With Love, From Tahoe: A Stewardship Journey for Lake Tahoe's Future - Author Kristen Schwartz shares Tahoe tales with a call to action

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe is the focus of a new all-ages book by local author/illustrator Kristen Schwartz. “With Love, From Tahoe—Stories About Simple Things We Can Do to Protect Lake Tahoe” delves into the heart of Tahoe's environmental challenges and offers practical solutions for preservation.

Lake Tahoe welcomes millions of visitors yearly, but not without consequences. While the lake, approximately two million years old, is a testament to nature's resilience, so much human activity threatens its delicate ecosystem. From encroaching on wildlife habitats to the pervasive issue of microplastics, Lake Tahoe faces challenges that demand our attention.

Based on over 35 years of experience as an illustrator and storyteller, Schwartz has created compelling, relatable narratives beyond the usual environmental warnings. The hopeful illustrated stories in "With Love, From Tahoe" feature fictional characters that serve as a call to action. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of developing a better connection with nature in Tahoe and beyond.

“In my years here, I've been in awe of Tahoe’s astounding beauty, but I've also witnessed the damage it endures. I wanted to create a resource highlighting what’s hurting our environment and why, along with simple, actionable steps we can take to protect it,” says Kristen.
This project was sparked by a transformative moment for Schwartz, who found inspiration several years ago in the book Saving Us by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, the Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy. Dr. Hayhoe's emphasis on starting locally and utilizing personal skills to discuss environmental issues resonated with Schwartz. She developed a plan of action and received a microgrant from the South Lake Tahoe Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission to produce this book.

The book will be available for free download in English and Spanish starting April 20, 2024, at https://www.kristenschwartz.com/withlovefromtahoe.html. Sign up there for updates or connect with her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristen_schwartz/. Kristen invites everyone, whether local or visiting, to learn, share, and join the conversation about safeguarding Lake Tahoe for future generations. (Supported in part by the City of South Lake Tahoe.)