LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – On the morning of Saturday, July 5, Tahoe-lovers are invited to clean up, refresh, and revitalize the Lake’s sandy shores and surrounding areas as part of the 12th annual “Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue” Cleanup hosted by Keep Tahoe Blue.

Every July 5, passionate volunteers pour in from inside and outside the region to take part in Tahoe’s largest cleanup event. Many repeat volunteers even plan their annual vacations so they can join. Together, their efforts exemplify how to take care of Tahoe.

In addition, Keep Tahoe Blue is working together with beach managers, concessionaires, and businesses through its Tahoe Blue Beach program to “raise the bar for beach management.” Participating beaches are taking steps to make responsible, Lake-friendly recreation the easy and obvious choice for everyone who comes to the shore. Zephyr Cove Resort, Tahoe Beach Club, Meeks Bay Resort, and Camp Richardson Resort are all taking part, as is Kings Beach with funding from TOT-TBID Dollars at Work which funds programs that promote community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health in North Lake Tahoe.

Keep Tahoe Blue encourages everyone to protect where you play this holiday weekend and all summer-long. With just a few small actions, you can do your part.

  • Keep the beach clean. Dispose of all trash — even if it’s not yours — in a trash can or dumpster. ​
  • Pack a Tahoe beach bag. Instead of buying single-use plastics, bring your reusable water bottle and utensils, and a trash bag for waste.
  • Respect wildlife. Food scraps are dangerous for wildlife. Make sure it all goes in the trash. ​
  • Clean, Drain and Dry every piece of gear you plan to put in the water to stop harmful aquatic invasive species, like golden mussels, from spreading. ​
  • Avoid the traffic. Carpool, ride your bike, or take other alternative transportation. ​
  • Leave what you find. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects right where they are.​
  • Be patient and kind. We’re all here to have a good time. Respect others and remember, you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world.​​
  • Share these tips with visitors, friends, and family.​

WHEN:
8am – 11:30am | Saturday, July 5

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Register at keeptahoeblue.org/july5.

WHERE (partial list of sites – click to see all):

WHAT: At all sites, participants will collect trash from beaches, surrounding streets, neighborhoods, and parking areas. They will also tabulate data on the types and amounts of litter they find, and sort the collected items for recycling, repurposing, or proper disposal. Partner organizations and volunteers will be available for interviews

WHO: Hundreds of local and visiting volunteers of all ages and skill levels, along with representatives from Keep Tahoe Blue and event partners.

Numerous participating organizations are aligned with and taking action to implement the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan in collaboration with over 20 regional organizations. The award-winning plan, developed with the participation of over 3,000 residents, visitors, and businesses, establishes a shared vision for the region’s outdoor recreation and tourism and encourages everyone to help take care of Tahoe’s cherished communities and environment. Visit www.stewardshiptahoe.org to learn more and read the plan.

WHY: Beach cleanup events protect the Lake’s delicate ecology, preserve its famous water clarity, inspire others to take personal responsibility for their footprint and leave Tahoe better than they found it. The data gathered during this and all Keep Tahoe Blue cleanups are used to create solutions that stop litter at its sources. Learn more.