More than a Cleanup: A Tradition of Caring for Lake Tahoe

Originally written and published for LIVE.WORK.PLAY Magazine, Family and Education Edition, Fall 2026

When volunteers come together each fall for the Great Sierra River Cleanup, every bag of litter collected helps protect the waters, forests, and communities that make the Sierra so extraordinary. On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Incline Village will do its part as IVGID Waste Not and Diamond Peak host the Pollution Penguins/Diamond Peak Ski Team Cleanup with everyone’s favorite mascot, Penguin Pete.

Organized in partnership with The League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Blue Crew and other local organizations, the event is part of a region-wide effort to beautify communities while preventing litter from entering local waterways. Volunteers will help remove trash from Diamond Peak’s ski slopes and around town, protecting the watershed that ultimately flows into Lake Tahoe. Every piece of litter collected helps preserve the natural beauty that makes our community so special.

The cleanup takes place from 9 a.m. to noon at Diamond Peak Ski Resort, with volunteers meeting in the upper parking lot before heading out to cleanup locations. Families, friends, coworkers, and community groups are all encouraged to participate. Penguin Pete will be on hand to greet volunteers, pose for photos, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Cleanup supplies will be provided—participants simply need to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle.

Whether you can spare an hour or stay for the morning, your efforts will make a lasting impact. Join your neighbors for a day of stewardship, community pride, and teamwork as Incline Village joins thousands of volunteers across the Sierra in helping keep Lake Tahoe and our mountain community clean and beautiful for generations to come.  It’s a meaningful way to share your love for Tahoe and leave the community a little better than you found it.