Along the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, there’s a place where history, nature, and people come together in a way that just feels right. The Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Center are where the past meets presents; old summer estates, preserved architecture, interpretive trails, and the hard working volunteers and partners who preserve it.
Each summer, a dedicated group of people from across the country—and some who grew up right here in Tahoe—show up with different backgrounds, talents, and stories. What they share is a deep commitment to preserving the land, stories, and wildlife that make Tahoe special.
At Tallac you can step into Tahoe’s 19th-century past, where wealthy San Franciscans built their summer homes along the lake. Today, restored cabins, curated gardens, and exhibits tell the story of early lake life. Just down the road, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center invites visitors to understand and observe Tahoe’s delicate ecosystems and learn how to recreate responsibly on public lands.
These places aren’t just managed by government or GBI staff, they’re powered by people like Jason Levy, a volunteer from Florida who found the opportunity online. “Tallac had all the elements that seemed to make it a rewarding experience—adventure, nature, and history,” he said. Though his career has been in IT management, Jason now supports site operations by setting up Wi-Fi and helping rebuild the site’s website. “Before coming here, I didn’t have a full appreciation for the history of this area,” he admitted. “Now I’m immersed in it every day.”
That kind of personal connection echoes across the site. Katherine Holden, a South Lake Tahoe local, has been volunteering for more than 25 years. “When I saw the buildings boarded up, I knew I had to help bring them back to life,” she said. She now tends the Dextra Cabin and gardens, while her daughter, Kirsten, a Reno-based educator and now a third-year Artist in Residence, creates artwork using materials sourced naturally from the area. “Pinecones, feathers, bark—people are fascinated that it all comes from right here,” she shared. “It’s important to us to keep this place alive for future generations.”
“This place is part of our family,” Katherine said. “It’s more rewarding than any job.”
Nearby, the sound of hammering metal marks the presence of Randy and Sharon Hurley, blacksmith volunteers from Clovis, CA. Randy, a former contractor and Historicorps volunteer, began forging years ago on a family ranch. Sharon, a retired embryologist, joined him as an apprentice and has since developed a strong skillset and creative flair. “Sharon had no real experience, but I asked her to be my apprentice. She’s created a great skillset and has good ideas,” said Randy.
The pair have contributed custom-made decorative pieces to the site, including an armillary sphere now mounted above the original fountain. “We had to research what was appropriate for the era,” Sharon said. “It’s those little details that make the place feel authentic.”
They’ve also made hanging baskets for the wishing well near the Baldwin estate. “We love the challenge of doing new creations,” Randy said. Sharon added, “Watching how other volunteers step up—it’s been inspiring.”
At Taylor Creek, full-time RVers Bud and Cathy Bonetti of the Bay Area offer a warm welcome to hikers, campers, and curious visitors. After stumbling across the center while camping nearby, the retired high school teachers now help with trail maintenance, sales, and visitor engagement. “We just want to help people enjoy the national forest while also respecting it,” Bud said.
“We stayed across at Fallen Leaf three years ago, walked over to Taylor Creek, started asking questions and then applied,” Bud shared. Cathy now manages retail, while Bud focuses on keeping trails clear and informing hikers. “We’ve learned how to help people enjoy our national forests and understand the rules and how to recreate the right way.”
Among those ensuring both people and wildlife stay safe is Leona Allen, an interpretive ranger based in Tahoe and known locally as the “bear monitor.” With a background in wildland firefighting and a father who was both a firefighter and U.S. Forest Service ranger, Leona grew up with a strong sense of stewardship. “My dad was a firefighter and ranger for the Forest Service, so I was encouraged to learn about the environment and ecosystems—it’s in my DNA,” she said.
During the pandemic shutdown in 2020, she observed increased human impact on wildlife. “A lot of people were out messing with bears,” she said.
Leona works year-round, especially during high traffic seasons like summer and fall, “The big takeaway is the amount of lack of education people have while coexisting with wildlife. Because of habitat fragmentation and development, we have wildlife more abundant and visible—it’s important to learn about.”
Challenges exist, from limited funding to managing public behavior to maintaining aging infrastructure. But each individual—whether they’re pulling weeds, forging steel, greeting visitors, or installing Wi-Fi—agrees that the rewards far outweigh the hardships.
“It’s not just about what we do,” said Kirsten Holden. “It’s about what we’re keeping alive.”
At the Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Center, history isn’t just preserved—it’s actively lived and shaped every day by people who choose to give their time, hands, and hearts to this beloved corner of Tahoe. Thanks to them, the story continues—rooted in community, and growing stronger with every season.
Scroll down for more pictures of our wonderful volunteers.
