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.

Please bring clothes that can get dirty, gardening gloves, your reusable water bottle, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the gate to Van Sickle Bi-State Park located at the end of Heavenly Village Way at the intersection of Lake Parkway. Register to volunteer here. For more information please contact Emily Mathews at emily@keeptahoeblue.org or 530.541.5388.

For more info click here.

Volunteers will help remove invasive weeds that are threatening Tahoe’s native plant species, wildlife habitat, and the surrounding watershed.

While some of these weeds may be pretty, they do not belong here and they are killing our native plants that nourish our ecosystem. But you can help!

Invasive weeds are plants that grow aggressively, spread quickly and choke out native and other desirable plants from the native landscape. They produce enormous amounts of seed, have spreading root systems, and lack natural predators. These traits enable them to dominate entire landscapes. The following are some of the invasive weeds have been found in the Lake Tahoe Basin: bull thistle, oxeye daisy, scotch broom, yellow toadflax, and perennial pepperweed.

Thank you for your support to Keep Tahoe Blue!

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!

Our area’s smartest scientists and planners will present an update on the Lake Tahoe and Truckee watercraft inspection programs, aquatic invasive plant and Asian clam control efforts, the Tahoe Keepers self-inspection program for paddlers, as well as national and regional AIS prevention and control efforts.

We’ve all seen the destruction that Eurasian watermilfoil has caused in the Tahoe Keys, entrance to Emerald Bay and the Upper Truckee River and it’s time we all help to stop the further spread of this nasty weed and other AIS. Currently, the most serious threats to the streams and lakes in the Lake Tahoe Region and Truckee waterbodies are Zebra and Quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and Eurasian watermilfoil and Curlyleaf pondweed. Each of these invaders is spread through the transport of water and/or debris that can collect in cockpits and hatches, bilges, cling to outer hulls, rudders, and paddles, and even hide out on your gear.

Mark you calendar to learn about the most important issue threatening our livelihood and environment and the effective  program developed by the TRPA, TRCD, USFS and other agencies. You’ll be impressed and proud.

Brief presentations will feature aquatic invasive species (AIS) program overviews including early detection, prevention, control and monitoring projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee Region. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about the Lake Tahoe and Truckee watercraft inspection programs, aquatic invasive weeds, Asian clam and warm water fish control efforts in Lake Tahoe as well as the Tahoe Keepers program for paddlers. The evening will conclude with a question and answer period. Light refreshments will be served.

“The protection of Lake Tahoe and nearby waterbodies from aquatic invasive species is a high priority for government agencies, private partners and members of the public,” said Steve Chilton, Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This forum is a chance for the public to learn about the program, ask questions and find out how they can get involved.”

In addition to summarizing existing programs, presenters will highlight the Truckee regional and Nevada statewide aquatic invasive species programs, as well as new volunteer stewardship opportunities for members of the public. For more information on the forum or aquatic invasive species in the region, visit tahoeboatinspections.com and tahoekeepers.org.

The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program consists of 40 public and private partner organizations including federal, state and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. This Program provides leadership, direction and resources to fulfill its mission of prevention, detection and control of aquatic invasive species in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For additional information, contact Kristi Boosman of TRPA at (775) 589-5230 or kboosman@trpa.org.

It’s the quintessential spot for bird watching in South Lake Tahoe.

It’s a treat to watch the transformation of the marsh and enjoy the spring migrants.  Right now it is bursting with frogs, coyote, yellow headed blackbirds, jays, mountain chickadees, Audubon Warblers, wood ducks in the lily pads, and more.

Head further to Pope Beach and you’ll see the gulls, bald eagles, ospreys, geese, ducks and if you’re lucky, the white pelicans headed to Pyramid 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.

While we are all trying to save water and the lake, this is one of the most progressive, sustainable ideas in the Tahoe Basin.

• Water saving technology and practices that save money
• Turf removal techniques and relandscaping ideas
• Fertilizer practices for healthier turf and cleaner water
• Irrigation auditing and scheduling
• Landscape professionals will be placed on service providers list
• Ins and outs of the South Tahoe PUD Turf Buy Back Program
• Opportunity to sign up for water-wise landscaping services

Home gardeners and Landscape professions from around the lake are invited to attend this free workshop. To learn more contact Jennifer Cressy, jcressy@tahoercd.org, 530-543-1501 ext. 107.

Turf Buy-Back Program by STPUD

The South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) has two state water conservation grants that allow for the voluntary buy-back of lawns, for customers who wish to replace their lawns with basic drip irrigation system or drought- tolerant landscaping.

Requirements of the Turf Buy-­Back program include replacing turf with at least 50% living cover­age to prevent erosion from increas­ing following the removal of the lawn. Shrubs such as serviceberry, chokeberry, and sand cherry are the most suitable for drought-tolerant and native landscap­ing.

A healthy lawn must be verified by a South Tahoe PUD staff member prior to its removal to be eligible for the Turf Buy-Back Program.

The free Green Thumb Gardening presentations include backyard composting, vegetable gardening, native plant gardening, and more throughout the summer.

Free Green Thumb classes take place Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Locations:

Mondays – Lake Tahoe Community College Demonstration Garden, One College Drive, South Lake Tahoe , CA (except where noted).

Tuesdays – Tahoe Environmental Research Center Demonstration Garden, 2400 Lake Forest Road, Tahoe City, CA

Wednesdays – North Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden, Sierra Nevada College , 999 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, NV

• Food Gardening 101: Flower Pot to Kitchen Pot Monday, June 24 (at Evan’s Family Garden , 1382 Mt. Olympia Circle, SLT ) and Tuesday, June 25 Wednesday, June 26 – @ North Lake Tahoe/Incline: BMP for Single Family Homes
• Right Plant, Right Place – Trees and Shrubs in High Elevation Settings Monday, July 8; Tuesday, July 9; Wednesday, July 10
• Pest Management: What’s Bugging You? Or Digging Up Your Garden? Monday, July 15; Tuesday, July 16; Wednesday, July 17
•  Composting: From Garbage to Garden Monday, July 22; Tuesday, July 23; Wednesday, July 24
• Get Wild in Your Garden! Native Plants and Beneficial Insects Monday, July 29 ; Tuesday, July 30; Wednesday, July 31
• Sprinkle or Shower? Efficient Irrigation Monday, August 5; Tuesday, August 6; Wednesday, August 7
• BMPs for Single Family Homes and Landscaping Ideas Monday, August 12; Tuesday, August 13; Wednesday, August 14
• The Dirt on Your Garden Soil Monday, August 19; Tuesday, August 20 Wednesday, August 21 – @ North Lake Tahoe/Incline: Maintaining Your BMPs

Contact Jen Cressy, jcressy@tahoercd.org or (530) 543-1501, ext. 107 or visit www.tahoercd.org for additional details.

The 2013 Tahoe Bike Challenge takes place June 3 – June 14, 2013.

This non-competitive, competitive event encourages everyone to park the car, and ride a bike.  Whether you’re headed to work, school, the post office or just riding to have fun, grab your bike to stay healthy, Keep Tahoe Blue, and to win prizes.

Commuters, students, work groups, and walkers – yes, walkers – everyone is encouraged to sign up today at www.TahoeBike.org to participate in the Tahoe Bike Challenge  sponsored by the TRPA and Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. You can also pledge money for the miles you ride to the Bucks for Bikes program that funds youth programs at Lake Tahoe.

This is the eighth year that Tahoe locals and visitors have embraced the challenge with impressive results.  Let’s beat last year’s results which can be found here.

Hi Wheeler Lake Tahoe:

He finally got the bike of his dreams.  Gary Bell, aka the Spoke Junkie, got a hi-wheeler.

He says it will be his new commuter bike for work, and all around townie bike. And you know it will be the subject of many new articles in Tahoe Mountain News. Gary Bell is the owner of Sierra Ski & Cycle Works in South Lake Tahoe next to Safeway which he has owned since 1980.

The Penny-farthing or Hi-wheeler are similar terms used to describe a type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel that was popular between 1870 and the 1880s, following the velocipede, or boneshaker, in use during the 1860s.  Penny farthings were the first all metal machines to be called “bicycles”.

Penny-farthing refers to British penny and farthing coins (quarter penny), one much larger than the other so that the side view resembles a penny leading a farthing.

If you want to ride it, head to the shop located at 3430 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in the middle of South Shore right next to Safeway.  Hours – 8ish to 6ish every day.

A book signing will be held that evening from 6-7 pm at Reno restaurant Campo.

In “Why I Farm,” third-generation farmer Romano speaks from experience about today’s most vital issues: how to live with purpose and how to protect our food supply. The author documents a disappearing way of life and issues a wake-up call, describing his metamorphosis from a small boy growing up on a farm to adult white-collar worker and his ultimate return to the land. He details specific issues that small farms face today, and how they will challenge our food future. This book is his attempt to educate and enlist farmers and consumers in a call to action.

“This book is full of great stories, history and current information on where we are as a nation with our food and farming,” says Mark Estee, executive chef and owner of Campo. “This book works on so many levels—the next time you are shopping or eating, you’ll be able to answer the question “Do you know where your food comes from?”

Romano owns and operates the 65-acre Sierra Valley Farm in Beckwourth, Calif. and hosts the state’s only certified organic on-farm farmers’ market each Fri., 10-2:30 from May 31 through mid-Sept. Romano also holds “Dinners in the Barn” and can be found weekly at the Tahoe City and Truckee farmers’ markets. His next book, “July & Winter: The Growing Seasons of the Sierra for Farmers and Gardeners,” a how-to guide to growing in the challenging Sierra climate, will by published in 2014 by Bona Fide Books.

Campo is located at 50 N. Sierra Street in downtown Reno. “Why I Farm” is available June 6 through Bona Fide Books, local bookstores and gift shops, at Romano’s farmers’ markets and on Amazon. Go to www.sierravalleyfarms.com for more information about Romano’s market and other events.

Bona Fide Books is an independent press in South Lake Tahoe helping writers find their readers and building literary community in the Sierra. For more information, call (530) 573-1513.

The stand up paddle board community has a large presence in Truckee.  The SUP tactic is an aspect of a Community Oriented Policing strategy that calls on police to partner with their community and embrace the norms of the community they serve.

“The purpose of ARC was to not increase enforcement or address crime related issues, but to interact and patrol in a manner which best emulates what our community embodies,” Captain Rob Leftwich said.

The officers will not routinely patrol on paddle boards.  They will operate situational patrols at events where a paddle board is appropriate.

“Anything we can do that gets officers out of their vehicles and invites interaction with our community is a step in the right direction,” Chief of Police Adam McGill said.

No general fund dollars were spent on the new Truckee Police ARC Team.  The Tahoe SUP, a regional paddle board manufacturer rooted in Truckee, made a generous donation toward two stand-up paddle boards and associated equipment.  Tahoe SUP is also providing free training to officers including rescue-related skills so officers are prepared for water emergencies.

Brilliant TPD ARC!  Way to integrate our lifestyle Truckee’s finest.

And everyone entering ANY Truckee or Tahoe water body also needs to fight the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. Here’s how -

Become a Tahoe Keeper:  Protect Your Favorite Place.
Protect Your Favorite Pastime.

Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invaders.
Clean • Drain • Dry • Every time

Please join our local paddle shops and other paddlers and become a Tahoe Keeper to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Lake Tahoe and Truckee water bodies.

It’s easy. It’s free. It matters.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten Lake Tahoe’s famous water clarity. Invaders spread through the transport of water and debris that can collect in cockpits and hatches, and cling to outer hulls, rudders and paddles. Spreading AIS violates local, state, and federal laws.

Self-Inspect & Decontaminate: The Tahoe Keepers online training program demonstrates how to Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and gear every time you haul out or move between water bodies, and properly Dispose of any plants or debris.

• CLEAN watercraft with pressurized water, removing all dirt, plant, and animal material from your rudder, hull, cockpit, and fishing gear. DISPOSE of foreign matter above the waterline on dry land or in a trash can.
• DRAIN the water from your hatches and cockpits on land before you leave the immediate area.
• DRY your watercraft before launching it again.

When paddling in an area infested with AIS or if you find contaminants on your boat or board, implement additional decontamination measures, such as spraying with pressurized water and keeping your watercraft completely dry for at least 5 days.

Prevent In-basin Transfer of AIS: If you only paddle within the Lake Tahoe basin, it is still very important to inspect your watercraft and gear to ensure you are not inadvertently transporting invaders found in Lake Tahoe to other Tahoe-Truckee area water bodies.

If you find AIS on your equipment or you are arriving at Lake Tahoe from a region with infested water bodies, inspections and decontaminations are available free of charge at the roadside watercraft inspection stations.

Learn more and join the Tahoe Keepers stewardship community at www.TahoeKeepers.org.  Call 1-888-824-6267 for the AIS hotline.

It’s easy. It’s free.  It matters.

A “Peoples Choice Award” will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Stop by the Art Center and vote for your favorite artist.

A selection of 23 talented artists, all members of North Tahoe Arts, will be displaying artwork in all mediums ranging from watercolor to ceramics and woodworking to papier mache. The exhibit is open to the community to enjoy the varied expressions of their local artists and to vote for the “People’s Choice Award.”

Artwork is on view in the Main Gallery and Corison Loft Gallery May 1-June 3, 2013. Gallery and Artisan Shop hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed on Tuesdays.

The opening reception will be hosted at North Tahoe Arts on, Saturday, May 11, 1-3 p.m. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. Come out to show your support for the visual arts in your community.The exhibit features many of our favorite local artists from North Lake Tahoe and Truckee and their work using variety of mediums including photography, monotype printing, pastels, acrylic, water color, and painting on silk. One artist is a woodworker using recycled materials.

North Tahoe Art Center
380 North Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145

The North Tahoe Art Center is the hub for the North Tahoe Art Scene, with two galleries and a gallery gift shop, filled with fine arts from regional artists. The North Tahoe Art galleries and gallery shop feature exceptional works such as paintings, fiber arts, glass, sculpture, basketry, woodwork, and photography from local, regional, and national fine artists.

For more information, please call (530) 581-2787 or visit their website.

If you love birds, join the South Shore bird network at Cove East every Wednesday morning and learn more about Tahoe birds all year round.  If you’re lucky you’ll see our resident Beaver in the Truckee River, and a Hooded Merganser, Great-Blue Heron, and Red-tailed Hawk.

Other birds who frequent this paradise year round include Bald Eagles, Hawks, Grebes, Mergansers, American Coots, Ravens, Gulls, Northern Flickers, Steller’s Jays, Mountain Chickadees, Red-naped Sapsuckers (shown here), and Black-billed Magpies, to name a few.

Led by the unflappable local birding expert, Don Harriman, and Tahoe native Lynn Harriman, Tahoe birders meet every Wednesday at 8 am at Cove East to identify the weekly progression of birds.

Do you want to learn more about the bird life in Tahoe, attend field trips, or share your observations?

An informal group of bird watchers in Tahoe have established a yahoo list serve for birders interested in what is going on with birds in South Lake Tahoe.

Postings include sightings from trips, interesting developments pertaining to birds, and announcements for birding trips and upcoming birding events. To subscribe to this group, send an email to sltbirding-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.