Citizen Science

Helping better understand and maintain the TRT!

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Citizen Science Program connects community members with hands-on opportunities to contribute to meaningful research while caring for the Tahoe Rim Trail and surrounding public lands. By partnering with scientists, agencies, and conservation organizations, these projects turn curiosity into action by giving volunteers the chance to collect data, learn new skills, and help inform future stewardship decisions. Whether tracking wildlife movement or studying plastic pollution, participants play a direct role in protecting the places we all love.

 

Spooner Summit Wildlife Tracking with Pathways for Wildlife

At Spooner Summit, the Tahoe Rim Trail crosses busy US Highway 50, creating challenges for both trail users and wildlife moving through the landscape. In partnership with Pathways for Wildlife and the Nevada Department of Transportation, TRTA is supporting a feasibility study to explore the potential for a future wildlife and human crossing in the area. Community members can get involved through volunteer wildlife tracking workshops, where participants learn how to identify tracks, scat, and other signs of animal movement while helping gather field observations that support the study.

Join the Spooner Summit Wildlife Tracking Team

Micro & Macro Plastic Study with 5 Gyres

The Tahoe Rim Trail Plastics Study, in partnership with 5 Gyres Institute, focuses on understanding the presence of microplastics and macroplastics along the trail corridor. Volunteers will have opportunities to participate in Trash Blitz stewardship days, removing litter while helping document larger plastic debris found on the trail. This summer, the project will also include the Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition, a thru-hike of the TRT to collect data and samples that will contribute to a broader understanding of plastic pollution in outdoor spaces.