Our middle school students cleaned up almost 20 pounds of trash from the East Shore Trail and beaches for the day. Students started the day at the trailhead near Tunnel Creek and received a motivational speech from Sand Harbor Parks Supervisor Allen Woolridge thanking them for their continued efforts and reminding them how vital it is for them to care for their community.

Inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall’s “Roots and Shoots” program and led by 7th grader Grace Berry, LTS middle school students “adopted” the East Shore Trail in September of 2019 and committed to cleaning the trail at least once a month. LTS Students collected over 100 pounds of trash and animal waste over the course of 7 months until their efforts were postponed due to the pandemic. LTS students were very excited to restart the monthly cleanup in September using social distancing practices and trash pickers and buckets provided by IVGID, and they look forward to cleaning the trail throughout the year. The collaboration amongst NV State Parks, IVGID, Lake Tahoe School, and the Tahoe Fund is a great lesson for our students on the importance of local organizations working together to care for our community.

LTS strives to instill a sense of community and service in our students. They love spending a beautiful day on the path helping to keep it clean. Along the way they are learning valuable lessons about stewardship and the Tahoe environment.