The Tahoe East Shore Trail opened this summer to great fanfare and enthusiasm when more than 1,000 walkers, bikers and admirers attended the Grand Opening of the Trail on June 28, 2019. The path has significantly improved safety for those traveling the Highway 28 corridor, while creating an exceptional recreational amenity with added environmental benefits. With a 10-foot wide path, the Trail meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure accessibility for all.

Yet the Trail requires monthly clean-up, and, thanks to the vision of Lake Tahoe School middle school math teacher, Patrick Fleming, and Tahoe Fund Chief Executive Officer, Amy Berry, the Trail has a steward.

Lake Tahoe School middle school students chose the Tahoe East Shore Trail as their permanent service learning project. By adopting the Trail and committing to monthly clean-up efforts, they ensure the Trail provides a pleasant experience for visitors and helps protect Lake Tahoe from unwanted trash. Each month, the Lake Tahoe School Trail Blazers (as the school group is known) spend roughly 3 hours culling the entire Trail for trash and provide necessary “eyes” and “ears” on its condition. The service hours are part of the School’s curriculum requirement to teach students the importance of leadership, responsibility and stewardship. The entire middle school conducted the first clean-up in September, and subsequent monthly clean-ups have begun. Tahoe Fund provided supplies for the clean-up efforts.