Fun for the Whole Family, 44 Years and Counting
With miles and miles of paved bike trails on both... Read Article
Spring is officially here, and that means we have a short window to prepare for the high tourist season in the Tahoe-Truckee region. With warmer weather and longer hours of sunshine come more opportunities to explore a vast network of hiking trails, relax on stunning sandy beaches and recreate on our favorite blue lake.
However, summer brings a notorious increase in traffic, air pollution, trash on the trails and lakeshore, and even litter in our beloved lake.
It’s a complex issue, as the region relies heavily on tourism. But the fragile ecosystem can only be pushed to its limits so far, and locals and visitors are worried that we may be coming to a point of no return unless we take swift action.
Photo: TAMBA's passionate volunteers help create and maintain multi-use trails in the region. Photo Credit: TAMBA
Fortunately, the Tahoe-Truckee region is home to a surplus of passionate, educated and innovative residents, outdoor adventure enthusiasts and visitors who are determined to do whatever it takes to preserve our lake and lands for generations to come. They have come up with sustainable solutions to not only coexist, but also thrive as we continue to evolve alongside technology and tourism initiatives.
From tackling trash at the lakeshore to preserving the clarity of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine lakes to maintaining hiking and mountain biking trails to advocating for education and volunteer opportunities, individuals, nonprofits and small businesses around the region are getting involved to make positive changes and inspire others to do the same. Today, the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe and the region stands as a testament to the community's dedication to conservation efforts and the power of community collaboration.
Below, I have highlighted four of the most impactful organizations and nonprofits that are creating innovative approaches and solutions in the region. I hope that it can show not only the good in our mountain community, but also inspire positive change within everyone who lives here or visits.
Let's all do our part to keep our lake blue, and our lands wild. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
The League to Save Lake Tahoe (Keep Tahoe Blue)
You have most likely seen the “Keep Tahoe Blue” stickers on cars, laptops and around various venues. But did you know that Keep Tahoe Blue is more than a catchy slogan or way of life?
For 65 years, The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also fondly known by their catchphrase Keep Tahoe Blue, has been the region’s top advocate for environmental protection, stewardship and sustainability practices. Guided by core values including credibility, transparency and professionalism, The League is a trusted action-based sustainability organization and resource for education, advocacy, preservation and community building.
While The League to Save Lake Tahoe is most known for its accomplishments and initiatives to keep our sparking blue lake clear and clean, they are also heavily involved in beach and lake cleanups, trail and land restoration, eradicating invasive species, stewardship, outreach, and combating persistent pollution problems.
For example, the “Tahoe Blue Crew” volunteer members are dedicated to organizing and engaging in cleanups around the lake and basin. As well, they are active in reporting where trash is accumulating, so there can be real-time data to help foster future cleanups and initiatives. Utilizing the power of technology and community is essential in creating conservation attempts across the region, and educating the public about the power of the individual.
To become involved, or to learn more about The League to Save Lake Tahoe, click here.
BEBOT restores the lakeshore to ensure pristine conditions. Photo Credit: ECO-CLEAN Solutions
ECO-CLEAN Solutions
Founded by former ski bums turned conservationists JB Harris and JT Chevallier, ECO-CLEAN Solutions combines cutting-edge technology with low-impact solutions to address the growing need for cleanup and conservation efforts in the region. In partnership with Keep Tahoe Blue, North Tahoe Community Alliance, Tahoe Keys Marina and countless other local organizations, ECO-CLEAN Solution is committed to fostering collaboration and community to clean up our beloved lakeshores and lands with the latest innovations in technology, including their robots BEBOT and PixieDrone.
BEBOT, ECO-CLEAN’s trusted beach robot, the first of its kind on the West Coast, is a zero-emissions, high-speed, remotely operated robot that sifts through the sand to collect garbage that was neglectfully left behind. As of December 2024, more than 24,000 pieces of trash were removed by BEBOT.
PixieDrone is the fully autonomous and aquatic robot that collects invasive species, just like a whale or manta ray would with its mouth. Intelligently designed, this robot is minimally invasive to the lake and local species.
To follow the real-time data or learn more about ECO-CLEAN’s initiatives, click here.
TAMBA
The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, also known as TAMBA, is a local nonprofit completely run by passionate volunteers dedicated to creating, maintaining, fundraising and championing the use and upkeep of multi-use (mainly mountain biking and hiking) trails in the region. By partnering with organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, TAMBA has grown an extensive network for education, outreach and events to promote sustainable outdoor recreation. Some of TAMBA’s most notable achievements have been the construction of Bijou Bike Park and Corral Trail and the upkeep and upgrades of Mr. Toads, Flume Trail and Stanford Rock.
Click here to learn more about TAMBA’s trail initiatives or to find volunteer opportunities.
The East Shore Trail has been an inspiration for sustainable recreation in the region. Photo Credit: Tahoe Fund
Tahoe Fund
Most beloved on social media for their Fun Facts, Tahoe Fund is a notable nonprofit dedicated to being the region's go-to source for funding environmental and sustainability projects, including trails and recreation, forest and lake health, public transportation and education. Their most successful project, the East Shore Trail, has not only put Tahoe Fund on the community radar, but also forever changed how the region approaches sustainable recreation initiatives. The East Shore Trail is a 3-mile paved trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. It not only encourages locals and visitors to get active and explore the area, but also decreases car traffic and potential pedestrian accidents. The trail also meets the American Disability Act's standards and ensures that everyone can enjoy access and recreation. The trail was so successful, in fact, that there are now plans to extend the trail to Spooner Summit.
Some of Tahoe Fund's other notable achievements and ongoing projects include Take Care Tahoe Ambassador Program, Tahoe City Bear Plaques, Motel 6 demolition and land restoration and the Smartest Forest Fund.
To check out Tahoe Fund's ongoing projects, make a donation or learn more about how you can make a difference, click here.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
