The Clean Up The Lake Environmental Dive Center (EDC) is a hybrid between an environmental science center and a conservation dive school.
About Us
Our mission is to activate local communities to join us in taking action to protect the environment, both above and below the surface.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Global & Local PR Strategies
- Lake Tahoe Litter Summit
- Community Focused Data Sharing Seminars
- Professional Film & Television Production
- Signage, Litter Art Sculptures
- Community Events & Exhibits
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
- SCUBA Cleanup
- Pilot Research on Submerged Litter Accumulations
- Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys
- River Cleanups, Data Collection & Analysis
- Collaborations with Scientific Institutions
- Data-Sharing with Government Agencies
- Contributions to Scientific Research and Unique Data Sets
EDUCATION
- Litter Education & Awareness Program (LEAP)
- Public Service Announcements
- Internships with Local Colleges
- Aquatic Invasive Species Education
- Conservation Dive Courses
- Educational Content, Events & Outreach
ENVIRONMENTAL DIVE CENTER
- Environmental Dive Classes [includes PADI certifications]
- Conservation Dive Tours & Refreshers
- SCUBA Equipment Rentals for Conservation Divers
- Environmental Film Screenings
- Speaker Series
- Youth Group Space for Student Visits
- Internships with Local Colleges & Universities
- Tahoekeeper Aquatic Invasive Species Trainings
- Litter Sorting & Data Collection Events
- Community Events
Lake Tahoe
Through data collection, collaborating with environmental scientists, and extensive research dives we have discovered a submerged litter issue beneath the surface of Lake Tahoe. To tackle this issue we perform scuba clean ups and implement litter mitigation strategies that include signage, litter art sculptures, youth education and generate awareness through a strategic media approach. Our organization also performs aquatic invasive species surveillance, and reports observations to state and federal agencies for remediation.
The Sierra Nevada
Through a series of pilot research dives we found that the submerged litter issue is present in lakes throughout the Sierra Nevada range. Our organization takes a similar approach to our work in Tahoe to other nearby communities and Lakes in need. To date this has included over 14 lakes across the Sierra Nevada such as Fallen Leaf Lake, Donner Lake, Echo Lake, June Lake, Convict Lake, as well as the Mammoth Lakes region and others.
Belize
Where our founder originally was inspired to clean up the plastic and performed research trips and beach clean-ups in 2018.Â
Minnesota
In 2024, our organization completed a two week long pilot research project on submerged litter, aquatic invasive species and algal blooms at Mille Lacs lake in Minnesota.
Washington
In 2023, our organization completed pilot research in the South Puget Sound of Washington State, where discoveries included significant pollution in the form of tire reefs that were intentionally and regretfully placed in the waterways as well as signs of litter based pollution from what appears to be shellfish farming activities in the rural areas near Olympia, WA.
ANNUAL PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
Our NPO’s flagship project, The 72 Mile Cleanup, was the first ever human-powered circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe using SCUBA, and was the largest ever litter-clean up in Lake Tahoe’s history. To date we have expanded our work to numerous lakes across the Sierra Nevada. We engage in programs that include terrestrial and aquatic litter cleanups with data collection and analysis, aquatic invasive species surveillance, youth education, conservation dive training and projects targeting litter prevention. Please click the link below to find out more information about our current programs and projects.
We’re taking action before it’s too late. Join us now.
CLEAN UP THE LAKE ENSURES SAFETY, MAKING A DIFFERENCE & HAVING FUN.
JET SKIERS ASSIST IN DIVER SAFETY, DATA COLLECTION & DETERRING BOAT TRAFFIC.
KAYAKERS MONITOR DIVERS IN THE WATER, FLY DIVE FLAGS, TRANSPORT & RETRIEVE LITTER.
SCUBA DIVERS REMOVE SUBMERGED LITTER & GPS PINPOINT HEAVY LITTER ITEMS, HOT SPOTS & MORE.
FREE DIVERS COMMUNICATE WITH DIVERS, ASSIST IN DATA COLLECTION, & RETRIEVE FULL BAGS & HEAVY LITTER ITEMS.
How You Can Help
Litter is a big problem, but there’s lots of ways you can help make an impact:
"Clean Up the Lake. That's the name, but more importantly the rallying cry, of a nonprofit in the Lake Tahoe area."
- NBC BAY AREA
Make A Donation
Or help the cause by sharing to social!
