Who We Are
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is a member-supported nonprofit organization seeking to advance the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach. Since 2010, TINS has promoted stewardship of the Tahoe region, bringing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s natural resources to children, adults, and land managers.
At present, all TINS programming and operations are handled by our three full-time staff, additional seasonal staff, plus the efforts of our Board and other volunteers. Occasionally, we may be looking for seasonal field crew, interns, volunteers, help with fundraising, administrative help, etc. Please check back regularly if you'd like to get involved, or just contact us.
T. Will Richardson, Ph.D.
Co-Founder + Executive Director
Will has lived in the Tahoe area since 1994. Originally a seasonal Tahoe resident (spending summers running crews for the Point Reyes Bird Observatory elsewhere in California, and falls working for PRBO on the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco), Will finally settled in Truckee in 2001, and has been intensively studying the region's natural history and ecosystems ever since. He is slowly chipping away at a status and distribution guide for the birds of the Lake Tahoe basin, but his interests span all taxa: he has authored papers on chipmunks, butterflies, tiger beetles, dragonflies, and the discovery of a second species of salamander occurring in the Tahoe basin.
Will received his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, studying bird communities in Sierra Nevada aspen habitats. He's never not birding, but he also attempts to squeeze in backcountry skiing, climbing, sea-kayaking, Ulitmate Frisbee, and the occasional music gig.
Outreach Director
Growing up in Northern California, Sarah Hockensmith has always had a passion for natural sciences and the outdoors. Sarah was a track and field athlete for California State University, Chico, while she attained her Bachelors of Science in Natural Resource Management. Prior to TINS, Sarah has worked at various governmental agencies in the environmental field.
With a smile on her face, Sarah believes her enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for the natural sciences and the outdoors could influence others to be stewards of Lake Tahoe’s resources and find value in the environment.
Sarah enjoys coaching track, art and crafts, birwatching, surfing, snowboarding, and riding her bike, all while appreciating the natural world around her.
Education Manager
With a background in Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management from West Virginia University, Katie has had the privilege of working in some diverse locations studying a range of wildlife species. She now is happy to call the Tahoe area her home and is thrilled to teach students on behalf of TINS.
In addition to her wildlife career, she has actively immersed herself in education, deriving joy from crafting engaging learning experiences. What she cherishes most about working with children is witnessing the genuine excitement and fun they experience while absorbing new knowledge. She is enthusiastic to connect with local youth, bringing a positive impact through education.
Jennie Jones Scherbinski
Membership Manager
Jennie had two goals growing up, to work in conservation and live in Lake Tahoe. In pursuit of these goals, she began volunteering at a local nature center at 10 years old and pursued any opportunity that brought her closer to nature. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder, then spent a number of years doing environmental education in the Bay Area, followed by almost a decade with the California Condor Recovery Program at Pinnacles National Park. After leaving the park service, she studied Mountain Beavers and received a Masters in Wildlife from Humboldt State University.
She and her husband Scott were finally able to make the move to Tahoe in 2017. Jennie worked as the Executive Director of Lahontan Audubon Society and after welcoming their son Samson in May of 2021, was excited for the opportunity to join TINS part-time and continue working to support conservation and education while raising Sam in the place she loves. In her free time, she can be found exploring Tahoe by splitboard, snowshoe, paddleboard, or kayak, usually with Scott, Sam, and their dog, Lou in tow.