The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, in partnership with Keep Tahoe Blue, American Hiking Society and Nevada State Parks, is kicking off the trail season by spending the day caring for one of the most loved trail systems in the Tahoe Basin, Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

National Trails Day is a chance to get outdoors, connect with your community, and give back to the places you love! This year, you get to choose between trail work with the TRTA and a trash cleanup with Keep Tahoe Blue.

Meet at Van Sickle Bi-State Park (meeting time for trail volunteers is 8:30 am and meeting time for cleanup volunteers is 10 am) to share a cup of coffee and pastries with our fellow community members. After grabbing some snacks, folks cleaning up will split off from the trail workers and both groups will get to work! At 2:00 PM we will come back together for a tailgate party to celebrate our hard work and community!

Cleanup Information (To sign up for the cleanup, CLICK HERE.)

Project:

Cigarette butts, plastic trash and food waste pose a serious risk to Lake Tahoe’s delicate ecology, its natural beauty and its wildlife. In order to prevent litter and other pollutants from reaching Lake Tahoe, this cleanup will focus on the heavily trafficked area surrounding Heavenly Village and Stateline. The time frame for this project is 10 am – 2 pm.

Difficulty:

This cleanup will include standing or walking, mostly on pavement, with opportunities for rest.

You Bring:

• Sturdy, close-toed shoes (required for participation)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, etc.)
• Full reusable water bottle and any snacks that you might need
• Friends and a smile!

We Bring:

• Education and enthusiasm!
• Gloves, pickers, and trash bags

Trail Workday Information (To sign up for the trail workday, CLICK HERE.)

Project:

This workday will focus on the heavily used switchbacks on the Van Sickle Trail headed up to the waterfall. Due to the creation of social trails cutting the switchbacks, the main trail is sliding away and in need of repair. We will be repairing tread and blocking the social trails with brush. Other trail work may include brushing/lopping, drainage work, and other trail maintenance. The time frame for this project is 8:30 am – 2 pm.

Difficulty:

The trail work site is approximately a half mile and 250 feet of ascent from the VSSP trailhead. Work includes using hand tools and moving brush and other natural materials.

You Bring:

• Long-sleeved shirt and pants (required for participation)
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes or boots (required for participation)
• Eye protection/sunglasses
• Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, etc.)
• Daypack
• 2 liters/70 ounces of water
• Food (tailgate will be at 2:00 PM)
• Work gloves (we have some if you don’t!)

We Bring:

• Leadership, instruction, and enthusiasm!
• Tools
• Gloves, hard hats, and eye protection