Read this eNewsletter online

Late summer is a time to stay alert in Tahoe. 

Hot, dry conditions can lead to flames. The recent Hawk Fire near Reno is a reminder to know the rules, respect fire restrictions, and keep a go-bag ready before an emergency starts.  

On the water, prevention matters just as much. Invasive golden mussels are not in Lake Tahoe, and keeping these ecosystem destroyers out depends on simple habits practiced before you paddle, fish, float, launch, or bring gear from one waterbody to another. 

Take easy actions to do your part, like making sure your gear is Clean, Drained and Dry, reporting what kind of life you see in the water, and helping educate beachgoers about the threat of invasive species.   

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY — EVERY TIME

Golden mussels, an aquatic invasive species spreading rapidly across California, can move on more than motorized boats. 

Fishing gear, paddleboards, kayaks, float tubes, water shoes, wetsuits, and other gear that touches the water can carry tiny invasive species from one waterbody to another. That is why it's crucial to Clean, Drain, Dry all your gear, before and after you get in water. 

As summer enters its final stretch, make prevention part of every beach day. Wipe down your gear, drain all standing water, and let everything dry completely before heading to a new beach, launch, river, or lake. 

Here are more ways to be part of the solution: 

• Attend our last Eyes on the Lake training: September 6 at Echo Lake Chalet 
• Enter the Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers Chance to Win contest: Entries run through September 30 
• Report what you see on the water through the Citizen Science Tahoe web app 

PADDLE WITH CLEARLY TAHOE

AND SEE THE LAKE IN A NEW WAY

Paddling in a clear-bottom kayak gives you a unique view below Tahoe's surface. On Tuesday, September 15, that view comes with a deeper purpose. 

Join Clearly Tahoe and environmental experts from Keep Tahoe Blue for a one-day Explorer Takeover that turns time on the water into citizen science. Along the way, you'll learn what makes Lake Tahoe unique, how to recognize native species, and why aquatic invaders pose a serious threat to the Lake's clarity and ecosystem. 

You'll also learn how to report what you see on the water in a few easy steps, helping experts detect potential problems before they spread. 

A portion of the proceeds from Clearly Tahoe Explorer experiences on September 15 will support Keep Tahoe Blue's work to protect Lake Tahoe. 

Choose your experience: 

• 8:00 am Emerald Bay Tour 
• 12:30 pm Uncharted Experience 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

Some volunteers bring experience. Loretta Friedel brings curiosity, consistency, and a way of making every field day feel like a team effort. 

Since reconnecting with Keep Tahoe Blue through an Eyes on the Lake training in 2014, Loretta has given more than 1,500 volunteer hours to shoreline surveys, beach outreach, cleanups, water quality testing, and her own litter-fighting Tahoe Blue Crew. This year, her Snapshot Day team even showed up with a name, the Trout Creekers, and matching shirts. 

Loretta's story shows what long-term stewardship looks like in practice: learning, showing up, helping visitors understand their impact, and bringing others along in protecting Lake Tahoe. 

For Cheryl Delehanty, protecting Tahoe starts close to home. 

A Tahoe Blue Crew Leader since May 2022, Cheryl adopted the fire lookout trail area because it is in her backyard and part of a place she has hiked for decades. Her connection to the outdoors started early, growing up near the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, and deepened over 35 years of North Shore life. 

Cheryl first stepped into stewardship at the trailhead by taking over management of a dog waste bag dispenser in 2020. Since then, she has continued helping care for a trail that became much busier during the Pandemic.  

What does Cheryl wish more people knew? Tahoe's trails are someone's backyard, and it's always best to "pack it in, pack it out" to help preserve Tahoe's beauty. 

Thank you, Cheryl, for all you do for Tahoe. 

This summer, David Francl became a steady presence for Keep Tahoe Blue's Eyes on the Lake Outreach Team at Sand Harbor. Nearly every weekend, he spent five-hour shifts talking with beachgoers, answering questions, and helping visitors and locals understand how their choices can affect Lake Tahoe. 

For David, the outreach work has been meaningful because it creates real conversations with people from many places who all share a connection to the Lake. 

"I've really enjoyed the opportunity that Eyes on the Lake and Keep Tahoe Blue has provided for me to connect with a mix of locals and visitors from all over the world, while promoting awareness of things that threaten our beautiful natural treasure." 

Thank you, David, for showing up week after week, representing Keep Tahoe Blue with care, and helping more people understand their role in protecting Lake Tahoe. 

Our bestselling Solar Hoodies have returned just in time for Tahoe's final weeks of summer. Plus, every purchase helps protect Lake Tahoe. 

• Men's Solar Hoodie: Your favorite UPF 50+ layer back in stock. Now available in Olive and Carbon. 
• Women's Solar Hoodie: Lightweight with UPF 50+ protection, it's the perfect layering piece for summer-to-fall adventures. Back in stock in Water Blue.  

2026 UPCOMING EVENTS

Keep Tahoe Blue

2877 Lake Tahoe Blvd,

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Kerrigan Family Boutique

Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm

 Located lower level, street entrance 

© 2026 Keep Tahoe Blue. All rights reserved.

Subscription Preferences