SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, in partnership with the 5 Gyres Institute and Keep Tahoe Blue, invites you to a special panel discussion about the Tahoe Rim Trail Expedition, 5 Gyres’ first ever land-based, high elevation scientific expedition. The free event will take place at Keep Tahoe Blue’s Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, August 27.

All are welcome to join for an eye-opening evening with a panel of experts to explore how high-elevation science, outdoor recreation, and watershed protection collide on the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.

The panelists and audience will discuss how a dedicated team of researchers, outdoor advocates, and citizen science volunteers covered the entire 174-mile loop to capture samples of microplastics in air, soil, and backcountry waters. Discover what this groundbreaking research reveals about how plastic pollution makes its way from high-ridge trails into Lake Tahoe, and how it affects our favorite places to hike.

Panelists include:

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

The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. with complimentary light beverages and bites. The panel discussion and Q&A will run from 4 to 6 p.m.

Register online at keeptahoeblue.org/trailtalk.