Tahoe Summer Starts Now 

Read this eNewsletter online

Tahoe summer does not begin when the beaches fill up or the holiday traffic hits. It starts when people like you make Lake-friendly choices.  

That is the idea behind Keep Tahoe Blue's vision for a Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe. Park your car once, leave it behind, and enjoy Tahoe by bike, e-scooter, bus, or shuttle - it's easier on both you and the Lake. Fewer car trips mean less pollution, less erosion, and less runoff, all of which help protect Tahoe's clarity. 

This summer, that vision is becoming more visible, with the Emerald Bay Shuttle returning in mid-June, Lake Link microtransit expanding its South Tahoe service area in July, and partners like Heavenly putting Lake-friendly travel options in front of more people. 

OUR TAHOE BLUE BEACH PROGRAM IS BACK AND GOING NATIONAL

Our Tahoe Blue Beach program kicked off for a third season, and its impact is already reaching beyond Tahoe's shoreline. 

This month, Sustainable Recreation Manager Marilee Movius spoke at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference, where she shared lessons with recreation leaders from across the country. Her message was clear: effective beach management works best when responsible recreation is built into the experience from the start. 

That is exactly what the Tahoe Blue Beach program is designed to do. After expanding to more beaches last year, the program returns following a 97% reduction in July 5 litter at Zephyr Cove and Shoals — proof that cleaner, more sustainable beach experiences do not happen by accident. They happen when stewardship, infrastructure, and people come together. 

What started at Lake Tahoe is now helping shape a broader conversation about how communities can better care for the places they treasure, both here and beyond Tahoe's borders. 

JUNE IS FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU

TO CONNECT WITH THE LAKE YOU LOVE

On June 13, Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day will bring volunteers to Marlette Creek near Thunderbird Lodge to restore habitat and improve water quality.

The Emerald Bay Shuttle is also set to return in the coming weeks, offering a smarter, lower-stress way to reach one of Tahoe's most visited destinations. 

As more people head for the water, aquatic invasive species prevention becomes even more urgent. There are several ways to step in and help protect Tahoe this summer:

• Join an Eyes on the Lake training to learn how to spot aquatic invasive species and understand the risks to Tahoe.
• Volunteer with the Eyes on the Lake Outreach Team to help educate paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers about invasive species prevention and Clean, Drain, Dry.
• Use the Citizen Science Tahoe web app to report what you see around the Basin, from invasive species to algal blooms and cloudy water.
• Remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear before moving between waterbodies.
• Enter the Chance to Win contest, running through September 30, to get your hands on free gear while helping protect the Lake.
• Watch our video with electric boat maker ARC Boats for a closer look at what Lake protection looks like on the water.

Summer protection does not start at peak season. It starts now, with the habits, tools, and choices that help keep Tahoe clear all summer long.

CORE VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:

CHARLENE MATTOS

Charlene Mattos has contributed more than 160 volunteer hours across Keep Tahoe Blue programs, including Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days, bike path cleanups, Education Center lessons, and community events. 

But the volunteer moments that resonate most with her are those with students. As a former elementary school teacher, Charlene knows how much a patient answer, a thoughtful question, or a little encouragement can help a lesson click.

At the Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center, she brings that same steady presence to the visiting classes, discovering what it takes to care for Lake Tahoe. 

Her volunteer work reaches across Keep Tahoe Blue, but her story comes back to a simple belief: small actions matter.

Read Charleen's full spotlight to learn how her time, patience, and love for Tahoe continue to make a difference. 

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS:

KATIE STEGEMERTEN & BELEN DE SCHUTTER

Keep Tahoe Blue's North Shore presence is growing with two new team members focused on bringing our programs closer to the communities they serve. 

Katie Stegemerten and Belén de Schutter recently joined Keep Tahoe Blue as North Shore Community Liaisons, helping strengthen our connection with the North Tahoe and Truckee communities.

Based in our new Tahoe City office, they are here to make it easier for people to ask questions, share concerns, get involved, and connect with the Basin-wide work to protect Lake Tahoe. 

Katie brings a background in wildlife conservation and environmental education, with a focus on helping people connect to the natural places around them.

Belén adds experience in community sustainability, natural resource conservation, and environmental stewardship, shaped by work in Tahoe and beyond. 

Together, they are helping expand access to Keep Tahoe Blue programs at a key moment for the Basin, when more people are looking for ways to care for the Lake they love. 

Explore outdoor gear that gives back to Lake Tahoe with every purchase. 

• Men's Solar Hoodie: Designed for days at the Lake with all-day comfort in mind. Delivers UPF 50+ protection with quick-dry, moisture-wicking properties and is available in two colors. 
• Women's Solar Hoodie: Made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, this layer features UPF 50+ sun protection and low-profile thumbholes for comfort from shoreline to summit.  
• Sierra Nevada Birds Pocket Guide: This illustrated pocket guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique bird species. It folds up conveniently and is waterproof, making it perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts. 

Open Thursday–Saturday, 11 am–5 pm | 2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Thank you for being part of this community and for showing up for the Lake in ways big and small. We’re grateful to protect this place alongside you.

2026 UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep Tahoe Blue

2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd,

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Kerrigan Family Boutique

Open Thursday–Saturday, 11am–5pm

 Located lower level, street entrance 

© 2026 Keep Tahoe Blue. All rights reserved.

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