RUNWAY TO THE LAKE: Fashion Raises a Record $1.67 Million for Tahoe 

 A model in an Oscar de la Renta design on the runway. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer 

Lake Tahoe inspires more than admiration. It inspires investment, action and an extraordinary commitment to conservation—from multimillion-dollar fundraising to hands-on stewardship across the Tahoe-Truckee region.  

DE LA RENTA, DOLLARS & A BLUER TAHOE    

The annual Keep Tahoe Blue Fashion Show puts that commitment on spectacular display, pairing high fashion with a passion for preserving Lake Tahoe.

The 57th annual show, held August 1 in partnership with Oscar de la Renta, raised a record-breaking $1.67 million for the League to Save Lake Tahoe. With luxury designers such as Dolce & Gabbana adding their style to Tahoe’s fashion tradition, conservation has never looked so chic.

Photo Courtesy Keep Tahoe Blue 

A REGION INVESTED IN ITS FUTURE 

Across Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, organizations, residents and volunteers are restoring forests, protecting open space, improving trails and safeguarding the lake. Millions raised. Thousands of acres protected. Countless hours volunteered. Here are a few ways to be part of it this fall.

Photo Courtesty Donner Land Trust

VOLUNTEER WITH THE TRUCKEE DONNER LAND TRUST

The Truckee Donner Land Trust has protected more than 45,000 acres of open space since 1990, including Waddle Ranch, Webber Lake, Donner Summit Canyon and Coldstream Meadow.

Volunteers support trail maintenance, invasive-plant removal, docent hikes and conservation projects. Tools are provided, making it easy to spend a few hours outdoors while caring for the landscapes we enjoy.

Photo Courtesy by Donner Land Trust

GET INVOLVED WITH TAHOE DONNER TRAILS  

Hikers, mountain bikers and trail enthusiasts can join Tahoe Donner’s Trails Crew. Stewardship Days include trail repair, restoration and new trail construction.

On September 24, 2026, an educational event will highlight Tahoe Donner’s role in the Nevada and Placer County Cooperative Landscape Resilience Project, including forest-fuels reduction and restoration.

Photo Courtesy by Keep Tahoe Blue - Tahoe Daily Tribune

  BIG PROJECTS. BOLD TAHOE FUTURE.  

The California Tahoe Conservancy and its partners advance forest restoration, wildfire-risk reduction, habitat protection and water quality throughout the Tahoe Basin. Current projects include forest treatments in North Upper Truckee, West Shore communities and other areas around the lake.

For anyone passionate about protecting water quality, Keep Tahoe Blue offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities. You can participate in shoreline cleanups, water-quality monitoring, forest stewardship and citizen-science programs.

The organization also offers “Eyes on the Lake,” which asks volunteers to help identify potential aquatic invasive species, and the “Tahoe Blue Crew,” which allows people to adopt a favorite outdoor location and help keep it clean.

There are even organized “Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days,” where volunteers work on projects designed to restore streams, meadows and forests. A fall stewardship day is scheduled for September 26, 2026.

Keep Tahoe Blue’s CEO Darcie Goodman Collins speaks to the crowd about the lake-saving mission behind the 57-year-old event. Provided / Katy Jo Caringer 

TAKE ONLY MEMORIES. LEAVE TAHOE BETTER.

Every outing offers a chance to care for Tahoe. Stay on designated trails, pack out what you bring in, give wildlife space, keep dogs under control and respect restoration areas and seasonal closures.

Visit Truckee-Tahoe encourages visitors and residents to volunteer, donate and take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge. Learn more about Truckee-Tahoe conservation and stewardship programs.

Photo Courtesy by Donner Truckee Land Trust

LOVE TAHOE? LEAVE YOUR MARK. 

From $1.67 million raised in a single evening to 45,000 acres protected, Tahoe’s conservation story is powered by people who value this extraordinary place. Come for the mountains, lake and trails—and become part of a community invested in keeping them extraordinary. We’d love to welcome you home.

The runway and pavilion on the shoreline in Incline Village.
 Provided / Katy Jo Caringer  

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 LIVE IT. LOVE IT. TAHOE.