Restoring Tahoe Together This Fall
Read this eNewsletter online |
|
|
For 28 years, our Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days events have brought together volunteers, partners, and conservation experts to heal Tahoe's meadows, marshes, streams, and forests. When healthy, these landscapes act as natural filters, protecting the Lake's clarity while providing a home for wildfire and making Tahoe resilient to climate change. On Saturday, September 20th, you can join Keep Tahoe Blue and fellow Lake-loving volunteers at the Lam Watah Trail in Stateline, Nevada, to restore a natural area that safeguards Lake Tahoe's health.
This year, we're proud to be part of Latino Conservation Week, a region-wide effort to ensure access to outdoor recreation for all communities. Together, every shovel of soil turned and every weed pulled builds a stronger, more resilient Lake Tahoe — one that belongs to everyone. Join us. |
|
|
Building Transit Solutions:
Emerald Bay Shuttle Pilot |
|
|
Emerald Bay is one of Tahoe's most visited locations, but car traffic and roadside parking put the Lake at risk. This summer, the Emerald Bay Shuttle has provided a better way to get to and from the iconic destination — safely, affordably, and while reducing pollution.
This month, the pilot project adds even more impact: Keep Tahoe Blue, The Tyre Collective, and Desert Research Institute are testing cutting-edge devices on the shuttles to capture tire wear particles before they enter Tahoe’s air and water. Tire particles are a hidden source of microplastic pollution and chemicals that can threaten wildlife and water clarity.
The pilot will provide one of the most detailed looks yet at how vehicles impact Tahoe’s water quality — and point the way to cleaner solutions Basin-wide. In the meantime, you can do your part by leaving your car parked and using alternative transportation. The Emerald Bay Shuttle pilot program ends on September 28th. Use promo code "LOCAL20" to get 20% off your next ride. |
|
|
Wildfire Safety & Awareness |
|
|
September is a beautiful time of year in Tahoe, with crisp mornings, turning foliage, and clear skies — but it also brings the perfect mix for wildfire: dry, hot, and windy conditions.
At Keep Tahoe Blue, we're focused on restoring the health of Tahoe's forests to avoid the devastating effects of wildfire. Healthy forests act as buffers, slowing the spread of flames so ashfall and sediment runoff can’t reach the Lake, where they impact water quality and clarity.
Our work has helped secure tens of millions in public funds for the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team to conduct fuels removal and wildfire preparedness projects that protect both the land and the Lake. After the 2021 Caldor Fire, our Caldor Fire Stream Impact Monitoring Project tracked how burn scars impact runoff, revealing higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and turbidity that can fuel algae growth and cloud Tahoe’s waters. That data informs restoration efforts Basin-wide.
Tips to help reduce wildfire risk and protect Tahoe: -
Respect fire restrictions: no campfires outside designated areas.
- Never leave a fire, grill, or cigarette unattended.
- Clear defensible space around your home and property.
-
Report illegal fires or unsafe behavior immediately.
- Keep a “go bag” ready during fire season with essentials for a quick evacuation.
Tahoe's health depends on forests that are resilient to wildfire and prepared communities. Please do your part to help keep our forests safe and Keep Tahoe Blue. |
|
|
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Meets Lake Tahoe |
|
|
Last month, legendary ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau joined Keep Tahoe Blue for a one-of-a-kind evening at UNR at Lake Tahoe. His message connected conservation efforts in Tahoe to the global fight for clean water, inspiring attendees with stories of conservation, family legacy, and the power of the next generation. The event brought together community members, partners, and supporters, highlighting how protecting Tahoe’s clarity is part of protecting the planet’s waters.
Relive the epic evening below and don’t miss our next Keep Tahoe Blue Speaker Series: Adventures in Limnology at Tahoe and Abroad with legendary lake scientist Prof. Charles Goldman on October 2nd at our Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center in South Lake Tahoe. |
|
|
Summer Wins That
Will Keep Tahoe Blue |
|
|
From restoring vital wetlands, to piloting a new shuttle at Emerald Bay, and defending Tahoe from golden mussels — this summer was full of action. Volunteers pulled weeds, hauled trash, and trained as Tahoe’s first line of defense against invasive species. Our staff and partners pushed through landmark policy wins and launched new solutions for Tahoe’s biggest threats.
Every dollar donated, every voice, every hour volunteered, every step toward change made a difference for Lake Tahoe’s future. Want the full story of what we accomplished together? |
|
|
Keep Tahoe Blue Store:
Shop for a plastic-free summer |
|
|
No needle and thread? No iron? No problem. Our Keep Tahoe Blue Bear Patch by NoSo makes repairing a rip in your jacket easy, or adding flair to your favorite bag. -
Peel, stick, and let it dry — that’s it.
- Durable enough for gear repair, stylish enough for everyday use.
- A simple way to show your love for Tahoe while keeping waste out of landfills.
Every purchase supports our mission to protect and restore the Lake.
🛍️ Shop Online
📍 Kerrigan Family Boutique | 2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe |
|
|
The Ripple Effect with Keep Tahoe Blue at Patagonia Outlet Reno September 13 | 10 am - 2 pm Reno
Join us for Patagonia’s Ripple Effect series — coffee, conversation, and community action. Keep Tahoe Blue volunteers, Nico and Aislinn, will be on site to share how you can make a difference for Lake Tahoe and sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities like Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day. Stop by the Patagonia Outlet in Reno, grab some coffee, and learn how you can help Keep Tahoe Blue. |
| |
|
28th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day – Fall Sept 20 | 9 am - 1 pm Lam Watah Trail, Stateline, NV
This is the League's longest-running event and Tahoe's largest ecosystem restoration volunteer effort. People of all ages and skill levels join in hands-on, outdoor work like native tree planting, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and more. |
| |
|
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
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. |
| |
|
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. |
| |
|
|
