A legacy for our children.
Preserving the Sierra Buttes and Lakes Basin — one acre at a time, since 2005.
One of the most compelling visual features of the Sierra Nevada.
The craggy, snow-covered Buttes form a dramatic alpine backdrop to the Basin's high-elevation lakes. This is how the Tahoe region looked before it was filled with vacation homes and tourist towns. Yet more than 3,000 acres of privately owned land still sit inside the Basin. Development on those lands threatens this place.
It is not too late — with your help.
Young America Lake, Volcano Lake, frontage on Sardine and Upper Sardine Lakes, much of Packer Saddle, the start of the Downieville Downhill Trail, and much of the face of the iconic Sierra Buttes.
Grant writing is how a small volunteer trust competes for the funding that makes each acquisition possible.
Land acquisition
Buying the private parcels inside the Basin, or the development rights to them, before they are built on.
Forest & wildlife management
Caring for the land we protect — keeping forests healthy and resilient, and the habitat that wildlife depends on intact.
Watershed protection
Safeguarding the lakes, meadows and streams that feed the North Fork of the Yuba River — a major water source far beyond these mountains.
What we've protected, and what's still at stake.
The red line marks the Buttes / Lakes Basin area. The shaded parcels are lands owned or controlled by the Sierra County Land Trust — including frontage on the Sardine Lakes, much of Packer Saddle, and a good part of the face of the Buttes themselves.
How we acquire land →Help us protect what's left.
Every gift directly funds the upfront costs that make the next acquisition possible. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
Donate to SCLT