Caroline Grossman is an Alliance Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) member who just finished her term at her host site, Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA). In August, she helped complete a weekend-long trail restoration project at Marlette Peak on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. 

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works to restore nearly 200 miles of living, breathing trail systems in the Tahoe Basin. With the help of many volunteers, they inspire stewardship of the area, improve access for visitors and locals, and increase responsible recreation throughout the Tahoe Rim Trail System.

Caroline’s trail restoration team camped out at the Marlette Peak Campground and hiked out daily to their work sites. Most of the work involved the restoration of Sand Harbor Vista Loop through the removal of hazardous trees, dried-up shrubs, and half a mile of social trails (trails that have been created by visitors rather than by a work crew). This helped reduce fire risk, allowed for the growth of new, healthy trees, and increased access to existing trails. 

As more visitors enjoy the scenic Tahoe Rim Trail System each year and climate change continues to alter the area, protecting and preserving these trails becomes increasingly important. Caroline’s work with the TRTA ensures that all generations have access to these places and can enjoy the beauty that the Lake Tahoe Basin has to offer. Restoration, building, and maintaining trails in the area are essential projects to continue to allow visitors to the area for years to come.