Protecting Lake Tahoe with Science |
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Few people can say they helped save Lake Tahoe's clarity — Dr. Charles Goldman is one of them. Since the 1960s, his groundbreaking science has shaped how we measure, understand, and protect the Lake's world-famous blue. His work also contributed to Keep Tahoe Blue's earliest conservation wins and shaped our core philosophy: using science to identify threats to the Lake and create solutions. Or more simply, Science to Solutions.
On Thursday, October 2, Dr. Goldman will take the stage at our new Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center as part of the Keep Tahoe Blue 2025 Speaker Series. It's a once-in-a-generation chance to hear from the “Godfather of Tahoe Limnology” in person, and to connect his historic contributions to the future of Tahoe protection. Event tickets are free but limited — and going fast. Don't miss this special evening to celebrate Tahoe science, legacy, and solutions. |
Photos courtesy of UC Davis and Tahoe Daily Tribune |
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Tahoe's Experts Lead Beyond the Basin |
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Our Team’s Expertise in Action |
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At Keep Tahoe Blue, our staff are more than advocates — they’re subject matter experts shaping how Tahoe and other regions confront environmental challenges.
This fall, our experts are sharing their knowledge at national and regional gatherings.
From showcasing innovative strategies to prevent invasive species like the golden mussel, to presenting new research on sustainable recreation and visitor engagement, their voices are helping set the standard for protecting freshwater ecosystems. -
Laura Patten, Natural Resource Director, is presenting to conservation professionals at the North American Aquatic Invasive Species Management Conference, November 4-6, teaching how our Eyes on the Lake program and AIS Defense Teams can prevent invasive threats like the golden mussel.
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Marilee Movius, Sustainable Recreation Manager, is traveling to the GWS Park Forum 2025 at the University of Montana, Missoula, October 20 – 23, sharing results from our Community Conservation Collaborative signage study that helps visitors enjoy Tahoe while reducing impacts on sensitive areas.
- Dr. Darcie Goodman Collins, CEO, and Noa Banayan, Government Affairs Manager, are contributing to statewide conversations on “cutting green tape” and advancing California’s 30x30 climate goals at a California Landscape Stewardship Network event in November.
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Together, Laura and Marilee are also highlighting Tahoe’s leadership in litter prevention at this year’s Tahoe Litter Summit on October 2, showing how solutions tested here can be scaled across the region.
By sharing lessons from Tahoe, our team is shaping how communities everywhere safeguard their most treasured places. |
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Analyzing Traffic's Impacts on Tahoe |
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Stopping Tire Pollution Before It Reaches Lake Tahoe |
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Tire wear doesn’t look like litter, but its impacts are significant. Tiny particles of tire debris are a source of microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe. To tackle it, we joined forces with The Tyre Collective and Desert Research Institute in a groundbreaking collaboration. Compact devices designed by The Tyre Collective were mounted beneath an Emerald Bay Shuttle vehicle to silently collect tire particles that would otherwise have escaped into the environment.
This work builds on Keep Tahoe Blue's legacy of pioneering science, forward-thinking partnerships, and alternative transportation. By tackling microplastics at the source, we’re protecting Tahoe’s clarity and setting a model for other regions. 📢 Reminder: The Emerald Bay Shuttle’s last ride of the season is September 28 — book your trip today. Use code “LOCAL20” at checkout for 20% off. |
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Getting to and around Tahoe without a car is easier than you think. Intern Kat Fulwider proved it with her “travel-palooza” adventure — showing how fun, affordable, and stress-free it is to park once and ride alternative transportation.
Next time you're in Tahoe, follow Kat’s lead. Your small choice to keep your car parked helps reduce pollution, ease congestion, and protect Tahoe’s clarity. Go ahead, enjoy Tahoe from the passenger seat. |
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For more than 70 years, Lake Tahoe has been part of Frank Goddard’s story — from summers on the beach with his parents and nearly 50 winters skiing at Kirkwood, to settling here full-time with his wife Melanie to be near their granddaughters. This April, Frank launched the Seneca Blues Crew and adopted the Cove East Trail to protect it from litter, a beloved but heavily used spot in South Lake Tahoe.
Frank knows every piece of litter matters: “The cumulative impact of one small piece of garbage they figure certainly won't affect the Lake they are enjoying, does in fact add up over time.” Read Frank’s full story and see how our Core Volunteers are protecting Tahoe. |
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Keep Tahoe Blue Store: Sip Tahoe, Save Tahoe |
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There’s a new way to start your mornings with purpose. Our Tahoe Blue Business partner Fog & Fern Coffees has created a custom Tahoe Roast, inspired by the Lake itself.
With smooth notes of vanilla, almond, and caramel, this 12 oz. whole bean bag is perfect for brewing fresh at home. Even better, Fog & Fern is donating 25% of proceeds from every bag directly to Keep Tahoe Blue. You can pick up Tahoe Roast exclusively at our retail store in South Lake Tahoe or order direct from Fog & Fern Coffees.
And if you’re headed to the Lake, stop by the Camp Richardson General Store. For the first time, you’ll find official Keep Tahoe Blue merchandise stocked there, giving you even more ways to show your love for Tahoe and support the mission.
Your daily choices matter. Whether you have coffee in hand or Keep Tahoe Blue gear on your back, you’re helping protect the Lake.
🛍️ Shop Online
📍 Kerrigan Family Boutique | 2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe |
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I Love Kings Beach Day October 1 | 8:30 am - 1 pm Kings Beach Join us at Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe to celebrate the Tahoe Blue Beach Program with a community cleanup, robotic beach cleaning, and a showcase of shoreline stewardship. |
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Keep Tahoe Blue Speaker Series: Adventures in Limnology at Tahoe and Abroad with Dr. Charles Goldman October 2 | 5 pm Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center | S. Lake Tahoe
Join Dr. Charles Goldman, the “Godfather of Tahoe Limnology,” for stories of science, advocacy, and discovery. Learn how his work shaped lake protection, inspired generations, and fueled Keep Tahoe Blue's “science to solutions” legacy. RSVP now for this unforgettable evening. |
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Camp Richardson Oktoberfest October 4 & 5 | 10 am - 5 pm Camp Richardson Resort
Join us at Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest, October 4–5, where Tahoe Blue Beach partner Camp Richardson is going plastic-free. Stop by our booth for a fun activity, win prizes, and learn how you can help Keep Tahoe Blue. |
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Master Gardeners Class: Putting Your Garden to Bed: Late Fall Gardening October 11 | 1 - 2:30 pm
Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center | S. Lake Tahoe Learn fall gardening essentials in a free outdoor class at Keep Tahoe Blue's outdoor amphitheater with UC Master Gardeners and STPUD. |
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Tahoe PAKA Hike & Pop-up Shop
October 18 | 10 am - 2 pm, 3 - 8 pm Big Meadow Tahoe Rim Trailhead
Alpenglow Sports | Tahoe City Join PAKA and Tahoe Blue Business partner Alpenglow Sports for a morning alpaca hike, followed by live music and a community pop-up shop benefitting Keep Tahoe Blue. |
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