What we are doing: Join us for a hands-on restoration project at Marlette Creek, near Thunderbird Lodge on Lake Tahoe’s east shore. This site was restored in fall 2025 to improve water quality, stream function, riparian habitat, and fish habitat, and to reduce erosion and stormwater impacts from nearby roadways. After winter conditions, the area now needs additional planting and follow‑up care to help the restoration fully succeed.
As a volunteer, you’ll help with planting native vegetation and other restoration tasks that stabilize the stream bank, strengthen riparian habitat, and prevent further erosion. Work may also include assisting with adaptive management activities that support long‑term stream health, such as enhancing floodplain roughness or helping with light vegetation management under staff guidance.
This is a fun, hands‑on restoration event open to volunteers of all ages and skill levels. You’ll work alongside restoration professionals and fellow volunteers to make a meaningful impact on a Lake Tahoe watershed. No prior experience is required—tools, training, and support will be provided. Come prepared to get a little dirty and be part of restoring a healthier, more resilient stream ecosystem.
Parking location: Please fill out this transportation survey before 5 pm on June 12 to secure free parking pass or shuttle services.
Shuttle information:
South Lake Route (Google Maps Link):
8 am: LTCC
8:15 am: Kingsbury Transit Center
8:35 am: Spooner Summit
8:45 am: Chimney Beach Parking Lot
9 am: Event Begins
-
1pm: Event Ends
1:10: Spooner Summit
1:30 pm: Kingsbury Transit Center
1:45 pm: LTCC
North Lake Route (Google Maps Link)
8:25 am: Kings Beach
8:42 am: Cornerstone Church
8:50 am: Chimney Beach Parking Lot
9 am: Event Begins
-
1 pm: Event Ends
1:08 pm: Cornerstone Church
1:25 pm: Kings Beach
Meeting location: Chimney Beach Parking Area (Along Hwy 28 near Geo Whittell Rd, Carson City, NV)
Projects:
1. Litter Removal - Easy (10 people)
Pick up litter and dispose of.
2. Conifer Removal - Medium (10 people)
Cut or lop conifers encroaching on the floodplain or wetland to allow wetter species to grow. Cut off all branches and deliver to debris structures or scatter in forest.
3. Aspen Planting - Medium (15 people)
For aspen planting, work in teams of 2, one with a spade and one carrying potted aspen. Dig hole at least 1” deeper than depth of pot, remove aspen from pot and plant. We will be planting 100 aspens to create more creek shading and additional habitat to willow.
4. Willow Fascines and Leaf Litter Scatter - Medium (10 people)
Use loppers to process willow into brush for willow fascines. Brush should be willow pieces less than 1” in diameter with leaves still attached. Once willow is processed, create bundles that are 12” in diameter and 3-4 feet long, shaped like logs, bundle together with twine. Place in stream per direction to stabilize bare banks. Secure to at least 3 willow stakes, 18” long and pounded through fascine and into the stream bank. Use more twine as needed to secure.
5. Debris Structures and Sod Blocks - Hard (5 people)
Install debris structures to retain sediment and improve habitat in South Fork Marlette Creek by pounding willow stakes into creek bed, and stuffing post structure with wood, branches, leaves, and nearby plant material.
Volunteers will choose a project during check-in.
Sign up:
- Click the blue "Sign Up" button to sign up.
- Volunteers under 18 - will need to create a volunteer account and provide a guardian email to complete the waiver online.
- Volunteers under 13 - will need to provide a guardian email to create a volunteer account and complete the waiver online.
Timeline:
- 9 am – 12 pm – Volunteers will work on their chosen restoration project.
- Volunteers will choose a project at check-in.
- Projects will range from easy to more challenging.
- 12 – 1 pm – Lunch for volunteers and partners. Everyone will come back together to celebrate all the hard work completed! The celebration will include:
- Lunch
- Giveaways
What to bring: Sturdy boots/closed-toed shoes (tall waterproof boots or waders if you have them), long pants that can get dirty, sunglasses, work gloves (if you have them), a full reusable water bottle, and any special snacks you may want.
We provide: Project equipment, gloves and other safety gear, training, drinks, snacks, lunch and giveaways.
Partners: Nevada Tahoe Conservation District & USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
For questions, please email Julie@keeptahoeblue.org.
