aberry, Author at Tahoe Fund

Tahoe East Shore Trail: What to Know Before You Go

August 9, 2019 by aberry

Tahoe East Shore Trail: What to Know Before You Go

Even before the first line was drawn on a map in 1988, residents and visitors of North Lake Tahoe have been dreaming of a trail that provides a safer alternative for cyclists and beach goers near the scenic East Shore of Lake Tahoe. Through the work of 13 partners, the impossible is now a reality with the opening of the new Tahoe East Shore Trail. The opportunity now exists to safely explore a wide range of activities along the East Shore, whether walking, riding, or rolling. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Access for All: The new Tahoe East Shore Trail offers a 3-mile long, 10-foot wide paved path that meets the American Disability Act standards to make certain that everyone can participate whether walking, rolling, running, or riding. Pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome, but leave motorized vehicles or scooters at home.

Parking: To alleviate the risk of crossing SR 28, there are 91 new parking spots at the northern end of the trail, ensuring a safer, easier place to unload for the day. Roadside parking along SR 28 is now prohibited.

Shuttle Services: The East Shore Express is a great way to access the path if parking is full. Pick up the shuttle at the old Incline Elementary School on Southwood or the Sand Harbor Visitors Center. Bus fare is $3 for the general public, and $1.50 for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Bike Rentals: Rent a bike to explore the new trail at Flume Trail Bikes (https://flumetrailtahoe.com/) located at the Northern Trailhead, or at Village Ski Loft located about one mile north on SR 28.

Mountain Side to the Lake: The first mile of the path is on the mountain side of the highway, offering spectacular views of Tahoe from a completely new vantage point. Cross through the tunnel, and enjoy two miles of path along the shoreline. The steepest section of the path is on the mountain side, but it never reaches more than 8% grade.

Beach Access Points: Bring a towel! The East Shore Trail offers 11 beach access points for a cool, refreshing mid-trail swim, including safer and easier access to the popular Hidden Beach. Bike racks along the path offer a secure place to lock up a bike or stroller.

Dogs: The trail is pet friendly, so leashed four-legged family members are welcome. Keep in mind the path does get very hot during peak sunlight hours as there is very little shade. Dogs are not recommended during hot summer days. And, don’t forget to pick up after your pup.

Vista Points: There are 16 vista points along the path that offer beautiful rest stops to get off the path and enjoy the views. While there, take the time to read the inscriptions vista point donors wrote on their Tahoe-shaped plaques.

Trail Etiquette: As you can imagine, the path is very popular for walkers and cyclists. Please stay to the right and pass on the left. Don’t walk four or more across the path. Cyclists must yield to hikers.

Tunnel Creek Café: Located at the Northern Trailhead, a new remodel of this popular trailhead cafe (re-opening soon) will be sure to take care of all your pre- and post-trail needs. From the Café, you can access a lot of really exciting mountain bike rides and hikes including the iconic Flume Trail and Monkey Rock.

Bears and Trout: Along the path you will notice bears set in concrete and steel trout mounted along the bridges. These are in honor of Tahoe Fund donors who help raise more than $1M in private donations to secure the public funding needed for the path. All donations of $100 or more are featured on the donor wall at the start of the trail. Donations are still being accepted. If you would like your name added to the path on a bear, trout or the next donor wall, visit tahoefund.org/donate.

Sand Harbor: The Southern most end of the trail concludes at Sand Harbor, a wonderful place to enjoy Lake Tahoe and spend time with friends and family. Entrance from the path is $2 for both cyclists and pedestrians. The most popular State Park in Nevada, Sand Harbor offers access to giant boulders, crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and kayak rentals among other things.

Pack In, Pack Out: Do your part to take care of Tahoe by always picking up your trash and personal belongings before you go.

Now that you know what to expect, get out on the path and see for yourself how the “Impossible Trail” became reality.

Tahoe Fund Partnering With Tahoe Water Suppliers Association To Get More People To DRINK TAHOE TAP

July 31, 2019 by aberry

With 99.994% purity, Tahoe tap water was voted the best tasting water in the country by the National Rural Water Association. The Tahoe Fund is partnering with the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association to encourage more people to DRINK TAHOE TAP to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Grants are now available to organizations in the Tahoe Basin to install water bottle refill stations. To apply for a grant, organizations can visit DRINKTAHOETAP.org.

“The Tahoe area is set apart by having award-winning water available in our communities. The Tahoe Tap Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program is intended to promote greater access for both visitors and locals to Tahoe Tap at businesses and facilities,” said Madonna Dunbar, executive director of the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association. “It’s a win-win, resulting in fewer single use plastic bottle waste in the environment and greater tap water access for people. TWSA is delighted to partner with Tahoe Fund on this project.”

Available on a first-come basis, $500 grants will be offered to Basin businesses who complete the application, install water bottle refill stations and submit proof of installation and payment. The program was designed to encourage environmental stewardship and reduce the use of single-use plastics by providing a way to easily refill reusable water bottles. Visitors and local residents can easily find nearby water bottle refill stations by using the free TAP app at https://findtap.com.

“We are happy to make it easier for people to reduce and reuse while refueling on some of the best water in the country,” said Cory Ritchie, Tahoe Fund board member. “Our partnership with TWSA provides an opportunity for our donors to help inspire greater stewardship of Lake Tahoe.”

Learn more about the DRINK TAHOE TAP initiative at DRINKTAHOETAP.org.

PLEDGE FOR THE WILD

July 23, 2019 by aberry

Let’s say you spend a day in South Lake Tahoe. You enjoy a morning of mountain biking on the Corral Trail, followed by a swim at Nevada Beach. Your cost for this day of recreation bliss? Free.

Okay, there’s gas involved, and maybe a day-use parking fee. But for the most part, you get access to stunning, well-marked trails without ever getting a chance to help support the maintenance and preservation of those awesome areas.

Until now.

WHAT’S PLEDGE FOR THE WILD?

There’s a trend in the travel world where visitors are looking for ways to give back to special places they love. Visiting a cool wilderness area is one thing, but actively investing in making sure it’s there for generations to come? That’s next-level awesome.

That’s what Pledge for the Wild is all about. It’s sustainable tourism at its best, starting with five U.S. mountain towns making it easier for tourists to open their hearts and digital wallets in support of wild places.

Participating cities have taken stock of which land managers and nonprofits are working to protect the wild places in their community. From there, Pledge for the Wild towns are creating direct channels for visitors to support those organizations through online donations or text-to-donate.

WHY DO WE NEED THIS?

It’s no secret that funding for the Forest Service has been slashed to bits in recent years. That leaves a lot fewer resources devoted to things like trail maintenance. Sadly, there’s no such thing as a trail fairy who magically trims brush and removes fallen logs from your hiking path, and the aforementioned parking fees don’t quite cut it. That’s why nonprofit groups have jumped in to help tackle these tasks, and now you can support them with Pledge for the Wild.

WHO GETS THE MONEY IN TAHOE?

In Tahoe, we are the nonprofit receiving the funds. We will use the funds generated to support our efforts to drive innovation into everything happening in Tahoe, from new trails to lake clarity to new ways to restore our forest through our Environmental Venture Trust.

HOW DO I TRY IT OUT?

To use the text-to-donate feature, just text 44-321 and use the code WILD4TAHOE. From there, you can walk through the easy-peasy system to donate using your credit card or ApplePay.

WHAT OTHER TOWNS ARE INVOLVED?

The program launched June 2019 with five Western mountain towns that tend to attract an outdoorsy sort of traveler.

Tourism agencies in Bend, Oregon; Bozeman, Montana; Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; and South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada, are the founding cities for Pledge for the Wild, though more may join in the future.

ER, HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

It’s totally up to you! Even donations as small as a dollar can make a difference. One option is to add up all the time you spent recreating outdoors in Tahoe, then donate a buck for each hour. Not only is it a simple system to use, it’s a great way to look back over all the fun things you’ve done on your Tahoe vacation.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

To discover more about Pledge for the Wild, visit www.pledgewild.com.

Read what Fast Company and Travel & Leisure have to say about this new program.

2019 Founders Circle Dinner

July 22, 2019 by aberry

Thanks to all of our guests who joined us for the 9th annual Founders Circle dinner. The power of philanthropy was on display, as we raised critical funds to help improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

Special guests included Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Steve Sisolak and Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.

Photos by Jarvis Photography
Catering by Roundabout
Event Production by Danielle Roe Events

You can view photos of the event here.

2019 Lake Tahoe Summit

July 17, 2019 by aberry

Join us for the 23rd annual Lake Tahoe Summit. This year we will gather on Tuesday, August 20^th at Valhalla in South Lake Tahoe.

Registration will begin at 9:00 am and the main program at 10:00 am.

Since the first Lake Tahoe Summit in 1997, we have learned a great deal about the threats to the lake and made great strides in protecting and restoring this natural treasure. This year’s summit will be an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned, the progress we’ve made, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Due to limited on-site parking, we encourage you to ride a bike, use public transportation or our complimentary shuttle service to get to and from the summit. Shuttle will depart every 20 minutes from Taylor Creek Sno-Park and South Tahoe High School beginning at 8:30am. Shuttles will return to the parking lots when the Summit concludes around 12:15pm. There will also be a bicycle valet service courtesy of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.

We hope you will have the opportunity to attend the 2019 Lake Tahoe Summit.

To RSVP, please click here.