 By Email: [email protected] By Mail: 16887 Skislope Way, Truckee, CA 16161

I am pleased to introduce the first edition of Alpine Green Living Magazine. We hope you find it interesting to read and see it as a green educational platform. Our goal is to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations which are actively involved in protecting the environment. It is our hope that by doing so, we will stimulate ideas for others to do the same. In researching stories for this issue our staff met with many people from several communities. For example, we heard the name Scott Terrell mentioned so many times in Truckee that we decided to do a story on him. He is a founder of the local green movement and has had an amazing influence in this area. We were also intrigued by the story of the conversion of a sawmill to a cogeneration plant in Loyalton. This conversion has not only solved the mills problem on how to stay in business, but has been a great eco resource. Another story that caught our attention was the development of a Cohousing neighborhood in Nevada City. It is the story of one architects solution for healthier living by combining green building practices with resident participation. We have included articles in this issue on sustainable gardening, health and wellness, outdoor activities, staycations, healthy food, building green, and energy alternatives. In the spirit of promoting fresh ideas for living a green lifestyle we encourage you to submit your ideas, and green stories to be published in our magazine. Visit our web-site for additional green living resources, environmental videos, green events, and green tips. We support the concept of Reuse, and Recycle. Please dont throw this magazine away, pass it on to someone you know. Consider giving it to your library or local politician. Keep the information flowing.

Alpine Green Living Magazine (ISSN 1947-2269) is published quarterly by the Alpine Publishing Group, LLC. For inquiries, call 1-800-493-5551 or email [email protected]. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned fully by the Alpine Publishing Group, LLC. Alpine Green Living Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or the management of the magazine. Contents 2009. All rights reserved.

JUDY GELWICKSManaging Editor

Alpine Green Living Magazine is printed on Endeavor Velvet text and cover. Endeavor contains 50% recycled fiber, 25% post-consumer waste, and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to come from well-managed forests. Printed with soy-based inks and a water-based finish on the covers.

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PLEASE DO NOT DISGARD THIS MAGAZINEelp us reduce our carbon footprint by sharing this magazine with others. You can read the entire contents of this issue as well as more features and news online at www.alpinegreenliving.com

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profile scott terrell

AN ALPINE GREEN HERO, SCOTT TERRELLBy Gideon RubinAs an ongoing feature of this magazine, we plan to write a story about someone or group within our service area who we think has gone beyond the norm to distinguish themselves as a Green Hero. For this, our maiden issue, we have chosen Scott Terrell, from the Truckee Donner Public Utilities District, as our Alpine Green Hero because almost everywhere we went while researching articles for this issue he was mentioned in a positive way as helping that individual, business or organization with suggestions on going Green. All of them described him as being extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and inspirational. Just the kind of person we all would like to deal with. We feel he has spread the word about going Green more than any other individual in the area. Judy Gelwicks, Managing Editor

Scott Terrell was resting off some achy muscles and persistent sunburn after a long day of grueling physical work for a Youth Conservation Corps soil conservation program in Lake Cachuma (Northern Santa Barbara County) during the summer of 1979. Thats when the call came in. At the other end were two former Humboldt State University classmates he knew whod just started up a demonstration project involving Green building a field with minimal mainstream appeal at the time that was rarely discussed outside the company of what some people called hippies. The students knew Terrell shared their passion for protecting the environment and were pushing him hard on that July day to replace a third co-director on the project whod just quit. The demonstration project which 30 years after its inception still goes by the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology involved retrofitting a 1,500-square foot structure with the lightest possible carbon footprint they could manage on the shoestring budget and the technology of their day. They didnt have to push too hard. The position seemed ideally suited for Terrell, whod developed a passion for the outdoors as a child and was at the time just a month removed

from completing his Bachelor of Sciences in Natural Resource Planning a degree that left him with an abundance of ideas about wilderness preservation and how to make the world a better place but clueless about how to make a living. He was by his own admission uncertain about his future, considering going back to Humboldt for a postgraduate degree, or perhaps moving back with his parents in Newport Beach and trying to find a job. Any job. To sweeten the deal, Terrell was offered $25 monthly rent. This was something that not only was I qualified to do, it was something I was meant to do, Terrell said. It was pretty much wow this is great lets go! A few weeks later, he returned to Newport Beach to visit family and pack his early 1970s light blue Toyota Corona for the 14-hour drive to Arcata. Little did anyone know, in his two years co-directing the demonstration project, Terrell developed the vision and skill set that would become exponentially more valuable in the coming decades, when concerns about energy conservation and efficiency, environmental protection and global climate change would rapidly move from the margins to the mainstream of collective consciousness. Terrell, 51, is considered by many the face of the Truckee/Tahoe areas growing Green movement since 1992, when he moved his wife and three children to the Eastern Sierras to take a job as the Truckee Donner Public Utilities Districts Planning Director. Terrell cofounded the Sierra Green Building Association (SiGBA) in 2004, and teaches resource management classes part time at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe, and one online course at UC Davis Extension and will be soon teaching a class at the University of Nevada Reno extension. Hes been the Truckee areas go-to source for Green information for most of the last two decades, heading water and energy conservation workshops, and promoting sustainability. In 2007, he was instrumental in the implementation of an Architects Institute of America (AIA)/Northern Nevada sustainability study.

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profile

scott terrell

TERRELL HAS BEEN THE TRUCKEE AREAS GO-TO SOURCE FOR GREEN LIVING FOR MOST OF THE LAST TWO DECADES, HEADING WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS, AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY.Later that year, he was honored as one of five Regional Persons of the Year for sustainability by the Architect Institute of America/Northern Nevada. Perhaps more importantly, Terrell is credited with transforming the consciousness of a community that by all accounts has embraced his progressive message despite predominantly centrist if not slightly right of center political leanings, said Barbara Green, Truckees mayor in 2008 and a Nevada County Supervisor from 2001 to 2004. Hes very passionate about (the Green movement) and its contagious, Green said. He infects other people with his enthusiasm. Terrell himself caught the Green bug before he even started middle school. It was on fishing boat rides to Catalina with his father that he developed a love for the outdoors, a passion that only grew going on backpacking trips in high school and beyond. Terrell quit the Corona Del Mar High School basketball team his senior year so he could explore the outdoors at a time when he was just starting to fit into his soaring 6-foot-5-inch frame. The lasting memories of fuel pump lines stretching for blocks during the early 1970s gas shortages drew Terrell to the field of resource management long before hed ever heard the term bandied about. By the time Terrell returned to Humboldt in 1979, it was his primary focus. While co-directing the demonstration project, he completed a self-designed Energy and Environmental Education postgraduate degree in one year at Humboldt. He remained in Arcata another year to nurture the project. Under Terrells leadership, the Center became a Green building showcase, implementing energy conservation and efficiency practices that would serve as models for more technologically advanced designs decades later. Terrell and his fellow co-directors lured volunteers with beer and pizza to help with some of the work. Among their most impressive accomplishments was a 50-foot-by-12-foot solar green house with boulders layered against a retaining wall on the side of the building a low-tech yet cost effective passive solar heating system that would become a template for the Green building of today. They built a rainwater collection system, diverting water from roof gutters into a storage tank cistern, where it was used to feed vegetation a practice now commonly used on a wide scale in Austin, Texas, and other areas where water supplies are scarce. They baked cookies, bread and potatoes in a solar oven that on a summer day reached temperatures as hot as 400 degrees. Terrells work at the Center was his first realworld application of what hed learned about on a theoretical level in the classroom. And getting his hands dirty doing the work on the ground inspired him to push harder. Classrooms are great, Terrell said. You get inspired by instructors and you get inspired by the information, but what we were doing was really exciting. It was during his stint at Arcata that Terrell developed three core values that would guide his professional life: society, environment, and personal economy. Taking responsibility for his own economic future, Terrell figured, would be the key to him making a difference in society and making an impact in environmental protection and resource management. I didnt want to be a homeless environmentalist; I wanted to have a decent life, Terrell said. I dont think a homeless person would ever be an effective environmentalist and support social issues. I had to become someone who could stand on their own two feet. Terrell in short order built an impressive resume, landing his first job as Energy Services Specialist at the Riverside power company in 1982, just months after taking an energy management internship at the City of Long Beach shortly after leaving Arcata. While in Riverside he was responsible for building the Riverside Energy Demonstration Center using current technologies After 5+ years at Riverside, Terrell moved to the Central Valley for a management-level position at the Turlock Irrigation District where he made his mark heading an Energy Conservation Program that he estimates saved the district $1 million annually on peak purchase power costs. Drawn to the mountains since childhood, Terrell jumped at the chance to move to Truckee when a position opened at the District in 1992. Terrells Green-building background has made him a nice fit for a fast-growing region that has a history of environmental activism despite centrist, if not conservative, political leanings. From 1994-1996 he was responsible for the Chamber and Energy Efficiency Partnership which showcased a demonstration project showing water, and energy efficiency measures via a self guided tour and brochure. Terrell has won high marks for a determined yet mild-mannered approach thats helped him attract fiscal conservatives who dont always immediately embrace environmentalists. He doesnt come across as a zealot, SiGBAs former President Eli Meyer said. Hes soft spoken, but hes persistent. Truckee business owner Rick Solinsky, a SiGBA Guide Sale rep, credits Terrell with creating a Green culture in the Truckee area thats taken on a life of its own. Its not about tie-dyed hippies running around, its about economics and saving the planet, Solinsky said.ALPINE GREEN LIVING 7

profile scott terrell

He has the ability to throw out the right crumb to get people to buy into what hes saying. "If he hadnt been doing it initially, I dont think the Sierra Green Building Association would have happened, as long as hes been up here hes been trying to make a difference. It was in 2000 when Terrell turned his focus to Green building. In 2004, Scott with the help of others founded SiGBA (Sierra Green Building Association). In addition to pushing for energy and water efficiency and renewable energy, he works with local residents on the small things. Unafraid to get his hands dirty, he can be seen helping install energy efficient light bulbs at a pizza shop or advising local residents about proper energy saving measures and techniques. It is work that in many ways he traces back to his roots, with a journey that began with that phone call.

TERRELL HAS WON HIGH MARKS FOR A DETERMINED YET MILD-MANNERED APPROACH THATS HELPED HIM ATTRACT FISCAL CONSERVATIVES WHO DONT ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY EMBRACE ENVIRONMENTALISTS.

The exciting thing for me is when I delved into Green Building I didnt know what it was, but what it was what I was doing at Humboldt 25 years ago, Terrell said. It was appropriate technology. Thats what green building is. Its appropriate technology. They are taking most of the technologies that we were experimenting with almost 30 years prior, and putting it into Fortune 500 companies.

"For me it was like coming home. It was like a dream, because it was like the work that I did on the little Humboldt State University Campus in this little 1,500-square-foot home. I never really thought it would go very far, then the next thing I know theres this big Green Building movement that seem to appear overnight and its all about the technologies we were developing in the 1970s.

Helping to Preserve Our Environment . . . One Neighborhood at a Time.

Tahoe Donner Green Club

Join Us at: www.tdgreen.org

8 SUMMER | 2009

community sustainable housing

NEVADA CITY COHOUSINGNevada City Cohousing proves that cooperative living has its advantages.By Judy GelwicksALPINE GREEN LIVING 9

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Cohousing a term coined by Charles Durrett, the Cohousing Nevada City architect and developer, is now in the Oxford dictionary having taken on a life of its own. Mr. Durrett has achieved national prominence for green design, specializing in eco-village and custom neighborhood designs. He has won several major awards including both the United Nations and the National Association of Homebuilders for his groundbreaking work. When trying to give Mr. Durrett credit for being the architect and developer of the Nevada City Cohousing project he corrected me and said that his wife, Kathryn McCamant and the Nevada City Cohousing residents are to be credited also, which is indicative of the involvement the residents have in planning their own community. From the onset, all of the 50 cohousing projects Chuck (which he prefers) Durrett has been involved in have had the environment in mind. He encompasses energy efficiency in the design, incorporating photovoltaic solar systems, passive solar orientation, solar water heating, energy efficient building techniques, and climatic influences into the design. Swimming pools, playgrounds, community garden space are all elements of the community design. He argues that the friendlier and more fun a neighborhood is, the greener the lifestyle and the smaller the footprint. Environmental features such as gravel parking lots to slow water run off, no auto garages attached to a house to cut down on indoor air pollution, minimum grading and tree removal are all considerations in every development. Walking into the 11 acre Cohousing development just outside of Old Town Nevada City, you immediately notice the friendly feel of the neighborhood. Cars are parked on the perimeter of the premises, with a walkway down the middle of the landscaped residences. Of the 11 acres, 5 are committed to the residential structures, and 6 to open space. The residential plan encompasses different sizes of residences (860-1680 sq. ft.) most connected to one another in groups of 3 or 4 or 6, clustered around a Common House, all incorporating Mother Lode architecture. Because of the adjoining walls, 6 inch thick exterior walls filled with blown cellulose insulation, wall studs on 24 centers, 5/8 sheetrock, and strategic placement of windows energy costs are kept to a minimum. And the cost of construction was kept below standard con-

struction costs because of the continuous siding and roofing, common decisions on interior design features and building the whole project at the same time for the 34 residences. The cost per square foot in The Nevada City Project was $95. Health of the environment and the residents is always first on Durretts mind when purchasing products to use in any of his developments. All wood is from sustainable pine forest FSC certified. Bamboo for flooring is a sustainable resource. Marmoleum flooring is 100% biodegradable. Carpets are 100% wool. Trex decking is made from recycled plastics and saves wood from being harvested. The exterior paint was recycled military surplus then recolored. Interiors use low-VOC or non-toxic materials.

Swimming pools, playgrounds, and community garden space are all elements of the community design.

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One of the unique features of the cohousing development is that the owners are brought together during the development process and sign a contract which includes active participation in the community from the time of conception through completion of building, then on through living in the community.When talking with Durrett he asked about my monthly electric bill. I felt good about sighting an average of about $75/month since I have Energy Star appliances, religiously close my shades at night, have installed CFL light bulbs and turn off my lights when I leave the room. He chuckled and showed me his energy bill for 2008 which was minus $62.24 for the entire year. One of the unique features of the cohousing development is that the owners are brought together during the development process and sign a contract which includes active participation in the community from the time of conception through completion of building, then on through living in the community. The planned owners have to agree on the details of the project, which affects the individual price of the units, and gives them a unique influence on the outcome of the project. The Nevada City Cohousing project encompasses 34 residences, a Common House with a common kitchen, dining room, living room, and two bedrooms which residents can sign up to use for out of town guests, laundry area, workshop, music room, teen room, a swimming pool and small childrens play area. All this common space makes it possible for individual families to have smaller dwellings than if they were to buy individual homes on individual lots. There are 6 scheduled shared meals per week, with one of the requirements being that you help with cooking once every 5 weeks. Owners can use the shared areas for lounging, games, meetings, for special events, such as weddings, birthday parties, and for putting friends up for the night.

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How does this all work? Thats where the participation part of the contract comes in. There are scheduled community meetings, and various interest groups which take care of the projects and problems which arise. For instance, the original plans for the Nevada City development did not include a workshop. But because members of the community decided that they needed one, it was agreed to use one of the garages as a workshop and some of their Homeowners dues were spent to help supply the workshop, and other workshop needs were met by donations from residents. Another project was the chicken coop. They now produce fresh eggs for the community. Carlyle, a current Nevada City Cohousing resident who has been involved since the beginning in 2002, says living here is fabulous. She and her husband have a little 2 year old and says that she is very happy with the closeness of the neighborhood and the help she gets from both adults and older children in helping with her child. The many meals they share with the neighbors create a community atmosphere, and actually frees up time.

Charles Durrett, was born and partially raised in the Donnieville, CA area, one of 6 children of hard working parents. He grew up working in the gold mines and the lumber industry and never thought of going to college until he had a back injury at age 20 and couldnt continue strenuous labor. He credits Sierra Community College with changing his life entirely and getting him excited about building and design. He was exposed to ideas he had never contemplated before and went on to California State University San Louis Obispo (Cal Poly), graduating with a double major in engineering and architecture. As part of the Cal Poly program they encourage students to study for a year abroad. Chuck decided on Denmark. It was his year studying in Denmark that really set him on his course to designing cohousing projects. He credits Demark as having a real respect for architecture and designing for real living. Over the past 20 years Chuck has been busy designing 50 cohousing projects all over the world, Japan and Canada just to name a couple. His most recent is the Wolf Creek Cohousing Development in Grass Valley. If you would like more information go to: www.cohousingpartners.com or call (530)478-1970.

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nutrition

Farm Fresh Produce toYour KitchenBY JUDY GELWICKS

Local Farmers MarketsSunday Lake of the Pines Auburn, 10556 Combie Road Tuesday Nevada City Sierra Presbyterian Church South Lake Tahoe American Legion Hall (Hwy 50) Truckee Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road Thursday Grass Valley Mill St. & Main St. Penn Valley Western Gateway Park Friday Nevada City York St. and Broad St. Saturday Grass Valley Fairgrounds, Gate #4 11228 McCourtney Rd. Reno Farmers Market California Avenue & Booth Street For more information on how to find Farmers Markets in your area visit www.cafarmersmarkets.com or www.localharvest.org

Starting in the Spring most of our communities provide the opportunity to buy farm fresh produce at a Farmers Market. Thursdays in Reno, Tuesday mornings in Truckee, Saturdays in Nevada City. Just check with your local Chamber of Commerce and they should be able to give you your towns Farmers Market schedule. Nothing tastes better and is better for you than just picked organic produce. For those of you who cant fit your local Farmers Market into your schedule but really want that just picked taste, there is another option. John Tecklin, owner of the Mountain Bounty Farm has been farming out of the San Juan Ridge in Nevada County for the past 11 years, providing subscribers with weekly boxes of organic produce all year round. Not only do you get the produce which is picked just that morning, but you also get a mixture from the 250 varieties of fruits and vegetables planted. Making this even more special you get a personal relationship with the farmer, can participate in a work/trade program, invitations to two farm festivals, and receive a weekly newsletter with recipes for the produce in season in each shipment. Not only can you have the freshest of fruits and vegetables of the season, but you support a local organic farmer when surviving as a small farmer is difficult. How? Become part of the Mountain Bounty Farm CSA (community supported agriculture) organization. Just by signing up and paying for a 24 week/once a week shipments you will receive a box of produce from the Mountain Bounty Farm in Nevada County. They deliver to drop off points in Grass Valley, Nevada City, San Juan Ridge, Truckee Downtown and Truckee Glenshire. Contact them at Mountain Bounty Farm, 14579 Blind Shady Road, Nevada City, CA 95959, call (530)292-3776, or email: [email protected] for more information.


community truckee

Bike Trails, Infill and Mixed Use DevelopmentTruckees plan for Sustainable LivingFrom an interview with Town Manager Tony Lashbrook by Judy Gelwicks

on both sides of the road. It will definitely make the road safer for bike traffic thus encouraging bike use. Another big trail project being actively pursued is the Truckee River Legacy Trail, connecting Glenshire to downtown Truckee. Future trails are the Brockway trail, and paving between the Regional Park and the Sports Park, and a trail between Glenshire and the Sports Park. All of these take cooperation between developers, non profit agencies, state agencies and partners. City planners nation wide have found over the years that to make a city or town environmentally and user friendly you need to incorporate trails into the infrastructure. When there are trails to be used, they get used. A good example of a user friendly city is Fort Collins, Colorado, where bike paths are incorporated into every subdivision. And yes, they are extensively used, keeping untold amounts of vehicles off the streets.

The bones of the town are not green were some of Tony Lashbrooks first words when trying to explain Truckees dilemma on going Green. When the Town of Truckee was incorporated in 1993, it inherited a community which was actually a patch work of disparate neighborhoods spread out over 34 square miles, with 20,000 acres requiring 150 miles of local roads. There was no history or concept of green building or sustainable living in the county. The Town of Truckee is laid out with many separate pieces, in mountainous terrain, with at least 50% of the houses being 2nd homes. This makes it by design a car necessary community, thus creating a huge carbon foot print Lashbrook added. Healthier, more successful communities are laid out so people can walk, bike or take public transportation from one area of town to another. In Truckee that was almost impossible at the time it became a town. We are working hard to connect all the pieces by sidewalks, bicycle facilities and trails, and to develop a meaningful public transportation system. But that is a very slow process. Lashbrook said. When the first Town of Truckee 20 Year Plan was devised, there was a mandate to encourage infill with future developments to decrease the patchiness of the community. That has had a surprising positive consequence. When East-West Partners proposed two significant developments during a boom time, the Town was able to negotiate quite a few concessions for public benefit. A huge one was the construction of a trail system which the public could use connecting various neighborhoods, such as Olympic Heights to downtown by a bicycle path. The benefits include giving the kids a sense of independence and getting some exercise, meanwhile reducing traffic and greenhouse gasses by having one less car on the road. In 2002 the Town adopted a trail plan which Tony Lashbrook estimates will cost $20,000,000 to build and will be a 20-30 year effort. Last summer, and this summer the Town is busy building bike lanes along the north shore of Donner Lake on Donner Pass Road. It is a class 2 bike lane which means it will have a 5 foot designated bike lane

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truckee

The other big part to the greening of the Town of Truckee from the Town General Plan point of view is infill projects such as the Railyard Project. History has shown that by building what is called mixed use developments, with residences built either on top of or next to commercial properties, you get people walking to work, shopping, dining, and recreation. The Railyard development will be such a community. In addition the Railyard is seeking designation as a LEED neighborhood, reflecting its greener characteristics. Lashbrook estimates 500-700 new housing units to be incorporated into the downtown area thus taking a large part of the future car traffic off the roads. This type of development is common in older communities, and now it is seen as something imaginative and contemporary. Going backwards is sometimes progress.

Here are a just a few Truckee area bike trails...Truckee On-Street Numbered Bike Routes Numbered signs seen around Truckee allow the rider to follow various bike routes around on Truckee streets. A bike map is available on www.truckeetrails.org Public Bike Paths Northeast of Downtown (Pioneer Center, Grays Crossing Area) A network of both paved and soft surface trails have been built throughout the Old Greenwood and Gray's Crossing developments. They are open to the public. Gray's Crossing is located near Prosser Dam Road and SR 89 north of I80. Old Greenwood is located south of I80 and the trails intertwine between the developments. Squaw Valley to Tahoe City Bikeway 6 mile bike path that starts across from the entrance to Squaw Valley on Highway 89 and continues south to Tahoe City next to the Truckee River. It can be crowded on summer weekends with roller bladers, walkers, bikers, and families. At Tahoe City, the trail continues down the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Tahoe City-Kings Beach Loop (SR 89-267) From Downtown Truckee, follow Donner Pass Road west to SR 89 South. Take 89 South, 13 relatively flat miles past Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows to Tahoe City. Go straight through Tahoe City by catching SR 28E which wraps around Lake Tahoe,affording some beautiful views. After passing through several small towns, catch SR 267 in Tahoe Vista back to Truckee. Hwy 267 goes over Brockway Summit (about 1000 ft gain in elevation) before dropping into Martis Valley. Back in Truckee, turn left at Brockway Road which ends in downtown Truckee. Donner Lake Loop Start on Donner Pass Road near the State Park. Continue on just-installed bike lanes down to west end of lake. Make lefts to continue around on South Shore Drive. At the end of South Shore, go straight onto the paved path into Donner State Park and follow the main road back to the park entrance on Donner Pass Road. Fibreboard Freeway This is the road that leads to Watson Lake (see description under Dirt Trails). A rarely used undulating paved road for practicing easy climbing on a bike. The trailhead is at Brockway Summit on 267. The paved road ends after 12 miles. The left hand fork at the end of the paved road gives a short but bumpy drop in to Tahoe City. Many single-track trails and fireroads intersect with the Fibreboard Freeway including the Tahoe Rim Trail. For more bike trails in the Truckee area visit www.truckeetrails.org


lifestyle outdoors

START AT THE BEGINNINGBY J. DEREK LARSON

If you are charging up from lower altitudes, as most do, for the grandeur of the Sierran Crest, youll miss a gem of a hike near Yuba Gap. Far from strenuous, this hike is for those who want to poke along and look down at plants and rocks instead of up at sky and ridgelines, making frequent stops to soak your feet in the South Yuba river. For the especially observant, this walk might key you into important themes in plant evolution as well as the origin of the Sierra itself. This spot blends all major vegetation types that have evolved in California over the last 20 million years.

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lifestyle outdoors

Off of highway I-80, take the highway 20 exit. Set your trip counter to zero and head north downhill toward Nevada City. Go 3.9 miles down the hill and go right at Bowman Lake Road. Go 1.3 miles. Cross the bridge over the river and park on the right. You will park your car next to several bay trees. The same type you cook with, these are remnants of a tropical flora present when California had a warmer and wetter climate. Crush a leaf and the smell will give them away. Cross the bridge and look down at the water polishing the light granite (more specifically, grano-diorite) that forms the spine of our state. In a sharp line above, called a discontinuity, the rocks switch to dark metamorphics pasted on top of the granite. These dark cap rocks are remnants of seafloor mudstones that predated the Sierran granites and were laid down when a shallow ocean covered what was to become California. In that contact zone where the younger granites pushed up into the older seafloor sediments, chunks of the cap-rock broke off and nearly melted back into the slowly cooling granitebut they didnt completely melt and thus retain a blobby, foreign look. These blobs of dark in the white granite are called xenoliths. Up on the Sierran Crest, the overlying rock was long ago eroded away to expose the clean granites that inspired the name: The Range of Light. Across the bridge, follow a dirt road east along the river. Notice the diversity of trees rarely seen together in other parts of the Sierraoaks, douglas fir, maple, and dogwood mingle with the more familiar assemblage of conifers so common in our mountainswhite fir, ponderosa and sugar pines, and incense cedar. If you want to learn to identify trees, pack


lifestyle outdoors

along the Pacific Coast Tree Finder. This little $4 guidebook is the best resource of its kind Ive found. You must be patient as this is a dichotomous key, but the reward is that it forces you to take notice of small traits that add up to tree identification. After repeated use, you wont need the key anymore because you will recognize trees the way you recognize people. A little further on, notice how lush the canyon becomes where its walls steepen. A leaky irrigation flume acts like a year round watering can, adding water loving flora to the mix. Elegant maiden hair ferns pop out alongside the more primitive horsetails, also called scouring rushes because pioneers used their fibrous, silica-rich tassels to scrub out cooking pots. Imagine these plants much bigger, in a time before there were any flowers, and then let your imagination wander to the dinosaurs that grazed on giant ferns and horsetails. Where the canyon opens out again, you can see manzanita and other scrubby plants in the open sun. Dry adapted shrubs became widespread in California (along with oaks) as the climate has dried since the last major ice age. You can follow the trail up toward the reservoir as far as you like, where you will find holes ripe for swimming in the right season and flycasting in almost any season. I never seem to make it very far as I always find new plants to identify. Most of us hike for the reward of expansive views. Consider a walk like this for a different kind of reward, what Barry Lopez referred to as the fierce peace that derives from learning about the natural history of a region. J. Derek Larson is a Professor of Biology and Natural History at Sierra College in Truckee. He also founded and directs TAO Education, Inc, a non-profit that increases youth access to the outdoors.

18 SUMMER | 2009

lifestyle outdoors

Four More Local FavoritesAt first glance, a visitor may be overwhelmed by the myriad of hiking and mountain biking possibilities in the Truckee area. However, savvy travelers can hone down their list of possible Sierra sojourns by following the locals to four choice hiking haunts. Sagehen Creek Trail Located approximately 7.4 miles north of Truckee on Hwy. 89where the road visibly dips to the creek bedis one of the most memorable trails in the area for its wide assortment of Sierra wildflowers. Hikers here will be rewarded with glimpses of lovely Sierra Rein Orchids, Seep-Spring, Showy Daisies, elegant Camas Lilies, Jacobs Ladder, Mountain Roses and many more. The five-mile trail winds in and out of the forest along a gentle creek leading to Stampede Reservoir and is an easy stroll. May and June are the best months to see the flowers at their peak, but the area is beautiful all summer. Local trail runners favor this spot, as do folks with four-legged friends. Unfortunately there are no roadside or trailhead signs, but if you pass the 8-mile marker you have gone too far. Donner Memorial State Park Interpretive Trail For a mellow hike that is perfect for every age and ability level, head for Donner Memorial State Park located east of Sacramento via Interstate 80, and is within the town of Truckee, just west of downtown on the south side of the freeway. A gentle, self-guided nature trail starts near the museum and loops through the forest. Additionally, the educational 1-mile lakeside interpretive trail begins in the lagoon portion of the day-use area and continues along the lake. Printed trail guides are available at the parks entrance station. Pacific Crest Trail Donner Summit to Squaw Valley Up for a challenge? This 15-mile one-way hike will not disappoint. Hardy hikers will be treated to some of the most stunning vistas in the area. The trek begins on the rugged ridges of the Sierra Crest on Donner Summits Old Highway 40. On the trail to Squaw Valley, hikers will travel past Anderson Peak and Tinkers Knob and get an amazing glimpse down the vast American River canyon. In addition to plenty of water and snacks, hikers will want to take two cars leave one at Squaw Valley and drive the other to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail head is located on Old Highway 40, just four miles west of the Donner Lakes west end. Loch Leven Lakes When Truckee locals get a yen for a hike with a swimming hole chaser, they head for Loch Leven Lakes trail on Donner Summit, which features four different alpine lakes. Off I-80, the trailhead begins 1/8 mile east of the Big Bend Visitor Center. Upper Loch Leven Lake is just two miles away, while High Loch Leven Lake is a mile and a half farther up. Beautiful vistas of ridges and valleys, high alpine meadows and glaciated terrain can be seen in either direction. Swimming is best at the far end of the second lake. Bring a picnic and a fishing pole as locals say the fish are usually biting in these picturesque lakes. Contact the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at 530-587-2757 or visit www.truckee.com for further information.


health & wellness beauty

The Pantry FacialBy Lori Hyde-BlairAvocado: moisturizes and is a good source of vitamin E and natural oils.

When it comes to facials and skin treatments we think of complex creams with mysterious chemicals and exotic ingredients. Actually the best skin-care can be found right in your own pantry! Common foods laying about your kitchen provide an easy, natural, and inexpensive way to treat your skin. Fresh foods provide an excellent spa treatment without dangerous preservatives and chemicals such as parabens and phthalates found in many cosmetic products. And, of course, theres the feel good factor. It makes you feel good to take some time to pamper yourself and have better looking skin. Follow the recipes we have here or have fun experimenting with your own. For best results, cleanse, scrub to exfoliate, then open your pores with hot water or steam. Massage in the mask and relax for at least ten minutes then wash off gently finishing with a splash of cool water to close the pores. Dont forget to place cucumber slices on your eyes. Enjoy! While all these ingredients are natural, always be aware of any potential food allergies you may have and avoid those ingredients.

Yogurt: softens, hydrates, and has many enzymes that exfoliate the skin; cleanser; bleach.

Egg: conditions; whites best for normal and oily skin; yolks for dry to normal skin

Honey: a natural and gentle astringent. Nicely moisturizing; refines pores; tightens skin; retards wrinkles; anti-blemish.

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health & wellness beauty

Coconut Milk: the lactic acid smoothes out the skin.

Oatmeal: soothes; heals; relieves itching.

Oranges, Lemons, Pineapple: brightens and exfoliates the skin and purifies the pores. Provides a dose of pure vitamin C.

Milk: contains lactic acid which nourishes without stripping the skin of essential oils; refines pores; soothes all skin types; cools sunburn.

Olive oil: known for its great effects on the skin. The best for dry skin.

MasksYogurt Antioxidant, Anti-wrinkle Mask (for normal skin) Combine 1 tsp. fresh orange juice and 1 tsp. plain yogurt. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Avocado Yogurt Mask (for dry skin) Puree 1 ripe avocado and blend with 4 tbsp. plain yogurt. Apply to face and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Coconut Milk and Pineapple Mask (for oily skin) Mask twice a week with a combination of 1 tsp. fresh pineapple juice, 1 tsp. warm coconut milk and 1-1/2 tsp. cornstarch. Apply to the face and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Olive Oil and Avocado Mask (for sensitive skin) Mask twice a week by combining 1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 1-1/2 tsp. mashed avocado. Chill mixture briefly, then massage into skin and leave on for 5 minutes. Remove mask with a soft cotton cloth. Coconut and pineapple mask (for combination skin) Mix 1 tsp. warm coconut milk with 1 tsp. cornstarch and 1 tsp. pineapple juice.Nuts: used in scrubs to refine pores and combat wrinkles, blackheads and dryness.

Cucumber: reduces under-eye puffiness; reduces wrinkles.

Tomato: unclogs pores.

CleansersMilk cleanser (for oily skin) To cleanse and exfoliate, mix 1 tsp. powdered milk with 1 tsp. water and gently massage into skin for 2 minutes. Yogurt Cleanser (for sensitive skin) Cleanse and exfoliate in one step by mixing 1 tsp. baking soda with 1 tsp. plain yogurt. Apply mixture and leave on for 2 minutes, then gently massage into skin. Rinse well with warm water. (Note: This combination gently cleans pores, removes dead cells and softens dry, sensitive skin without irritation.)

ScrubsAlmond Honey Scrub Mix 2 tbsp. crushed almonds with 1 tbsp. honey. Smooth on face and leave on for 5 minutes. Rub in well, then rinse. Yogurt Almond Scrub (for blemished skin) Mix 3 tbsp. ground almonds and 1/2 cup yogurt. Massage into face and then rinse with cool water. Almond Mayonnaise Scrub (for very dry skin) Grind 1/4 cup almonds in blender until they form a meal. Whirl in 1/8 tsp. mayonnaise. First, rinse your skin with vinegar. Then rub in the scrub gently and thoroughly. Leave on skin for 10 minutes. Rinse off and follow with Vinegar rinse.

TonersLemon Juice Toner (for oily skin) Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice with a cotton ball Rose Water Toner (for sensitive skin) To gently balance and tone, apply rose water with a cotton ball.For more recipes be sure to visit alpinegreenlivng.com in the Health and Wellness section


garden native planting

GOING NATURALLandscaping with native plants is a drought-savvy way to add beauty to your yard.BY ERIC LARUSSON VILLAGE NURSERY

Many of us are blessed with incredible natural landscapes near our homes. We have large pines as well as tough native shrubs and groundcovers. When we dig up the soil, and build a house we have changed the environment of that place. When we disturb a site we have an obligation to repair it and maintain it. At the very least, every one of us has a duty to maintain a defensible space around our homes. It is most often promoted as a space from where firefighters might have a chance to save your home in case of a forest fire. Perhaps even more important: that space is a buffer to protect the forest in case your home catches fire, so that your loss does not destroy the whole neighborhood or an entire adjacent forest. If you want to make your home feel more welcoming and beautiful, increase your property value, enhance your sense of seclusion, perhaps grow your own berries or veggies or gain some personal satisfaction you can enhance your surroundings with just a little landscaping. By working with natural systems and learning from what is already here, avoiding chemicals, recycling and composting materials, landscaping can enhance and improve our environment. There are a few secrets of the proverbial green-thumb . Soil health reigns supreme among these. Rich soil, teeming with life, is essential for landscaping successes. There are many live microbes in our poor soils but, by adding a few billion more, giving them organic compost in which they can live and by covering them with a protective blanket of mulch, they will rapidly multiply and work to improve your soil.

22 SUMMER | 2009

garden native planting

NATIVE PENSTEMON SPECIES (Penstemon spp.)

WESTERN COLUMBINE (Aquilegia formosa)

SIERRA TIGER LILY (Lilium parvum)

CAMAS LILY (Camassia quamash)

When we plant, we add organic fertilizers containing dormant beneficial soil microbes along with mature finished composts that are, themselves, alive with microbes. I LOVE horse manure; its teeming with composting microbes, its rich in nutrients, and perhaps best of all, its FREE from almost anyone with a horse. Every month, folks feed their horses tons of expensive food and the horses keep making these huge quantities of manure. I much prefer the 2-3 year-old manure but if only fresh is available, you can compost it for a season or two, and then use it in your gardens. The plants you choose determine your successes after planting. Native plants have obviously worked-out what it takes to survive here, but remember to use the right plant in the right location. Just because a native plant was on your land before your house was built, does not insure that it will survive in all of the new microclimates that the enormous structure has created. If you are wondering what to plant on the north side of your house, look closely at plants in the wild to see which grow best at the base of a north-facing cliff. Study the wildflowers on the southwest side of a rocky outcrop to know which plants will thrive with the reflected heat and early spring melt on the south side of your home. Perhaps the surest way of knowing what will do well for you is to look at homes in your neighborhood (especially of second home owners) to see which plants are thriving with minimal care. There are also your local nurseries; weve been gardening here for decades and have killed thousands of plants testing them so that you dont have to. We hear of ALL the successes and failures of our clients and we learn from every one, and like most gardeners we are all happy to share our knowledge, with nearly missionary enthusiasm. The other secrets include mulching well. We like to say no bare soil in your yard. Mulch protects and helps build healthy soil. A 2-3 inch layer of wood chips, helps water infiltrate the soil more slowly and deeply. It protects shallow roots from freezing and thawing. It keeps soil

moisture in the soil and it suppresses most weeds while allowing many tree and shrub seedlings to emerge. When mulching around new plantings, you will find you can water half as much while your plants will grow twice as fast. Worm castings and seaweed are two more secret weapons of really beautiful gardens. Worm castings are full of nutrients but they are especially important for their plethora of beneficial microbes. Gardeners seaweeds are usually from the cold north seas. Seaweed is full of micronutrients and loaded with natural plant hormones that help plants develop new and stronger roots as well as thicker cell walls that resist disease. Used in a tea, worm castings and sea weed have been shown to fight fungal infections and even tenacious spider mites. Pretend your house is a big boulder in the landscape and imagine the plants that would grow around such a monolith in the wild. Hike often and take a little time to notice the plants that enhance our world. Talk to your neighbors. Gardening and landscaping topics are a great way to break the ice and allow you to introduce yourself. You might learn something in the process.ALPINE GREEN LIVING 23

habitat flora

O

Camas in BloomA HARBINGER OF THE SIERRAN SPRINGBy Nan Carnal24 SUMMER | 2009

ne of the more stunning sights in the early Sierra spring is a large meadow sporting brilliant blue-flowered camas. These wet meadows and their flowering populations of camas are so extensive that seen from afar they can appear to be small blue lakes. Hiking closer, however, reveals to the viewer the individual stalks bearing many beautiful 6-segmented blue or blue-violet flowers. Traditionally camas was classified in the lily family, so I, and perhaps some readers, know them as camas lilies, however, critical recent data defining species relationships now positions camas with agaves and yuccas in the Agave (century plant) family!1,2 In the wet meadows of the Sierra, the small camas, Camassia quamash subspecies breviflora, predominates. This subspecies grows from 2500 to 7000 feet in the Sierra from Eldorado County north to southern Washington3 and at lower elevations in the Coast Ranges of California1. It is particularly showy in early spring, blooming in May-July before other wet meadow associates begin to flower. A related species, Leichtlins camas (Camassia leichtlinii) is also found in mountain meadows of the Sierra Nevada from 2000 to 8000 feet and in the Coast Ranges of California3. Both camas species have narrow, linear basal leaves, a single flowering stalk with multiple flowers, blue or deep blueviolet in color. The flowers have 6 petal-like structures, technically called tepals since both the real petals (3 innermost) and the sepals (3 outermost) look the same. In most

habitat flora

other plants the sepals, the structures that form the outermost layer of the flower bud and protect the reproductive parts of the flower as they develop, are green and do not look like the floral petals. Native Americans called these beautiful blue-flowered plants quamash; the name is still used as an alternate common name for camas and has been retained in the scientific name of one species. Native Americans used the tubers (enlarged, short underground stems that store complex carbohydrates) as a major food source. Tubers were collected in the fall and roasted for 1-2 days, steamed or boiled, or dried and ground into a flour2. However, extreme caution must be taken if tubers are harvested since the death-camas (Zigadenus venenosus), with similar looking leaves and a stalk of white 6-segmented flowers, grows in the same meadows and has a tuber about the same size. Since the flowers are not present at the appropriate time to harvest tubers, it is much too easy to make a deathly mistake. The tubers and flowers of this plant are highly poisonous. Enjoy a hike this spring and look for camas in bloom, but best to leave the tubers in place to sprout and produce another field of beautiful plants next year.Refs. 1. Hickman, J. C., The Jepson Manual, 2nd edition (in review); Univ. of California Press 2. Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camassia 3. Munz, P.A. and D.D. Keck, A California Flora, 1973, Univ. of California Press

A few features that collectively help distinguish the two camas species include: 1. number of flowers in bloom on the flowering stalk the small camas (C. quamash ssp. breviflora) has many flowers on the flowering stalk in bloom at the same time, whereas Leichtlins camas has 1-3 flowers simultaneously in bloom. 2. flower and tepal size the C. quamash subspecies has smaller flowers with 1.5-2 cm (~ 3/4 inch) tepals. The larger flowers of C. leichtlinii have 2-4 cm long tepals. 3. length of the peduncle (stem-like structure that attaches each flower to the main stalk) less than 3/4 inch (0.5-1.5 cm) for the small camas; 3/4 to 2 inches for Leichtlins camas.


staycations calaveras county

Planning Your Next VacationStaying close to home can be one your best destinations.By Judy Gelwicks

26 SUMMER | 2009


Before you make your next airplane reservation for a long distance vacation, think about taking a vacation closer to home. Sometimes we need situations like todays where we all have to be conscious of the CO2 we expel into the air, to take time to experience things in our extended neighborhood. According to the environmental news website Griste.org, one person driving a medium sized car expels about half the amount of CO2 from emissions as air travel for one person going the same distance. If you drive with other people the emissions are divided by the number of people in the car which makes driving an even greener choice. Going a shorter distance even makes more green sense. Living in Truckee we had had it with snow by mid April, and needed to see some flowers and green grass. We decided to go Calaveras County, home of Mark Twains famous Frog Jumping Contest. Besides being rich in the Gold Mining history, it now has a reputation in the California wine industry for its family wineries tucked in the little valleys. We love exploring, so thought this would be perfect. All along highway 49 are artistic former gold mining towns, mostly set up now to cater to tourist. They all have retained their rustic architecture with wooded boardwalks and iron shutters, having unique shops, antique stores and good restaurants. You have to make a point of taking the Historical 49 exits at a number of the towns if you want to see them, otherwise the new HWY 49 will whiz you right past.


staycations

calaveras county

We felt that if we were to really understand the gold country we needed to go on a gold mine tour. There are still 2 active gold mines in the area of which we visited the Sutter Creek Mine. Wearing hardhats, we road in an open air truck which took us to the center of the earth. At least thats how it felt. When they turned off the lights at the bottom of the mine we got to experience what black is really like. You cant see your hand in front of your face and your eyes never adjust to the darkness. Early miners worked their area with one candle, essentially never seeing day light most of the year. Gold fever must have been severe. I dont think any amount of money would make me work where you dont ever see the light of day. Not to mention the back breaking work, poisonous fumes, and cave ins. The gold panning that most people think of in the California Gold Rush

I was surprised to find out that Calaveras County is now a big player in the wine industry. I hadnt been there for almost 30 years so that was news to me.only lasted a couple of years until the easy gold ran out. Then the gold industry was taken over by large corporations. The once independent gold miners became employees mostly working under ground. It was very hard work with few getting rich and many losing their lives from accidents, toxic fumes, illness and fights. Of course, when in the Gold Country you have to visit Columbia State Historical Park. The old town of Columbia has been restored to the character of the gold mining time. There is the old school house up on the hill equipped with all the double desks, maps on the wall and even a dunce cap for the ill behaved child. The blacksmith

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shop is one of the most popular attractions where one is able to watch leather aproned blacksmiths hammering out items necessary for living at the time such as nails to farming equipment. You can even pan for gold at the local stream. And for those that want to really get into the spirit of the time you can take a ride in an authentic Wells Fargo stage coach. Having always been in awe of the giant redwoods we visited Calaveras Big Trees. At the beginning of the self guided hike you come to an enormous stump. This 2500 year old tree was cut down just to build a dance hall on the stump, as a novelty to bring tourist to the area! Another tree of equal age was skinned of its bark and reconstructed at a Worlds Fair, again, just to attract tourist to area. Lacking protection from the environment the tree died within a couple of years. Luckily these two actions angered many naturalists and soon there was a campaign to save the big trees and the area was placed under protection. Walking among the grove of 2000+ year old redwoods you feel the power of nature. You see the huge trees which have survived hundreds if not thousands of fires. Then you see where they have fallen from rotted roots and heavy winds. I have to say thank you to who-

ever built the reclining bench which allowed me to peacefully gaze up at the tree tops soaking in the grandeur of these giants. If it werent for my guilt in hoarding the bench I could have stayed there for hours. We took one day to venture to Yosemite entering at Big Oak Flat and leaving along the Merced River to Mariposa. If you want to see the waterfalls in their glory, spring is the time to do it. The crowds were still there, but sparse enough to be able to have a drink on the patio at the historical Ahwahnee Hotel without waiting.


staycations

calaveras county

To my surprise one of our fondest adventures was into Mercer Cavern, just outside of the town of Murphy. The cavern was discovered by a gold miner by the name of Walter J. Mercer in 1885. While searching for gold he saw air coming out of a hole in the ground, and upon examination, discovered the cavern. Within 12 days of his discovery he was making money giving tours by candlelight. We probably had a much better experience than those first tourists. Instead of feeling our way down over slippery limestone by candlelight, we were able to go down the 16 stories on concrete stairs with handrails and lighted by light bulbs. The crystalline formations which took thousands of years to form really did look like some of their names: lasagna, bacon and lace. Since this was a narrow cavern which runs up and down instead of horizontally, many of the formations were in touching distance, so close that we often had to stoop to avoid banging our heads. Of the many wineries I would have to admit that my favorite was the Ironstone Winery. It turns out that the Ironstone Winery not only produces fine wines, but has a small but very good historical and geological museum. It displays the worlds largest single specimen of crystalline gold leaf, a 44 pound treasure uncovered just a few miles from the winery. They have an excellent restaurant, wine tasting, and also hold outdoor concerts in the summer, attracting well known performers such as Carol Crow.

When our week was over we were happy to say that we had an even better trip than expected. The whole area takes you back in time to another era, and all the scenery was breathe taking. We would recommend that you take your own trip and tell us about it. Take lots of pictures send them along too so we can share these ideas with our readers. That way well all get excited about visiting our own extended neighborhoods and spend a little less on CO2 emissions. Send it to: [email protected].

30 SUMMER | 2009

home real estate

T H E A R T O F B U Y I N G G R E E N R E A L E S TAT E

BY NANCY COSTELLO

G

Green is the new black! We're in a new era where green is in and here to stay. Now there is even talk of going green in real estate No other movement has picked up more momentum in the real estate industry than the push toward "greener" living.New homes are built with green features, or some experience green enhancements and retrofits. An environmentally friendly homecompared to a standard homeuses less energy, water, natural resources, creates less waste, and has healthy indoor air quality. In addition to the health and environmental benefits of a greener home, there also are many tax incentives and rebates available.

Using sustainable resources, homeowners are making going green stylish, with countertops made of recycled glass (green glass looks neat) or flooring made out of corks renewable tree bark. Even synthetic lawns are gaining in popularityno watering, no mowing! Creating "walkable villages is essential to establishing sustainable neighborhoods. Living above a grocery store saves on time and gas on shopping. It would be a village accessible by bike, walking, transit, bus and car, but it would use one-fourth of the energy compared to a neighborhood that youd drive to. More and more, home buyers and sellers are looking for eco-friendly features as criteria for their next home purchase. In the local LakeALPINE GREEN LIVING 31

23 Searchable Green FeaturesTahoe region Multiple Listing Service (Tahoe Sierra MLS), twenty-four searchable green features were added to property listings. As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly," says National Association of Realtors President. EcoBroker, is the first hand largest nationwide green certification program, which certifies Realtors on energy and environmental issues driving current market decisions and educates them on the growing green real estate market. EcoBrokers have local "green" resources, from radon and mold testers, to energy auditors or solar installers. Plus they address topics such asgreen home certification programs, energy efficiency, and sustainable design. When we use the word green there really is no specific environmental definition, but the basic theory behind it is understood and has become widely accepted. The term SUSTAINABLE means making little long term impact on the environment, and perhaps would be a more accurate term to use in place of green. We are living in an exciting time of innovation in the energy and environmental worlds. With more education and awareness, hopefully we can all adopt greener practices that ensure our evolution to a truly sustainable society! 1. LEED Certified Home (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 2. EnergyStar Rated Home 3. Insulated Concrete Forms 4. SIPS Structure (Structural Insulated Panel System) 5. Straw Bale Construction 6. Earth Sheltered 7. Solar Envelope 8. Passive Solar 9. Photovoltaic Solar Panels 10. Wind Generated Power 11. Thermal Mass 12. Reclaimed Lumber 13. Certified Sustainable Forest Product 14. Composite Deck Material 15. Fiber Cement Siding 16. Spray Foam Insulation 17. Ground Source Heat Pump 18. High Efficiency Furnace 19. Air to Air Heat Exchanger 20. Low E Windows 21. EnergyStar Appliances 22. Recycled PET Carpet 23. Low or No VOC Paints

32 SUMMER | 2009

building eco-architecture

ROCK SOLID BUILDING WITH NATUREby Judy Gelwicks

Looking at the house from the street, your first impression may be that it looks like a well built house with some interesting copper work and architectural design. Nice. Walking up the stairway to the front door, you pass two large boulders displayed to create a one with nature kind of atmosphere. Cool.

Then you open the front door and it hits youin the entry is a two story granite boulder sitting in the middle of the house! Awesome!I had already seen pictures of the house, but nothing prepared me for the real thing. I found myself smiling and nodding my head up and down in approval. Very nice. Off to my right was the hand crafted stairway wrapping around the boulder up to the 2nd floor. Running along side the stairway was a water feature resembling a little creek which emptied into a small pond at the base of the boulder in the entry. Directly in front of me was a hand crafted, uniquely shaped door designed to go around the base of the boulder, and off to the right was a short stairway up to two bedrooms, a bathroom and the laundry room. The only laundry room I have ever seen with a boulder coming out of the wall. Not only was it coming out of the wall, but it was framed, showing it off as a piece of art. All amazing.

Mike and and his partner Kristine find comfort in their unique home built around an enormous granite boulder.34 SUMMER | 2009

building

eco-architecture

My first question to Mike Darrow, owner and builder, was what possessed you to build around a boulder? Simply, he thought it would be an interesting project. Having spent his career building complicated houses this did not seem too outrageous. The house was built on one of the few parcels left in the 50 year old neighborhood at the West end of Donner Lake. I am sure it remained empty for so long because of this boulder taking up most of the lot. Whoever was going to build on the land either had to have a lot of money for getting rid of the boulder or had to be imaginative enough to incorporate it into the design. Karma must have been in the air when Mike bought the lot. Shortly after purchasing it, a neighboring architect, Jon Stoumen, was walking by the rock and mentioned to a friend that the rock would be interesting to design a house around. The friend, knowing Mike, put them together. One would think that having a two story rock in someones house as having a damp and dark feeling. Not in this case. Incorporating high ceilings, interesting large windows, a cupola, and great woodwork, the feeling in the house is warm, friendly, peaceful, and stable. Nature was brought indoors, giving the impression of a Japanese garden. Most of the stairway railings were made from downed tree branches found around the house, then sanded and varnished making them smooth to the touch. Much of the trim is recycled lumber from former building projects. Stains used on the wood were a mixture of cement and water which produced a light green tint in the fir and pine giving it a unique hue. The floors have radiant heat built in, and if more warmth is needed they have a free standing cast iron wood burning stove. Where wood meets rock can only be described as meticulous craftsmanship.


building eco-architectiure

The rock protruding 3 feet out of the second floor creates its own room. It is the play ground for kids when they visit. At Christmas it was the stage for the Christmas tree and all the presents. When I was there it showcased a large potted plant surrounded by smaller rocks. (Very Zen.) Over its years in the neighborhood, the rock was often used as a climbing rock and Mike left the crampons attached to preserve some of its story. Because of the size of the rock and the smallness of the lot, some of the rock had to be removed in order to build the house. Mike spent weeks jack hammering and grinding the rock to bring it into the shape and size that worked. Even after the house was built, Mike and his partner Kristine made changes to the design which meant even more jack hammering on the rock even though it was now in their living space. Mike spent untold hours taking rough spots off the rock so people would not get injured rubbing against sharp edges. What is really so amazing is all the detail, even into the flooring where the wood meets the rock. Mike was able to cut the wood so exactly that it goes around every bump in the granite it touches. As if this house isnt special enough, to make this home even more unique is the sense of humor in it. Mike felt he needed a bathroom for company and the only place for it was a narrow space at the top of the stairs. Here, Mike put in what could be described as an outhouse. But certainly the most elegant outhouse I have ever seen, with its copper roof, wash basin, cabinet and mirror all custom made for that tight space. I was absolutely taken by this house and the loving care that both Mike and Kristine have put into every detail. From the paint colors which were specially mixed to get just the right tone, to all the wood work which was individually designed and hand crafted to fit the character of the house. The rock, in spite of its enormity, is not obtrusive at all. They have managed to weave it into the very heart of the house, like an old, soft, over stuffed chair, becoming the favorite place in the house. With all the detail in every inch of this house, you cant call it just a house, it is a piece of art.

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building eco-architecture

DOWN TO EARTHBy Ann Lindermann

In a region that often boasts the coldest temperatures in the United States, Truckee is a prime candidate for energy-efficient homes that embrace green building practices.Situated on 20 acres in a private, gated Truckee subdivision, Bob and Penny Finks 7,000 square foot 2003 rammed earth home utilizes building tenets as old as the Great Wall of China. The building method is similar to adobe techniques in that the soil is mostly clay and sand. However, modern rammed earth building includes cement in this mixture. The earth mixture is impacted against a solid surface using special guns. In the Finks case, the solid surface was the insulation sheets, which were coated from both sides. The outer surface is then finished by hand to create a uniform, flat, but textured surface. Homeowner Penny Fink says the couple has always been intrigued by green building techniques and wanted to build a home that was energy-wise. The five-bedroom, fourand-a-half bath home features 24-inch thick walls on the first floor and 12-inch thick walls on the second. The thick walls assist in maintaining comfortable interior temperatures year-round and the concrete flooring conducts heat in winter. There is a very warm feeling in the home, notes Penny Fink. The structure has such a feeling of strength and quiet; its substantial without feeling heavy. People fall in love with the house when they visit; it really is a very emotional experience. According to the Finks, the house does not need painting or staining, just minor attention to trim every few years. Notable features include a four-car garage, a professional chef-style kitchen that offers a wood-burning pizza oven as well as top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Viking appliances. The beautiful master suite has an office, fireplace, walk-in closet and a spacious bath with separate shower and tub along with a door to the hot tub and garden area. The homes theater has an LCD projection system and seating for 10 to 15 people.

The massive kitchen has the warmth of a cozy cabin thanks to 24-inch think walls and heated concrete flooring

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The living roof is planted with sedums, lavender, heather, strawberries, thyme and various native grasses and herbs

The home also features geothermal heating, passive solar and a green roof. A planted green roof was a childhood dream of mine that was finally realized, adds Fink. Not only is this home environmentally friendly, but it is maintenance-free and fire-resistant. Additionally, she has planted strawberries on the couple's roof. "I usually stay out there and eat the strawberries, they don't usually get into the house," Fink admits. "It's such an enjoyable place to garden with lots of sunshine and great views. It also has insulation value."

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eco-architecture

THE HAMILTON HOUSELike the Finks, Chase International broker/homeowner Jeff Hamilton used green building techniques in his Donner Lake residence. By choosing a green home design, we are essentially casting a consumer vote about how we want to live our life and protect our environment, explains Hamilton. Hamiltons 3,250 foot home is located on the western inlet of Donner Lake with 300 feet of deep water creek frontage. This green building advocate utilized insulated concrete form building methods, which used recycled Styrofoam. Hamilton also used reclaimed steel siding for the exterior and windfall trees for interior posts and beams. Built in 2008, the home with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and designated space for an in-law cottage lives up to its claim of passive solar with scores of southern-exposure windows, 10-inch thick walls, concrete flooring, and a large concrete wood-burning fireplace. The amount of thermal mass here is extraordinary, which makes this home both aesthetically beautiful and environmentally correct, says Hamilton. Ann Lindermann is an account executive at Switchback PR + Marketing, Inc. She can be reached at [email protected].

Insulated concrete keeps all 3200 square feet at reasonable temperatures all year round


sustainable solutions

From Sawmill to Cogeneration PlantBy Gideon Rubin

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im Turners job description was pretty straightforward when he was named Plant Manager of Sierra Pacifics Loyalton saw mill and electric power generation facility in 1995. It was a traditional management position where he was primarily responsible overseeing the plants day-to-day operations. Over the years things ran pretty smoothly. Everything changed on a January day in 2001, when for Turner and about 150 or so other plant employees, were told the sawmills day-to-day operations were no more. A drastic supply reduction exacerbated by ongoing litigation between the U.S. Forest Service and national environmentalist groups forced the closure of a facility that traced its roots to the 19th century and was at the time the countys largest employer. The plant closure brought the tightly-knit communitys economy to its knees. In Loyalton, a town of about 1,500, almost everyone worked for the mill or a related business, or knew someone who did. A huge group of people were affected, Turner said. There were loggers, land management people, and private contracting groups who were heavily affected when the plant shutdown. The trickle-down effect devastated the local economy. Ironically, the mill had just been upgraded with new equipment to accommodate the smaller logs that were anticipated from much-needed forest thinning projects. All that was left in the aftermath of the plants closure was a woodchip burning electric generation plant that ran on scraps, primarily generated from milling lumber. Sierra Pacific still had 18 years remaining on a 30-year contract with Sierra Pacific Power to supply the utility company with energy. The biggest question mark when we shut down was where is the fuel going to come from? Turner said.

Unlike the pile burns, plants such as Loyalton incinerate wood at higher temperatures and in a controlled environment, adding air and ammonia to the mix to produce a cleaner burnWe still had a contract with Sierra Pacific Power to produce the electricity and our intent was to buy enough wood fuel and keep the plant going and do it at a breakeven point or make a profit, but obviously, we had concerns. Eight years later, the woodchip burning biomass plant is alive and well, providing a clean way to dispose of waste material that would otherwise be dumped into landfills or burned in polluting piles, while at the same time producing renewable energy. The biomass plant occupies less than a fifth of the 225 acre parcel the saw mill plant sat on until 2001. The remaining land is rented to local businesses. The plant has a 20 megawatt capacity and produces 10 megawatts, enough to power 10,000 homes. The plants viability is the result of a collaborative effort between the companys staff and management, who in short order went from being primarily a lumber producer to a 21st Century Green energy business. According to Turner, the biomass plants survival is a tribute to a can-do spirit that started at the top, with members of the Emmerson family who own the company essentially telling their staff lets do this, lets see if we can bring everyone together and make a go of this. I think we've done pretty well considering what we were faced with in the beginning, Turner said. After the saw mill was shut down, Sierra Pacific reduced a staff over 155 to about 20. Those who remained had to take on new roles. Turner went from making sure the trains ran on time to figuring out how to get the trains to run. Now he heads an energy procurement program that remains the companys primary challenge. Turner has gotten some of the wood from the USFS, which routinely thins forests to pre-

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sustainable solutionsvent wildfires. Theyve also competed on the open market for agricultural and development landfill material from sources as far as Reno and Sacramento. The company went from using 10 percent of its fuel from landfill diversion material in 2001 to more than 50 percent last year, Turner said. The biomass plants success has resulted in a dramatic reduction in pollution and greenhouse gases, experts say. Unlike the pile burns, plants such as Loyalton incinerate wood at higher temperatures and in a controlled environment, adding air and ammonia to the mix to produce a cleaner burn, Placer County Air Quality Engineer Bruce Springstein said. The amount of air pollution coming out of that biomass plant is many times less than the air pollution that would have been released had we burned that pile in the forest, and thats because we're burning that pile in a well controlled box, Springstein said. Placer County Air Pollution Control District testing data taken from a similar biomass plant in Lincoln in 2008 supports Springteins assertion. According to the study, compared to outdoor pile burns, biomass burns reduce carbon monoxide 98.4 percent, nitrogen oxide by 60.9 percent, particulate matters 97.2 percent and organic hydrocarbons 99.7 percent. Biomass plants also reduce consumption of fossil fuels, Sierra Pacific spokesman Mark Pawlicki said. For every bit of biomass we burn as a fuel source thats that much less fossil fuel were not burning, he said. Pawlicki said the plants aggressive pursuit of wood has produced a financial incentive to thin fire-prone forests, reducing wildfires that produce millions of tons of greenhouse gases and imperil native wildlife. Tahoe-Donner Forestry Manager Bill Houdyschell said his department ships about 13,000 tons of diversion material to Loyalton annually. Its out of the forest, so there's less to burn there, and its out of the landfill and being used to offset the burning of coal or something else just to create electricity, Houdyschell said.

Open Space Preserved in the Northern SierrasCondensed article by Jim Sloan from the Truckee Times Correspondent

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hree large land parcels were recently purchased for the preservation of open space. Perazzo Meadows, a scenic, 1000acre area north of Truckee bordering the Upper Little Truckee River, was one of three parcels purchased by land trusts. Perazzo Meadows is one of the prettiest spots along California Highway 89 north. The parcel acquired is close to the cutoff for Weber and Jackson Meadows reservoir, and is a popular area for hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and crosscountry skiers. According to the Truckee River Watershed Council, which is performing watershed restoration work in Perazzo Meadows, the area is home to numerous rare species, including willow flycatchers, peregrine falcons, bald and golden eagles and the mountain yellowlegged frog. Native Lahontan cutthroat trout have disappeared from the tributary that meanders through the valley, but the watershed council is hoping state Fish and Game officials will agree to reintroduce the threatened fish as part of the major restoration project.

Another parcel acquired by the Trust for Public Land and the Truckee Donner Land Trust is a 400-acre private parcel northwest of the Castle Peak Wilderness Area. That area is on the edge of Paradise Valley and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail crosses a corner of it.

The third parcel acquired is near Collins Lake in Yuba County. That 529-acre parcel will be retained by the Trust for Public Land until it can be conveyed to the California Department of Fish and Game later this year. The 529-acre parcel is next to the Daugherty


sustainable solutionsHills Wildlife Area, the University of California Sierra Foothills Research Center and the Collins Lake Recreation area. The parcels, totaling 2000 acres, all were potential sites for development but now will be preserved as open space. The Castle Peak land has been turned over to the U.S. Forest Services Tahoe National Forest, which already owns large tracts of land in the vicinity, and Perazzo Meadows will be turned over to the Forest Service after trails and a trailhead are put in and the ongoing watershed restoration project is completed. The properties are off the charts in terms of their natural resources and truly iconic landscapes of the northern Sierra. Any lover of the Sierra should be very pleased that they are now and forever protected, said Perry Norris, executive director of the land trust. Money to buy the properties came from the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the River Parkway Grant Program, the State Water Quality Resources Control Board in conjunction with the Truckee River Watershed Council, the California Department of Transportations environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. Funding from the Resources Legacy Fund Foundations Preserving Wild California program provided for the donation of the Paradise Valley property to the Tahoe National Forest.

Wind Farm in Nevada ApprovedThe Washoe County Planning Commission voted 7-0 to allow a 44 turbine wind farm north of Sparks, NV to be built on private easements. This will be the first wind farm of its kind in Nevada. The $190 million power generating farm will be built on the ridges of the Pah Rah Range east of Warm Springs Valley. The 44 large turbines would produce up to 85 megawatts of power. The windmills will have 250 foot long blades and 300-foot-tall turbines. The Washoe Valley is known for the consistent winds which blow North/South on a regular basis, making it an ideal place for a wind farm. The project is expected to produce $1 million a year in local government taxes and provide an initial economic boost of $7 million in sales and other taxes during the first year of construction. Its a win/win situation for the county. The project brings green jobs to the county, which will provide green energy for the surrounding area.

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Truckee/Tahoe Airport Green initiatives

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eing conscious of the tax payer dollars is what originally motivated Tahoe Truckee Airport District manager David Grizz Gotschall with his environment initiatives. Because they were also environmentally good decisions now makes them even sounder, showing that being environmentally conscious pays. Gotschall explained. Five years ago Gotschall was planning on spending $1,300,000 for a retrofit of the taxiway and airfield obstruction lights. But after going to an airport EXPO he discovered that he could replace his system with solar powered lighting for a fraction of the cost, $135,000. He put the Truckee Tahoe Airport on the map as being the first civilian airport to install solar lighting. By using the solar lighting these lights are totally off the power grid, reduced civil engineering and installation costs, and saves the airport $18,000 a year in energy costs. Even though the solar lights will have to be replaced eventually, he has saved the airport so much money in the process, that replacing them every 5 years still makes perfect sense, even though he wishes someone would come up with a replacement battery. Realizing the gains from his environmentalism Gotschall was inspired to see what else could be done around the airport. Now there are 1. pilot controlled runway lights and pilot controlled Runway End Identifier lights which saves power in that they are only on when needed 2. Instituted a fuel sample recovery system which has saved hundreds of gallons per year 3. Retrofitted the public bathrooms with energy and water saving devises 4. Retrofitted the maintenance and warehouse buildings with high efficiency lighting 5. Created the 5 minute idle rule for machinery, and a 15 minute idle rule for aircraft which reduces emission and reduces fuel consumption 6. Replaced pickup trucks with mules which are 1/3 the cost and have lower fuel requirements 7. Replaced the old wood burning stove with the EPA rated stove, put timer and motion detectors on light switches, and installed programmable thermostats in District buildings. In 2005 the Truckee Tahoe Airport District received the Flex Your Power award for the amazing things the airport was doing to help conserve energy, reduce emission and preserve the environment. Most recently the Truckee Tahoe Airport has received much appreciation from the surrounding communities by being an instrumental part of the purchase of the 1400 acre Waddell Ranch, which boarders the airport and was set to be developed with 1200 homes. Now it is preserved as open space for the public. One of the big things on the 2009 to do list is forestry management. Now that they own the 1400 acres which used to be the Waddell Ranch they have a responsibility to make sure that the fuel load is such that it reduces fire risk. Another thing for this year is reducing night lighting which can be disturbing to neighbors and lights up the night skies. Since 2002 the airport has been sitting on architectural plans to build a new airport terminal. The current one is 50 years old and leaves much to be desired. Gotschall said, We have the plans, which would have to be brought up to date, and the money to build, so this just may be the perfect time with lower construction costs and the opportunity to bring much needed jobs to the Truckee area. Gotschall likes to think of the employees at the airport as family, and the airport as a responsible member of the greater community. He says his philosophy has always been to try to do the responsible thing even before it is asked of him. Taking steps to be more energy and environmentally conscious has been a natural progression in both his personal and professional life he explained. As described by one of the board members,Dave is an idea man. He is always thinking about ways to make improvements.

The Truckee Tahoe Airport distinquishes itself by being the first civilian airport to use solar lighting saving $18

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Alpine Green Living Summer 2009