Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and 5 Gyres to collect and inspect trash along the Castle Rock trail off the Tahoe Rim Trail! 5 Gyres is a non-profit known for its ocean expeditions and groundbreaking scientific research on ocean plastics. But, the plastic crisis doesn’t stop at the ocean, and they’ve set their sights on the Tahoe Basin for their first land-based scientific expedition. Come learn about the microplastics research that we are collaborating on this summer! Keep Tahoe Blue will share some of the latest on their work to prevent plastic pollution in Lake Tahoe.
At this event, we will use the TrashBlitz app to collect data on brands, materials, and items found along the trail. Although removing trash from an area has an immediate positive effect on the natural environment and human experience, each piece of trash collected and inventoried with TrashBlitz will also contribute to local, national, and global datasets to help inform policy in the United States and around the world and hold corporate polluters accountable. In particular, this data will contribute to a larger research project 5 Gyres is leading along the entire Tahoe Rim Trail this summer in collaboration with the TRTA.
How to Prepare for the Event
Download the TrashBlitz App before the event! To download the TrashBlitz app, first download it from either the Google Play or iOS App Store. Then, create an account or sign in with your email, Apple, or Google profile. Then go to “Join an Event” and scan the QR code below or enter “tahoe” to start logging data.
What to Expect at the Event
We will meet at the Kingsbury North Trailhead parking lot trailhead and get outfitted with gloves, trash grabbers, and bags from Keep Tahoe Blue. Then we will hike collecting trash along the way. Once we return to the trailhead, we will use the TrashBlitz app to perform a trash audit.
Please keep in mind, TRTA outings are group outings, and we do our best to keep the group together. Trip leaders dedicate a great deal of their time throughout the year sharing their passion for the outdoors. They are well-trained and experienced. Please respect their decisions made on the trail.
Difficulty
- Moderate
Distance
- 3.2 miles roundtrip
Location
- Trailhead Location: Kingsbury North Trailhead on Google Maps
- Route Map: Castle Rock Loop Trail on AllTrails
Time
- 8:30 am Pre-hike check-in
- 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Guided Hike
What to Bring
- Cell phone with TrashBlitz downloaded (Google Play and App Store)
- Water (~one liter per person)
- Snacks
- Windbreaker/ warm jacket
- Closed-toed shoes
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Lip Balm (≥ SPF 15+)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Field guide (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Personal Medications/Epi-Pen*
- *Communicate any medical issues in a private conversation with your guides at the trailhead.