Lake Tahoe conservation landscape tour features West Shore gardens

Nine beautiful West Shore gardens and educational talks on conservation landscaping topics highlight the fifth annual Conservation Landscape Tour, one of the signature events produced by the sustainable landscaping experts with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. Maps for the tour can be picked up on Sunday, August 19 between 1 and 3 pm at the corner of Wilson and Pine Streets in Tahoma, Calif.

“Last year’s Conservation Landscape Tour attracted over 150 people, and we look forward to seeing even more locals, second homeowners and visitors at this year’s event,” said Courtney Walker, Conservation Planner with the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. “We have great presenters and some stunning properties to visit, as well as light refreshments and entertainment to cap off the tour in style.”

This year’s tour features an array of different properties in the Tahoma area, with presentations focusing on a wide variety of important topics for gardeners in the Lake Tahoe Basin. One such talk focuses on integrating erosion control best management practices (BMPs) into fire-safe landscapes, a challenge for many Tahoe homeowners. Other presentations include low-water turf options at a lakefront home, gardening techniques and plant selection to attract native wildlife with master gardener Kathy Maston and Will Richardson of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, as well as a native plant talk with Lesley Higgins.

The Conservation Landscape Tour will be held between 1 and 5 pm in Tahoma and is free for attendees of all ages, although donations are graciously accepted and will go towards future events and environmental education programs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Donations can be made in person or by visiting TahoeRCD.org. Please leave pets at home.

About the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD)
The Tahoe RCD’s mission is to promote the conservation and improvement of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s soil, water, and related natural resources by providing leadership, information, programs, and technical assistance to all land managers, owners, organizations, and residents. The Tahoe RCD is a non-regulatory public agency. Funded primarily through grants and private donations, Tahoe RCD works with a variety of partner agencies to implement programs and outreach, which currently focus on erosion control, runoff infiltration, terrestrial and aquatic invasive species control & prevention, and conservation landscaping.

— Pete Brumis is the public outreach cooridinator for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD). He can be reached at pbrumis@TahoeRCD.org