Truckee Watercraft Inspections prevent Aquatic Invaders. It’s Easy. It Matters.
Hey Truckee boaters. We didn’t leave you out. You – yes, you – can help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Truckee and Tahoe water bodies with free and voluntary boat inspections at Donner Lake, and Boca, Prosser and Stampede Reservoirs May through September.
We’re all in this boat together and these power boat and paddler inspections are easy, and above all, they matter. Come prepared – Clean, Drained and Dry and you’ll sail right through. Learn more at www.TahoeBoatInspections.com. read more →
Volunteer Docents Needed for Environmental Education at Tahoe
Do you love Lake Tahoe and have an interest in learning more about the lake? Do you enjoy science, learning new information, and sharing your knowledge?
Residents who would like to help people learn about the region’s environmental assets and challenges are needed to serve as volunteer docents at the Thomas J. Long Foundation Education Center and the UC Davis Eriksson Education Center. The first two docent training classes will be held on June 19 and June 21, 2012.
Keep Tahoe Blue Invasive Weed Pull at Van Sickle Bi-State Park May 22
Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the California Tahoe Conservancy for the first volunteer invasive weed pull of the season on the evening of Wednesday, May 22, 2013 to remove noxious invasive Cheatgrass from Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
Cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum, is an invasive annual grass that has the ability to draw down soil nutrients and water levels in the soil making it difficult for native species to compete and survive; it also creates a fire hazard. Help remove this invasive species and create better habitat for Tahoe’s native plants and animals. read more →
Aquatic Invasive Species Public Forum May 23
We are so spoiled. We have NO ticks, fleas, poison oak, poisonous snakes, thorns, and no Quagga and Zebra mussels – yet.
These nasty mussels are a few of the destructive Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that threaten to ruin the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, and our surrounding lakes and streams. AIS can also ruin our favorite boating and fishing pastimes, our gear and economy. Thanks to the watercraft inspections and education efforts implemented by the TRPA, Tahoe RCD, USFS, and other agencies and community folks we’ve been able to ward off the mussels, and fight the further spread of existing AIS. But everyone must do more.
Learn how you can help and how to become a Tahoe Keeper at a free public forum on Thursday, May 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Inn By The Lake, located at 3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, California.
This matters! read more →
Sustainable Turf Care and Turf Conversion Workshop June 5 & 8
While lawns are great for defensible space and aesthetics, they are also the most water intensive landscaping option and a major polluter of the lake.
Not to mention – a time waster….if you’d rather be playing.
Learn more at the Sustainable Turf Care and Turf Conversion Workshop June 5th, 6:30-8 p.m. at South Tahoe PUD and June 8th, 9-10:30 a.m. sponsored by the Tahoe RCD, South Tahoe PUD, and UCCE Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners.
Free Green Thumb Gardening Presentations
Join the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and our local master gardeners for free conservation landscaping presentations this summer at demonstration gardens in Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe Community College and Incline Village.
The free Green Thumb Gardening presentations include backyard composting, vegetable gardening, native plant gardening, and more throughout the summer.
Tahoe Keepers Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invaders
Join the Tahoe Keepers stewardship community to help protect Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can ruin our pristine waters and our gear.
A new voluntary online training program hosted by the Tahoe Keepers will teach you how to guard against inadvertently transporting AIS to water bodies within the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee by self-inspecting and decontaminating your boats and gear after each use. It’s easy and it matters. Protect your favorite place. Protect your favorite pastime. read more →
Truckee Home and Building Show & Sierra Recreation Expo May 25-26
For almost two decades, the Truckee Home and Building Show has been the place to learn about green building practices that fit in Tahoe, Truckee and the Sierra Nevada. The show has been expanded to include the Sierra Recreation Expo.
Now you can find everything you need to build or remodel your mountain home and explore the vast array of recreational opportunities available at Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the surrounding High Sierra.
Check out all the buzz May 25-26, 2013. read more →
Tahoe Boat Inspections 2013 Schedule
Clean, Drain, and Dry your boats before arriving.
Roadside stations for inspections and decontaminations of motorized boats and watercraft are officially opening for the 2013 boating season.
Truckee Trail Updates 24/7
This is so cool.
The Truckee Trails Foundation website provides updates on the mountain bike trail, roads and bikeway conditions in North Shore and Truckee.
Each trail update includes an open status, trail type, difficulty, directions to the trail head, and a description of the trail – written by a local who knows the trail.
And, there’s even a Google Map for each dirt trail so you can pinpoint your ride. Sweet!
Free E-Waste Recycle at South Lake Tahoe Middle School April 27-28
Businesses and individuals are invited to recycle specific electronics at the South Lake Tahoe Middle School on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, 2013 between 9am and 3pm.
It’s free for California residents in South Lake Tahoe. Check the list first.
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Help to Launch “Green Bucks” Program
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have joined with the Tahoe Fund and the Truckee River Watershed Council to help launch the new Green Bucks program. Green Bucks is a dollar donation program designed to harness the passion of visitors and residents in order to help care for the region’s extraordinary environment.
Squaw and other local businesses have committed to collecting dollar donations on room nights, season passes, lift tickets, golf rounds and other items to help improve the area’s natural environment. read more →
Tahoe Truckee Earth Day April 20
Giant steps towards smaller footprints. The 2013 Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival is slated for Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Village at Squaw Valley.
This all ages, community-sponsored event gives participants an opportunity to learn about recycling/composting, alternative energy, sustainability, watershed and forest health, and reducing ecological footprints via a diverse array of agency representatives and earth-friendly vendors. read more →
South Lake Tahoe Earth Day April 27
Connect with community and honor mother Earth at the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 27th from 10am to 4pm at the Bijou Community Park.
Bring your dancing shoes because Ryan Palmer, the Lake Tahoe DJ, and Lonesome Locomotive will set the stage for juggling, dancing, stilt-walking, and aerial performances with the Willy Woggle Circus. Free admission, and don’t forget to ride your bike!
Friends of Squaw Creek Community Biology Forum March 23
The Friends of Squaw Creek (FoSC) organization is offering a free forum, which is open to the public, on the biology of Squaw Creek that will feature three experts. Taking place at the Squaw Valley Public Services District meeting room (305 Squaw Valley Main Road) on March 28, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
The discussion will feature local fisheries biologist, Ian Chan, Northern California Field Director for Trout Unlimited, David Lass, and principal of Sound Watershed, Mike Liquori. The forum will engage discussion on Squaw Creek’s historic and current status, along with opportunities for future environmental improvements. There will be a public question and answer session. read more →
Savoring the Moment with Slow Food Lake Tahoe
So what is Slow Food?
According to Slow Food USA, it’s “an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.”
With values like that, it’s no surprise we have a chapter based in Truckee.
Elevated Fitness is First Carbon-neutral Gym in the U.S.
Elevated Fitness in South Lake Tahoe, California, creates electricity through human power. From their spin bikes to their water-rowers, all of Elevated Fitness’ cardio equipment use small generators and inverters that capture the human energy and convert it to usable electricity that is delivered back to the grid. Because they generate more power than they consume, Elevated Fitness becomes only the third carbon-neutral gym on the entire planet, and the only one in the United States.
Tahoe’s Wind Powered Ski Resorts
Running a ski resort takes a lot of energy. Lifts, snow making, lights, etc. Just so we can have fun and be comfortable.
But electricity causes pollution, right? Not if you tap into the wind like some of our ski resorts. read more →
What’s Green About That? by Bret Hackett
His attention to detail and endless pursuit of knowledge to protect the things he loves are well known by everyone who has had the pleasure to ski, bike, kayak or climb with him.
Following family and friends, Bret’s passions include protecting the playground he enjoys daily by practicing what he preaches, and through his new green business, Healthy Home Consultants.
Lake Tahoe’s Underwater, a disturbing new world
The underwater world of Lake Tahoe is disturbingly full of strange, new life. And it’s not good news according to Alpengroup’s founder Phil Caterino.
But there is a solution!
Everyone can help by inspecting and decontaminating their watercraft, gear and fishing gear before you enter any waters in the Lake Tahoe basin. We’re all in this boat together.
Bear Boxes with Art & Soul by Bob
Bob had a great idea.
Growing up in Kings Beach you see, Bob always shared something in common with his neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Bear.
Trash.
Yes, Bob loves trash.
Did you know…We have One of the ‘Greenest’ Buildings in the World?
That’s right.
Located in Incline Village, the U.C. Davis Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences building has received a Platinum LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
What a perfect tribute to our preservation efforts.
Green Holidays Presentation Dec 12 at LTCC
Please join Rose on Wednesday, December 12th from 6pm to 8pm for a hands on presentation to create a more sustainable holiday. The interactive presentation will cover a variety of topics related to how to, and why we can make a positive impact on our local communities.Sustainability Film Festival at SNC Nov 2-3
Th e inaugural Sustainability Film Festival is an innovative and exciting collaborative series of films designed to generate awareness, conversation, and debate around current issues in sustainability.
The free Festival takes place at Sierra Nevada College, November 2 through 3, 2012, starting with a reception on Friday night. read more →
Annual Keep Sierra Clean Day Oct 21
Sierra-at-Tahoe’s annual Keep Sierra Clean day will take place October 21, 2012 from 10am to 3pm and has set a target of collecting more than 2,000 lbs of trash.
Friends, family, local ski and snowboard teams, and dedicated passholders turn out to show their love for the mountain by giving their time and effort to keep it beautiful. read more →
Asian Clam Control Project in Emerald Bay starts Oct 17
Tahoe boaters may experience a short delay when entering Emerald Bay due to an Asian clam control project scheduled to begin on October 17 (weather permitting) and the deployment of bottom barriers which will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
A TRPA boat will be on hand to help direct boat traffic in and out of Emerald Bay during the installation.
A New Moon for more than 30 Years
Talk about a Tahoe classic featuring locally made products.
New Moon Natural Foods has been open in Tahoe City for 30 years. Wow!
North Tahoe Green Building Tour Oct 17
On October 6th, the Sierra Green Building Association (SiGBA) is having their much anticipated annual Green Building Tour. This year’s tour features 4 sites, commercial and residential, each with their own unique approach to low-impact design, construction, and occupant lifestyle.
Beach Cleanup Day at Lake Tahoe Sept 15
While we all do our part every day, it’s fun to tap into the energy of the biggest Clean up day of the year with the entire world.
Volunteers are needed to help keep our waterways clean and blue by participating in the 28th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Tahoe on September 15, 2012.
What a great excuse to go to the beach! read more →
Community Aquatic Weed Removal at Baldwin Beach Sept 16
Have you noticed the submerged tarps in the ponds at Baldwin Beach? They’ve been there for a very good reason all summer, and it’s time to remove them.
Help with the removal of one of Tahoe’s most prolific aquatic invasive weeds, Eurasian watermilfoil, during the final Community Aquatic Weed Removal Project at Baldwin Beach off of Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, September 16, 2012.
Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help remove barriers and sand bags used to control the invasive water weed, as well as the nasty weed.
Markleeville Creek Day September 22
The Alpine Watershed Group is holding its 11th annual Markleeville Creek Day on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 10am to 2pm.
The fun starts at the Alpine County Library, where you’ll learn about the watershed and restoration activities.
Community Appreciation Day and Lake Spirit Awards Sept 27
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is hosting its second annual Community Appreciation Day and Lake Spirit Awards on Thursday, September 27 from 4 – 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Making Progress” and will focus on the Regional Plan Update and the 5th anniversary of the Angora Wildfire. The event will also include a TRPA boat where children, our young Tahoe Keepers, can conduct mock inspections for aquatic invasive species with staff from the Tahoe Resource Conservation District.
Free Night Shuttles in North Shore thru Sept 3
How cool is this…
This summer, riding the bus in North Shore at night is FREE!
Conservation Groups announce plan to buy Royal Gorge property on Donner Summit
The famed 3,000-acre Royal Gorge property on Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada will be bought and protected from development under an agreement announced today by The Trust for Public Land, the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT), and the Northern Sierra Partnership (NSP).
Volunteers Keep Tahoe Clean and Blue Aug 18 on East Shore
Make it a family affair.
The League to Save Lake Tahoe is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the Washoe Tribe for a volunteer beach clean-up of Tahoe’s East Shore beaches, including Skunk Harbor and Chimney Beach on Saturday, August 18th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Keep Tahoe Blue Community Weed Pull in the Tahoe Keys Aug 7
Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, and the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association for a community weed pull event on August 7th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Tahoe Keys.
Volunteers will be helping to remove invasive weeds that are threatening Tahoe’s native plant species, wildlife habitat, and the surrounding watershed. As a participant, you will learn about invasive weeds, how to properly remove them, and how to plant a Tahoe friendly landscape.
Free Conservation Landscaping Classes at LTCC Demonstration Garden Wednesdays
Did you know…worms can compost kitchen scraps and shredded paper much faster than more commercial backyard compost bins, especially at Lake Tahoe?
Learn about composting for our Tahoe environment at the free conservation landscaping class on August 15th from 5:30-6:45 pm at the LTCC Demonstration Garden.
Streamkeepers Survey at Trout Creek and Upper Truckee River Aug 11
This colorful yet scary bull thistle is one of the most common invasive weeds growing along rivers and streams in Lake Tahoe. It can choke our natural plants and cause havoc.
You can help. Volunteer as a streamkeeper to identify and survey invasive species along side the Upper Truckee River and Trout Creek on Saturday, August 11, from 9 am to noon.
Public Invited to Community Watershed Partnership Kickoff Events
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) will be holding conservation events that highlight environmental projects and stewardship opportunities in Tahoe Basin communities. These gatherings are part of the 2012 Community Watershed Partnership (CWP), a holistic program which provides a place for education, participation, and involvement in your local watershed. “CWP Kickoff Barbecues” will be held on June 27th in South Lake Tahoe and June 28th in Kings Beach, CA. read more →
Thunderbird Lodge Gardeners Club
Ever wonder how the beautiful gardens at the Thunderbird Lodge on east shore are maintained?
Through volunteer gardeners, of course! Many of them are master gardeners who belong to the Thunderbird Lodge Gardeners Club.
Community Clean Up Day in South Shore is Saturday, June 2
The Annual Community Dump Day in South Lake Tahoe is Saturday, June 2, 2012. South Shore residents can dump a regular size pickup truckload for $5. UHauls and other trailers will be priced a little higher. Nevada residents pay $10 per truckload.
Load your regular size pickup full of mattresses, old couches and junk and dump it. Refrigerators are only $15 and you can dump all of your e-waste for free! Nevada residents can participate for $10 per load!
Nifty 50 Trolley connects to North Shore
Ride the bus between North Shore and South Shore all summer.
The Nifty 50 Trolley will start its 2012 season on Saturday, May 26 running weekends only until July 4th, then seven days a week through summer — between South Shore’s Stateline Casinos to Tahoma and back. Single ride $2, Day Pass $5.
At Tahoma on the west shore, you can board the TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit) bus and travel on to Tahoe City, Truckee, Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista and Incline Village.
The Basics of Organic Gardening in the High Sierra by Eric Larusson of Villager Nursery
To me gardening is leisure, meditation and occasional work. It is seldom laborious or tedious. I do resent time wasted pulling weeds and I have aggression “issues” over neighbors who propagate dandelions. I desire my garden to be carefree and lush. There are a few easy organic methods that civilized man has used for millennia to achieve the “carefree” aspect of gardening. Soil is “the root of all good”.
Help Stop the Spread of Weeds in Lake Tahoe
It’s an ugly subject, but all of us can help stop the Eurasian watermilfoil weed from strangling Lake Tahoe, and the transfer of these weeds into other lakes, streams and rivers in the Tahoe Basin.
Currently, there is no Eurasian watermilfoil or curly leaf pondweed in Fallen Leaf Lake, Echo Lake and Spooner Lake. Let’s keep it that way.
Paddlers and motorized boaters can follow a few simple steps to stop the spread. read more →
12th Annual Snapshot Days May 11-12
The 12th Annual Snapshot Days is a volunteer event that takes a picture of one moment in time of our watershed: the greater Truckee River.
Volunteer monitoring teams will go out to various monitoring sites to perform a stream walk (visual assessment), collect field data, grab samples and take photos. Streams will be field tested for dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature. read more →
Recyle your old Tires for FREE until June 2012
Keep Tahoe Clean.
Recycle your used tires at the Eastern Regional Landfill in Truckee on the first and third Saturdays through June.
Fair Trade Coffee Break at Gaia Licious May 12
Get a cup of Fair Trade coffee (or tea) and join other conscious locals and coffee drinkers around the globe to celebrate World Fair Trade Day with the Fair Trade Coffee Break on May 12th at Gaia Licious in South Lake Tahoe from 9:30am to noon.
Local artist, Gina Stowell, will be creating Henna and Glitter Tattoos by donation. And, bring your drum to join the circle of vibration.
Recycle your Old Fridge and get $35
This is so cool!
Liberty Energy will pick up your old refrigerator for FREE and pay you $35.
Geotourism Conference: Strategic Opportunities for Tahoe May 22
With all the buzz about Geotourism lately, and living in one of the featured destinations on the Sierra Nevada Geotourism website created by the Sierra Business Council, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, local residents and National Geographic, a local firm is on a mission to help us understand how we can attract more conscious travelers who not only want to visit Tahoe, but help protect it as well. read more →
Harmless Coyote Deterrent
Living with coyotes can be a challenge.
Now there’s an easier way that doesn’t harm these beautiful wild creatures.
