Clean Up The Lake

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Clean Up The Lake Our mission is to fight back against plastic and all forms of pollution, both above and below the surface of our local waterways starting in Lake Tahoe.

04/11/2026

A refreshing drink by the lake might last a few minutes. But the can it comes in can remain underwater for decades.

From aluminum cans to rusty steel ones, we keep finding reminders of what gets left behind beneath Lake Tahoe’s beautiful waters.

The lake isn’t a recycling bin.

Pack it in. Pack it out.

02/11/2026

With the recent dusting of snow in Tahoe, we were reminded of just how tough our winters can be!

Freezing mornings, icy boats, snow-covered gear, and frigid dives.

Winter doesn’t make underwater cleanup easy, but it doesn’t stop us either!

Here’s a little glimpse into what our winter cleanup days look like

30/10/2026

There’s something about diving into the depths that can make even the most ordinary things feel terrifying. Check out our stories to discover the fears lurking beneath the surface!

What’s hiding behind that rock?

What’s lurking just beyond your visibility?

How deep does that darkness go?

What was that shadow that just moved?

And what happens when you look down... and can’t see the bottom?

Our minds have a way of turning the unknown into something scary.

In fact, some of these underwater fears are so common, they have their own names.

28/10/2026

Legends say there’s a monster lurking in the depths of Lake Tahoe…
But the real monsters are much smaller.

Invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, and signal crayfish are already present in Lake Tahoe, disrupting its delicate underwater ecosystem.

They spread, compete with native species, alter habitats, and threaten the natural balance of the lake.

And even scarier? Some haven’t arrived yet.

The golden mussel is one of the biggest emerging threats. This tiny invasive species can reproduce rapidly, form massive colonies, and dramatically change aquatic ecosystems. Once established, it’s incredibly difficult to remove.

Unlike Tessie, these monsters are real.

That’s why we dive beneath the surface to monitor invasive species, study their impacts, and help protect Lake Tahoe from future invasions.

The real monsters aren’t the ones from the legends. They’re the ones we need to keep out of our lakes

26/10/2026

Different lakes. Different stories. One mission.

McLeod Lake, CA
Mille Lacs Lake, MN
Donner Lake, CA
Marlette Lake, NV
Convict Lake, CA
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Boca Reservoir, CA
Fallen Leaf Lake, CA
Lake Mary, CA

From the Sierra Nevada to the lakes of Minnesota, we’ve been fortunate to explore some truly incredible places beneath the surface.

Every lake is different, with its own ecosystem, challenges, and stories to tell. We’re grateful for every opportunity to dive deeper, remove litter, study underwater environments, and better understand the waters we’re working to protect.

To everyone who has supported our mission and helped make this work possible, thank you.

Different lakes. One shared responsibility to protect them.

23/10/2026

Most people have normal coworkers…

Ours spend their days underwater, talk through hand signals, and somehow find ways to goof around 60 feet below the surface.

Sure, we’re on a serious mission to clean up our lakes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun along the way!

Just another day at the underwater office.

21/10/2026

Finding trash is just the beginning!

Once the debris reaches the surface, the real detective work begins.

Every item is carefully sorted into categories based on its material and type, from plastics and metals to glass, fishing gear, and more.

We count, weigh, and document what we collect, turning piles of trash into valuable data.

By tracking what we find, we can identify pollution patterns, better understand where the litter comes from, and help prevent it from ending up in our lakes in the first place.

Because we’re not just cleaning up the lake. We’re learning how to protect it

19/10/2026

The lake has secrets…

Some things are better left undiscovered.

But the trash hiding beneath the surface? That’s one secret we’re determined to uncover.

Every dive reveals something unexpected, and not all surprises are good ones.

We’re here to bring the truth (and the trash) to the surface.

16/10/2026

Some trash is too heavy to simply pick up!

From tires to large metal objects, removing heavy debris takes teamwork, specialized equipment, and careful planning.

With the help of lift bags, we can safely bring these heavy finds back to the surface. So how do we remove heavy trash from the lake?

Step 1: Assess the object
Some trash is simply too heavy to carry! We first assess its weight, position, and potential hazards.

Step 2: Attach the lift bag
We securely attach a specialized lift bag to the object, making sure everything is properly rigged.

Step 3: Add air
By carefully adding air to the bag, we create buoyancy that helps lift the heavy object off the lakebed.

Step 4: Control the ascent
As the bag rises, the air inside expands due to decreasing water pressure. Careful control is essential to prevent an uncontrolled ascent!

Step 5: Recover the debris
Once the object reaches the recovery point, our team safely removes it from the water.

Just another day of heavy lifting beneath the surface!

14/10/2026

As temperatures drop, remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear. Protecting our lakes is a year-round responsibility!
How many of these invasive species can you recognize?

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