Marsh to Meadow Track

Uncover the magic and mystery of marsh and meadows

Back by popular demand! This Adventure Track based in South Lake Tahoe will increase your understanding and connection to these unique ecosystems that filter water, support vegetation and wildlife. Kim Gorman, local biologist and watershed manager, will guide you along the shores of Lake Tahoe and into The Upper Truckee River, where you will get acquainted with the wildlife habitat and learn about the impacts of storm water and invasive species.

Then join USFS Hydrologist Craig Oehrli to experience the importance of meadows in the upper watershed. This Track will guide you on a hike to Big Meadow and a casual viewing of Cookhouse Meadows. This provides you insights into USFS’s techniques, goals, and  restoration projects at both sites.

Saturday Sept 7th, 2013

$45 Includes:  Organic lunch, kayak rental fee, shuttle rides, and 6 hours of guided activities.

Please note: the extent of identification of wildlife and plant species is dependent upon water levels within the river during the event. Regardless of conditions, we’ll provide  a unique educational paddle along the beautiful shores of  Tahoe.

8 Worlds of Tahoe: Water, Wildlife, Forest

Host: Tahoe Resource Conservation District, USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Contact (Track Captain): Adam Henriques – ahenriques@tahoercd.org

Itinerary

 8:30 am  - Meet at Kayak Tahoe, Timber Cove Marina
 9:00 am – Begin guided kayak paddle to Upper Truckee River
12:30 pm - Return to Kayak Tahoe at Timber Cove
12:45 pm - Lunch provided by Grass Roots
  1:30 pm -  Shuttle  to Big Meadow Trailhead
  2:15 pm -  A guided 1.5 mile round trip hike (w/approx 400 ft) climb to
                    Big Meadow Restoration Project.
  3:15 pm -  Shuttle to Cookhouse Meadow Restoration Project for a guided tour of the ecosystem.
 3:30 pm - Shuttle to Explore Tahoe, where new wisdom and excitement are yours to keep and expand upon.
 4:15 pm - Arrive back at Assembly Point

Details

Activities: Kayak, hike
Difficulty: moderate (2.5 hour paddle, 1 mile walk in steep terrain)
Where: South Lake Tahoe
Assembly Point: Timber Cove Marina (assessable by BlueGo)
Duration: 8:30 am – 4:30pm
What to Bring: water, snacks, hiking & kayaking attire, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera
Participation fee: $45 (includes kayak rental, shuttle ride, and lunch)

Click for Transit Schedules:  BlueGo, Nifty Fifty Trolley.  Map of Meetup Spot at Timber Cove Marina is Below:

View 2012 Tahoe Expo Map in a larger map

Guide Bios:

Kim Gorman  has been the watershed coordinator for the RCD has been studying environmental science (ecology, geology, hydrology, botany, and wildlife) for over a decade in Lake Tahoe. She is also a Biology Professor at the Lake Tahoe Community College and loves to share her knowledge of the Basin. Kim is also an avid hiker, snow rider and sunrise watcher.

Tom Wendell is vice chair of South Lake Tahoe’s Sustainability Commission.  He is a 26 year resident, former recycling coordinator, and long time cycling advocate and co-founder of the Tahoe Region Advocates for Cycling (TRAC).  Tom is also a dedicated paddler, and mono skier with a definite penchant for Cabernet.

Craig Oehrli is a restoration Hydrologist for the US Forest Service. Craig has been involved with the planning and building of stream restoration projects around the Tahoe Basin for about eleven years, and has been fishing and skiing here for over 25 years. Streams have always been his big love as well as the future promise of Cut Trout restoration (our native trout).