Event Overview
What: Trail Talk Panel Discussion: The Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition | Tracking Plastic Pollution from Trail to Lake
Where: Keep Tahoe Blue
Date: Thursday, Aug. 27th
Time: 3:30 PM Reception with Lite Snacks and Beverages|4:00 PM-6:00 PM Panel Discussion
Join us for an eye-opening evening exploring how high-elevation science, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection collide on the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.
When we look up at snowcapped peaks or out across pristine alpine meadows, we see untouched wilderness. But even in our most remote backcountry, invisible human footprints remain.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA), in partnership with the 5 Gyres Institute and Keep Tahoe Blue, invites you to a special Trail Talk Panel Discussion on the Tahoe Rim Trail Microplastics Expedition| 5 Gyres’ first-ever land-based, high-elevation scientific expedition.
Learn how a dedicated team of researchers, outdoor advocates, and citizen science volunteers covered the entire 174-mile loop to collect multi-medium samples. Capturing microplastics in air, soil, and backcountry waters. Discover what this groundbreaking research reveals about synthetic gear shedding, atmospheric transport, and how plastic pollution makes its way from high-ridge trails straight down into Lake Tahoe.
What to Expect
- 3:30 PM – Reception: Enjoy complimentary light beverages and a curated charcuterie spread before the presentation.
- 4:00 PM – Panel Discussion: Hear directly from field scientists, watershed advocates, and microplastic scientist on field logistics, initial findings, and real-world solutions.
- Interactive Q&A: Ask your burning questions about gear, micro-LNT practices, and how to get involved as a backcountry citizen scientist.
Meet the Panelists
Speaker
Role & Organization
Expertise Highlight
Dr. Victoria Fulfer
Microplastics Scientist, 5 Gyres Institute Expedition Lead, Global Microplastic Research, & Multi-Medium Field Sampling Laura Patten
Natural Resource Director, Keep Tahoe Blue Watershed Protection, Science-Based Policy, & Local Conservation Impact Dr. Rachel Kozloski
Postdoctoral Researcher, UNR / DRI Environmental Chemistry & Microplastic Analysis Colleen Hoffman (Facilitator)
Engagement Manager, Tahoe Rim Trail Association TRTA Project Facilitator, Backcountry Logistics, & Trail Stewardship
