Blog - Tahoe Fund

Photos from 2022 Summer Cocktails

August 31, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

On the eve of the 26th annual Lake Tahoe Summit, Tahoe Fund supporters, friends and elected officials gathered for an evening of cocktails in celebration of Lake Tahoe.

Guests had the opportunity to hear directly from US Senator Jacky Rosen, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Secretary Wade Crowfoot, and NV Energy President and CEO Doug Cannon. The event was sponsored by NV Energy and featured wines from axr Napa Valley.

Photos by Hannah Pence are now available on Flickr and Facebook for all to see. Please feel free to share your favorites and tag @TahoeFund!

View the Photos

TAHOE FUND FISCAL YEAR 21-22 RECAP

June 14, 2022 by Caroline Waldman

Reflecting on the Tahoe Fund’s most recent fiscal year that closed at the end of March, we are deeply rooted in a single feeling: gratitude.

Even amidst the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and wildfires, our community rallied alongside us, reinforcing our philosophy that together, we can improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

The unwavering support of our donors and steadfast partners throughout the Basin allowed us to fund 42 projects last year–more than ever before. We distributed more than $1 million in grants, and helped secure over $4 million in public funding.

We continue to believe that partnerships are the key to success. Last year, in addition to the 50 partners we worked with on the Take Care Tahoe program, we partnered with over 30 agencies and organizations whose dedication and collaborative spirit allowed us to accomplish so much more collectively than any of us could have on our own.

We helped get great projects done, like the first ever scuba clean up of all 72 miles of Lake Tahoe, an effort led by Clean Up The Lake with major support from Tahoe Blue Vodka, Vail Resorts and over 135 Tahoe Fund donors. With our support, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the US Forest Service embarked on the largest Aquatic Invasive Species project to-date in the Tahoe Basin at the Taylor and Tallac creeks and marshes. We also provided the funds for the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association to begin restoring and rebuilding trails destroyed by the Caldor Fire.

Working with our partners, we are expanding inclusivity and access while building the next generation of stewards who will care for our environment for years to come. For example, we are proudly supporting youth leadership programs through Adventure Risk Challenge and the US Forest Service, field trips to the universally accessible East Shore Trail for campers with disabilities at Camp Wamp, and trailside information and stories in multiple languages throughout the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Together, we are making our forests smarter, our Lake clearer, our recreation more sustainable, our transportation more efficient, and our community more prepared to take care of Tahoe.

None of this would be possible without the support, generosity and collaboration of our donors, community and partners. Thank you for continuing to show us the power of philanthropy. This work happened because of you.

Read the full recap below.

Tahoe Fund FY 21-22 Recap

TAHOE FUND AND BARTON HEALTH LAUNCH $25,000 MATCH FOR THE MARSH CAMPAIGN

June 1, 2026 by Caroline Waldman

250 donors can help unlock a $25,000 matching gift from Barton Health for the Upper Truckee Marsh

The Tahoe Fund and Barton Health have launched an exciting new fundraising campaign to help restore the Upper Truckee Marsh South in South Lake Tahoe—the former site of the Motel 6 property. If 250 community members donate $50 or more to the Match for the Marsh campaign by June 30, Barton Health will unlock an incredible $25,000 matching gift. Every donation will help bring this marsh back to life.

“For years, our partners at Barton Health have worked with us to support projects that improve our local environment,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “The public agencies have told us how critical local support is to securing the public funds we need. We hope everyone will jump at the chance to help unlock this generous gift from Barton, because it will have a major impact on one of the most important lake clarity projects in Tahoe.”

This new opportunity builds on the Tahoe Fund’s recent “Million for the Marsh” campaign, which brought in the first million dollars of private funding to help secure the public funds the California Tahoe Conservancy will need to restore the marsh. After meeting that million dollar goal in under three months, this new campaign provides another chance for the local community to demonstrate how much this project matters to Tahoe. In addition to having a major impact on lake clarity, these restoration efforts will also improve the natural habitat and enhance public access and recreation opportunities.

“At Barton Health, we know a healthy community is directly tied to a healthy environment, and that’s why we care deeply about being good stewards of Lake Tahoe,” said Dr. Clint Purvance, president and CEO of Barton Health. “Restoring this marsh will not only have important benefits to lake clarity, it will also be a space where our local community members can get outside and enjoy Vitamin Nature.”

Learn more about the benefits of restoring the Upper Truckee Marsh and contribute to the Match for the Marsh campaign today at tahoefund.org/bartonmatch.

MOUNTAIN LION AVIATION RAISES OVER $100,000 FOR THE TAHOE FUND

May 28, 2026 by Caroline Waldman

Lake Tahoe charter service donates funds for every hour flown

Mountain Lion Aviation, the only local private aviation charter company in Lake Tahoe, has raised over $100,000 for the Tahoe Fund. Since the partnership formed in 2023, Mountain Lion has donated for every hour flown to support environmental improvement projects that help lower and sequester carbon emissions.

“Flying over Lake Tahoe takes on a whole new meaning when your time in the air is helping get critical projects done on the ground,” said Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry. “It’s partnerships like this that make all the difference as we work to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.”

This funding is directed to efforts that are tied to carbon reduction. Some of the projects that benefit include: the Smartest Forest Fund, which supports innovative pilots and new technology to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and its polluting emissions, and create healthier forests that are better able to sequester carbon. Funding also supports restoration efforts in the Upper Truckee River, including the demolition of the former Motel 6 property to make way for restoration of the largest and most impaired watershed in the region.

This partnership is part of the Tahoe Fund’s $1 for Tahoe program. Created to offer a simple way for those who love Tahoe to help make it even better, the $1 for Tahoe program raises money to restore and improve the environment and enhance recreational opportunities. Proceeds from the $1 for Tahoe program support the efforts of the Tahoe Fund in its mission to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

“Our members and clients are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s because of them that we are able to support the Tahoe Fund,” said Chris Barbera, CEO of Mountain Lion Aviation. “Every time they choose to fly with us, we get the opportunity to give back to this beautiful place that we call home.”

Emerald Bay Shuttle returns for summer 2026 with expanded season

May 18, 2026 by Caroline Waldman

Shuttle service to begin mid-June and run daily through Labor Day

With summer right around the corner, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), in partnership with public transit provider Via, is bringing back the Emerald Bay Shuttle for an expanded second season. Building on a successful 2025 pilot, this service will once again give visitors and residents a safe, affordable way to reach one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular destinations while reducing traffic congestion and protecting the basin’s natural environment.

“The Emerald Bay Shuttle is a key step toward improving access while protecting one of Tahoe’s most visited destinations,” Jim Marino, Executive Director of the Tahoe Transportation District. “By providing an easy alternative to driving, we’re helping ease traffic, enhance safety, and preserve the natural experience for everyone.”

The shuttle will run daily from mid-June (start date TBD) through September 7 along two routes. Riders coming from the North or West Shores can pick up the shuttle at Sugar Pine Point Campground. Riders on the South Shore can pick up the shuttle at the South Tahoe Y Transit Center or get on at Camp Richardson. Both routes stop at the Eagle Falls Trailhead in Emerald Bay. Weekend service begins at 8 a.m., with weekday trips starting at 9 a.m. All routes run until 5 p.m.

Rides are $5 one way or $10 roundtrip. Reduced fares of $2.50 one way and $5 roundtrip are available for children under 12, adults ages 65 and older, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.

Parking enforcement will be in place during the duration of the shuttle season. TTD will install nearly 400 feet of temporary barriers to restrict access to illegal and unsafe roadside parking, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) is strictly enforcing parking restrictions throughout the Emerald Bay corridor. During last year’s shuttle season, CHP wrote 248 citations, issued 13 moving violations, and had 10 vehicles towed for illegal parking.

Both of the Emerald Bay Shuttle’s routes connect with public transit service, making more of Tahoe accessible through lake-friendly, car-free travel. Riders can reach the shuttle from the Stateline casino corridor and much of Tahoe’s South Shore by connecting with Tahoe Transportation District Bus Route 50 at the South Tahoe Y Transit Center. On the West Shore, Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit’s (TART) Mainline Bus Route, as well as on-demand microtransit from TART Connect, link with the shuttle at Sugar Pine Point Campground. Biking — or using a shared e-scooter on the South Shore — is a great way to get to a shuttle stop or connecting bus stop.

Riders will be able to reserve their seats at: www.emeraldbayshuttle.com

Walk-up seats may be available depending on excess capacity.

Th Emerald Bay Shuttle is supported by a project team consisting of transportation planning and implementation experts, local government officials, agencies and organizations including: Keep Tahoe Blue, Tahoe Fund, El Dorado County, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, California State Parks, Placer County, Tahoe Transportation District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, City of South Lake Tahoe, Sierra State Parks Foundation, South Shore Transportation Management Association, and Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

Key Service Details

Emerald Bay Shuttle

Season: anticipated to start mid-June – September 7, 2026
Weekday hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)
Weekend and holiday hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)
Fare: $5 one way / $10 roundtrip
Reduced fare: $2.50 one way / $5 roundtrip for children under 12, adults ages 65+, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders
Routes: West Shore Route (from Sugar Pine Point); South Shore Route (from Y Transit Center, with a stop at Camp Richardson)
Transit connections: TTD Bus Route 50 at the South Y Transit Center. TART Mainline Bus Route and TART Connect Microtransit service at Sugar Pine Point State Park
Other connections: Bike or ride a shared e-scooter to the South Y Transit Center or Camp Richardson on the South Shore. Bike or walk to the Tahoe City Transit Center or Homewood to catch the TART Mainline.
Parking: On the South Shore, keep your car parked where you are staying or park at a paid lot along Lake Tahoe Boulevard, at Lake Tahoe Community College, or Camp Richardson. On the north or west shore, park at the Tahoe City Transit Center, Homewood, or Sugar Pine State Park Campground.
How to book: Reservations will be available at: www.emeraldbayshuttle.com

Call for Artists: Paint a Mural at Cascade Kitchens

May 11, 2026 by Jaclyn Tain

We are seeking a local or regional artist to design and paint a large-scale exterior mural on the side of the Cascade Kitchens building, South Lake Tahoe’s first-of-its-kind food hall and community gathering space. This mural will serve as a storytelling canvas—capturing the essence of Tahoe while celebrating the Tahoe Fund’s work across our three focus areas: The Forest, The Lake, and The Experience. The mural sits above newly installed bike racks, made possible thanks to Tahoe Fund donors.

The Tahoe Fund’s mission is to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy. We support environmental improvement projects throughout the Basin that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, improve the health of the lake, and make it easier to get around, enjoy, and take care of Lake Tahoe. Thanks to thousands of generous donors, we have helped our partners complete more than 250 projects around the Lake.

The selected artist will create a visually compelling piece that reflects the spirit of the Tahoe Fund’s mission and also incorporates elements of what makes Tahoe special: our landscape, our love of outdoor recreation, and our strong community. The mural should feel inspiring, approachable, and rooted in Tahoe—something that resonates with both locals and visitors. Paint will be donated by Kelly Brothers Paint.

This project is an opportunity to contribute a lasting piece of public art in South Lake Tahoe and inspire others to get involved in our work to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.

Project Goals

Beautify a community-facing wall at Cascade Kitchens above their bike racks
Celebrate Tahoe’s natural environment and outdoor identity
Celebrate Tahoe Fund’s work across our three focus areas: The Forest, The Lake, and The Experience. Learn more here or at tahoefund.org
Create an engaging, photo-worthy visual that draws people in

Artist Eligibility

Open to local and regional artists (preference for those connected to the Tahoe Basin)
Experience with large-scale outdoor murals preferred

Site Details

Location: Cascade Kitchens, South Lake Tahoe
Wall dimensions: 71.5″ x 107.75″
Surface type: Stucco and painted concrete
Visibility: High-traffic, community-facing location

Budget & Support

Artist stipend: $3,000
Paint provided by Kelly Brothers Paint

Timeline

Call for Artists Opens: May 11, 2026
Submission Deadline: June 14, 2026
Artist Selected & Notified: by Friday of June 26, 2026
Installation Period: July – early August 2026

Submission Requirements

Please include the following:

Brief artist statement and interest in the project
2–5 examples of past work (murals or similar scale preferred)
Initial concept sketch or idea for the mural
Estimated timeline for completion
Contact information

How to Apply

Please submit applications via the button below by June 14, 2026.

For questions, please contact: amcgrath@tahoefund.org

Apply Here

Introducing Our Fiscal Year Recap

May 7, 2026 by Caroline Waldman

During our fiscal year, which came to a close on March 31, 2026, we celebrated 15 exciting years of the Tahoe Fund. What started as a small group of leaders coming together back in 2010 has grown into a robust organization powered by the philanthropic support of thousands of donors.

Last year, we awarded over $2.3 million to 66 projects—more than ever before—and helped leverage nearly $24 million in public funds.

It’s the unwavering commitment of our Stewardship Circle members and support of our donors that makes this possible. Together, we are improving the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy while driving transformational change in Tahoe—for our forests, our Lake, and our community.

We kicked off the fiscal year by introducing the Fire Smart Community Pilots, working with the fire districts and our partners to use innovative technology, data-modeling, and BurnBot’s remotely-operated machinery to reduce fuels safely and seamlessly in Tahoe neighborhoods.

We cheered as the California Tahoe Conservancy demolished the former Motel 6 building, restaurant, and parking lot from the Upper Truckee Marsh in South Lake Tahoe, thanks to major support from Tahoe Fund donors. Now, we continue to raise private funds to help secure the public funds needed to restore this sensitive wetland and transform this area back into a healthy filtration system for Lake Tahoe.

We started on the extension of the East Shore Trail, beginning with new and expanded parking lots on State Route 28 to provide a safer alternative to parking along the highway. Over the next few years, we will work with our partners to help design, fund and build the next few miles of path to Secret Harbor en route to Spooner Summit.

These are just some of the transformational projects that are powered by your philanthropy. Within our project portfolio, you’ll discover how your support is changing Lake Tahoe for the better.