Volunteers restore streambanks and protect native species to Keep Tahoe Blue

Almost 100 volunteers participated in the League to Save Lake Tahoe's 21st annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on the first day of Fall, September 22, 2018. They restored crumbling stream banks, worked to protect native species and removed litter from Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe.

“Hands-on restoration work is one of the most important actions we can take to Keep Tahoe Blue,” says Marilee Movius, the League’s community engagement manager, “and many hands make for lighter work to help out our busy land managers.”

The League partnered with the US Forest Service for the third year in a row to address areas in need of attention, particularly after the busy summer season. Nevada Beach is one of the most popular beaches at Lake Tahoe where many come to enjoy the pristine lake and surrounding trails and campgrounds that intertwine with Burke Creek and Rabe Meadows. Restoring sensitive lands like streams and meadows, which act as natural pollution filters for Lake Tahoe, require a lot of initial effort with regular maintenance to remain effective.

“Our partnerships with organizations such as the League to Save Lake Tahoe are invaluable,” said Quinn Young, Forest Botanist with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. “The inspiration and commitment demonstrated by their volunteers is essential to restoring native species and habitats unique to the Lake Tahoe Basin.”

Teams of volunteers, led by League and USFS experts, and a crew from the California Conservation Corps worked on three projects throughout the morning and early afternoon. By days end 800 native willow plants were installed along eroding streambanks on Burke Creek. As the plants grow their roots help secure the dirt in place preventing it from clouding the waters downstream. At the confluence of Burke Creek and Lake Tahoe another team repaired fencing that protects the native and threatened Tahoe Yellow Cress, a small plant that can only be found along Lake Tahoe’s pristine sandy beaches. A final crew scoured the beach for litter and aquatic invasive species that compete with natives and mar the scenic beauty of Tahoe’s shoreline. A job well done was celebrated by all at an after-party hosted by Oskar Blues Brewery at the League’s south shore education center.

The League to Save Lake Tahoe, also known by the slogan “Keep Tahoe Blue,” is Tahoe's oldest and largest nonprofit environmental advocacy organization. The League is dedicated to community engagement and education, and collaborating to find solutions to Tahoe's environmental challenges. The League's main campaigns include combating pollution, promoting restoration, tackling invasive species and protecting Tahoe's shoreline. Learn more at keeptahoeblue.org.