Donner Memorial State Park

JOIN US FOR THE FIRST SIERRA SPEAKERS SERIES OF 2026
SATURDAY, MAY 16, DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

In partnership with Sierra State Parks Foundation, Nevada County Library, and California State Parks, the monthly Sierra Speaker Series connects folks to the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Join us at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center to learn and engage! Doors open at 5 with presentation to follow at 5:30 pm. Parking is free after 5 pm. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. Light refreshments and wines, sponsored by Highway 12 Winery, will be available. No registration required.

Weather and snowpack conditions during the winter of 1846-47 are critical to understanding the narrative of the Donner tragedy. Periods of heavy snow overwhelmed starving pioneers in the mountains while Pacific rainstorms flooded lowlands and stymied rescue efforts. This unique analysis looks at real-time weather observations from American warships, eyewitness accounts from on-the-ground personnel, as well as reliable statements from an array of contemporary sources.

Tahoe Sierra weather historian Mark McLaughlin is an award-winning, nationally published author and professional speaker with 8 books and more than 1,500 articles in print. Mark has appeared as an expert consultant for CNN, The History Channel, The Weather Channel, and the BBC, as well as many historical documentaries. A North Lake Tahoe local since 1978, he’s a five-time recipient of the Nevada State Press award. Mark has been writing from the mountains he calls home for over 35 years.

Save the date! Here is a teaser of the 2026 Sierra Speakers Series lineup. Some great presenter are on the schedule.

Looking ahead to summer, Donner Memorial State Park's Paddling Tours are now open for reservations!

Explore Donner Lake on a raft led by a California State Parks guide. Welcome to all ages and we encourage youth participants to join with a parent/guardian. We provide paddling instruction, a safety talk, and life jacket fitting before launching our two 14-foot rafts into the lagoon for a one-hour lake exploration (3/4 mi). Each raft holds 7 participants plus one guide who will discuss wildlife diversity and the rich cultural history of the area. You will also have an opportunity to jump into the lake if you'd like! Join us now using the QR code on the flyer!

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/69f6ce87/?appointmentTypeIds[]=47115968