Sierra State Parks Foundation Receives Grant from Martis Fund for Phase Two of The Donner Project, Project Moving Forward
The Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park. Credit: Sierra State Parks Foundation
TRUCKEE, JUNE 21, 2026 - The Sierra State Parks Foundation has received a grant of $50,000 from the Martis Fund to help fund Phase Two of The Donner Project. The Martis Fund is a collaborative project of Martis Camp Club, DMB/Highlands Group (the developers of Martis Camp), Mountain Area Preservation (MAP), and Sierra Watch. (See www.martisfund.org for more information.)
The Donner Project was launched to save the critically damaged Pioneer Monument that stands at Donner Memorial State Park. After withstanding a century of harsh Sierra winters, the monument was restored in July 2022 as part of a private-public partnership and philanthropy between the community, California State Parks, the Native Sons of the Golden West (NSGW), and the Sierra State Parks Foundation (SSPF). Phase Two includes reflective native landscaping through a surrounding trail with seating that will create a welcoming space for docent-led tours, student groups, families, and the community. The Native Sons of the Golden West and the Sierra State Parks Foundation are splitting the costs for Phase Two of The Donner Project.
The project will provide small and large group gathering areas around the monument; enhance the walking path around the monument, including ADA accessibility improvements and connectivity to existing trails; protect the monument from visitors climbing on it; and install native plants and vegetation to sustainably contribute to the ecosystem.
Specifically, grant funds from the Martis Fund will support the habitat restoration component of Phase Two that includes creating a native grass/perennial meadow area, expanding deciduous/aspen trees on the western/Visitor Center side of the area, and expanding conifer trees on the eastern/creek side of the area.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant award from the Martis Fund to ensure Phase Two of The Donner Project crosses the finish line,” states Michael Myers, Executive Director of Sierra State Parks Foundation. “This funding is instrumental in moving the project towards completion, and amplifies the impact of our donors who have invested in this project over the years.”
The Native Sons of the Golden West (NSGW) have played a foundational role in the Donner Project, having originally constructed and donated the Pioneer Monument to the State of California in 1918. Their commitment to preserving California’s pioneer history continues today through their active support of restoration efforts and educational outreach. NSGW, in collaboration with their Historical Preservation Foundation, is again partnering with the Sierra State Parks Foundation to fund Phase Two of the project, deepening public understanding of the Donner Party's story and ensuring the site remains a place of remembrance and learning for generations to come.
“California State Parks is proud to support Sierra State Park Foundation's efforts to fundraise and complete the Pioneer Monument Landscaping Project. This important project will enhance the guest experience at Donner Memorial State Park by restoring a space for contemplation, reflection, and respect. The Pioneer Monument honors the legacy of the immigrants who journeyed across the Sierra in search of a better future. We are committed to preserving and sharing the layered histories that make this park a place of deep meaning for all,” said Jeremy Lin, Sierra District Interpretive Manager.
