Our Active Projects
Sierra Lupines is actively engaged in hands-on meadow restoration efforts within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Our work focuses on removing encroaching conifer saplings through careful hand-thinning, planting native wildflowers to boost biodiversity and stabilize soil, and implementing erosion control measures such as mulching and small streambank stabilization. These activities aim to restore healthy meadow ecosystems, reduce sediment runoff into Lake Tahoe, support pollinators, and lower wildfire risk in the Sierra Nevada.
Ward Valley Project
The Ward Valley Meadow Restoration Project is Sierra Lupines’ flagship initiative. Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Ward Valley is a beautiful but degraded mountain meadow suffering from conifer encroachment due to over a century of fire suppression.
Our project focuses on restoring the meadow through hands-on, student-led work: carefully hand-thinning small invading conifer saplings with loppers, planting native wildflowers, applying on-site mulching, and helping stabilize streambanks to reduce erosion. These efforts aim to increase biodiversity, support pollinators, improve soil stability, and reduce sediment delivery to Lake Tahoe.
By working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Keep Tahoe Blue, we are contributing to the broader Lake Tahoe West Restoration Project while giving high school students meaningful opportunities to learn, serve, and make a tangible impact on the Sierra Nevada.
The Hope for Ward Valley
We envision a future where Ward Valley is once again a vibrant, healthy, and resilient mountain meadow. Through dedicated restoration, we hope to reverse the damage of past decades and bring back the natural balance that once defined this special place. By healing the soil, supporting native life, and reducing erosion, we are working to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits wildlife, improves water flowing into Lake Tahoe, and preserves the beauty of the Sierra Nevada for generations to come. Ward Valley represents not just a restoration site, but a symbol of what is possible when young people commit to caring for the land.
6,200
Acres of Meadow to Restore
850
Metric Tons of Sediment to Remove
300+
Native Species to Protect
Events & Workshops
Participate in hands-on restoration days and student-led ecological literacy sessions across the Sierra Nevada.
Support Our Work
Your contributions directly fund student field research kits and local meadow restoration equipment.
Get Involved
Start a lupine chapter at your school or join our network of high schoolers protected biodiversity through advocacy.