Pollinators and a Touch of Slime Mold: A Talk with Will Richardson

Join us at Village Nursery in Truckee for an evening with Will Richardson as he explores the fascinating world of pollinators and the surprising role of slime molds in nature. This fun, informative talk will highlight the connections between plants, insects, and other tiny organisms that keep our gardens and ecosystems thriving.

More details coming soon, check back for updates and the full program!

📍 Village Nursery, Truckee

Join TINS as we celebration Earth Day! This free community event takes place in the Village at Palisades Tahoe from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and gives kids and adults the opportunity to learn about recycling, composting, alternative energy, and sustainability through hands-on activities the whole family can enjoy. Plus, don't miss hours of free live music by local bands.

This event is a community tradition to learn about sustainable products and services offered by local organizations and businesses, meet with local area nonprofits that share Earth Day values, as well as showcasing local entertainment. Our goal is to connect the community with the people and resources found in our region who foster innovation, initiate change and ultimately implement an equitable partnership for a green planet.

Click here to learn more. 

We are looking for 2 volunteers to help at this event. Please reach out to Jennie (Jennie@tinsweb.org) if you would like to help!

Explore with Sarah Hockensmith and fellow birding enthusiasts as we search for our favorite feathered friends, stroll along the Truckee River via the Legacy Trail, and immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of spring. Late April is an exciting time in Truckee, with migratory birds arriving and activity picking up along the river and surrounding areas.

This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, learn from others, and enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors. All experience levels are welcome, whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious to see what’s out there. Bring binoculars and a friendly smile. We can’t wait to see you there!

This hike is sponsored by Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation

Celebrate Earth Week with TINS by joining us for a walk at the Upper Truckee Marsh on April 20th!

Explore with Sarah Hockensmith and fellow birding enthusiasts as we search for our favorite feathered friends, take in views of Mount Tallac, and immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of spring. Late April is an exciting time in Tahoe, with migratory birds arriving and activity picking up across the marsh.

This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, learn from others, and enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors. All experience levels are welcome; whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious to see what’s out there. Bring binoculars and a friendly smile. We can’t wait to see you there!

Celebrate Earth Week by joining us for this FREE community festival!

Place: Lake Tahoe Community College location, 1 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet's environment and raise public awareness about a variety of environmental factors. TINS will be tabling at the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day, so please stop by and say hello!

Click here to learn more and see the schedule of events.

We are looking for 2 volunteers to help at this event. Please reach out to Jennie (Jennie@tinsweb.org) if you would like to help!

Join the Sierra Foothill Audubon Society for an evening with Will Richardson as he shares highlights from the four Tahoe Big Years hosted in the Tahoe region. Will will provide an overview of this exciting community birding effort, recounting some of the remarkable species that have turned up along the way and the stories behind them.

Beyond the birds themselves, the Tahoe Big Years have helped bring together a passionate and growing community of birders. Will will discuss how the project has fostered collaboration, friendly competition, and a deeper appreciation for the birds and habitats of the Tahoe Basin.

Whether you are a seasoned birder or simply curious about the birds of our region, this presentation offers a fun look at the discoveries, surprises, and community connections that have come from the Tahoe Big Years.

📍 Madelyn Helling Library Community Room, Nevada City

Please check the Sierra Foothill Audubon Society website and Facebook page for any last-minute updates.

Celebrating a Year in Bloom

Join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and wildflower joy at the 2025 Tahoe Wildflower Big Year Celebration. Whether you documented dozens of plants, cheered from the sidelines, or simply love plants and the people who love them, this event is for you.

We’ll gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the Tahoe Wildflower Big Year community, reflect on a year of exploration and learning, and look ahead to future seasons of discovery. This mixer-style event is all about fun, conversation, and relationship building.

What to Expect

• A warm welcome and brief introduction from our hosts

• Light appetizers and beverages

• Casual mingling in the amphitheater, with tables set up throughout

• Botanist Molly’s Tahoe Plant Book update

• Tahoe Wildflower Big Year Participant Storytelling

• Photo slideshow

Event Details

Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 5-7 PM
Location: The Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center, home of Keep Tahoe Blue
Thank you to Keep Tahoe Blue for generously sharing your space!

2877 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 

Please park across the street in the Tahoe Center lot

This event is designed to be inclusive and community-centered, bringing together Tahoe Wildflower Big Year participants, the Wildflower Facebook community, Master Gardeners, agency botanists, local naturalists, conservation groups, and plant enthusiasts.

RSVP BELOW

Join us at Diamond Peak Resort for an early morning snowshoe hike on Sunday, March 29 as part of the 2026 Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival. 

This short and scenic hike will take you part way up Diamond Peak as TINS naturalist, Sarah Hockensmith discusses winter ecology concepts and the survival strategies and adaptations employed by animals from the Lake Tahoe Region. After the hike, grab some breakfast from Base Lodge Provisions and learn more about our wildlife and ecosystems. 

The hike is free and snowshoes are available to borrow from TINS for free or a suggested $10 donation. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens about a month prior to the event. 

The 1-mile hike will take you up Diamond Peak’s Freeway trail from the Base Lodge.

• 7:15am – 7:30am: Check in & sign waiver

• 7:30am – 8:30am: Guided hike 

• Interactive presentation following hike. Food and drinks available for purchase. 

Check out the full Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival Schedule on the Luggi event page.

Hosted at the South Lake Tahoe Library, join us for an engaging presentation with Bob Sweatt as he shares the journey of his 2025 Tahoe Wildflower Big Year. Through photos and stories from the field, Bob will recount his experiences searching for and documenting Tahoe’s diverse wildflowers, including his quest to find the rare long-petal lewisia.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library and TINS.

Connection to Nature, Land Stewardship & Wellness

At the heart of Mountain Lotus is a commitment to wellbeing — for individuals, our community, and the Sierra ecosystem. The Mountain Lotus Speaker Series brings together leaders, educators, and innovators for conversations exploring the intersection of ecology, wellness, and community action.

This evening explores the relationship between connection to nature, land stewardship, and human health through two engaging presentations.

T. Will Richardson, Ph.D. — Co-Founder & Executive Director, Tahoe Institute of Natural Science
Dr. Richardson will discuss how developing a deeper relationship with the natural world — from observing backyard wildlife to exploring local ecosystems — cultivates a sense of stewardship that inspires meaningful action.

Peter Mayfield — Founder & Principal, NatureUP Health
Can getting out of the clinic and into the woods transform mental health care? Peter will explore emerging evidence for nature-based therapies as effective treatments for mental illness and how these approaches may complement — or reimagine — the traditional medical model.

A longtime social entrepreneur, Peter founded Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies, a clinically supervised nature-based therapeutic mentoring program for youth and young adults facing severe emotional disturbance, complex trauma, and substance dependence. The program became the first in the U.S. to secure County Behavioral Health contracts and Medicaid reimbursement, marking an important step in bringing nature-based therapy into mainstream mental health care.

Join us for an evening of learning, dialogue, and connection as we explore how nurturing our relationship with the land supports both ecological resilience and human wellbeing.

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED

Do you feel too attached to your phone? Does constant internet connection leave you exhausted? If so, maybe it’s time to disconnect from tech and plug in to the natural world. Join TINS and the TRTA for a guided cross-country ski focused on being present in nature without the distraction of technology. TINS naturalist Sarah Hockensmith will lead you through mindfulness activities as you ski along beautiful Tahoe Meadows. Participants are encouraged to leave their phone off or on airplane mode if circumstances allow.

Your own cross country skis and experience are required. We will travel ~5 miles on a groomed trail by Nevada Nordic. We will go as fast as the slowest member of the group and can make adjustments along the way. Our route does include some climbing.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance 5 miles round trip

Location: Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead

Join TINS for a magical winter outing as we snowshoe to the beautiful Chickadee Ridge. Sponsored by AAUW, this women-only snowshoe tour invites you to connect with nature and one another while exploringTahoe’s winter wonderland.

We will make our way up toward the ridge, enjoying the peaceful forest, hungry chickadees, and stunning snowy scenery along the way. Along the way, we will learn about Tahoe’s winter wildlife and at the top, we will pause to take in views of Lake Tahoe and enjoy snacks together before returning.

Expect to snowshoe 2 to 3 miles with elevations around 8,000 feet. We ask that you bring your own snowshoes. If you do not have snowshoes, please email Sarah at Sarah@tinsweb.org and she can provide some for free.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to build community, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and share a memorable winter experience with other women.

This outing is currently full. Please join the waitlist and we will let you know if space becomes available.

In the winter months, Carson Valley is one of the best places to view raptors of all kinds. This field experience exclusively for students actively enrolled in Rich Chamber’s free Tricky Bird ID Virtual Course to come out with TINS and observe the many species of hawks and eagles from 9:30am-12:30pm. The agricultural fields of the valley provide food for migrating raptors including various species of rodent.

Wintering raptors typically include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged, Ferruginous, and Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, and possibly others.

This is a driving and caravan-style bird tour with many stops off and on the road. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

Join us and the TRTA in search of wildlife, water features, and spectacular scenery from a beachy waterfront. Discuss natural history topics related to winter ecology, including how various animals and plants cope with the short days, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures associated with winter in Tahoe.

This two-mile, easy, out-and-back trek is family-friendly and appropriate for ages 8 and up. If the trails are covered in snow, TINS or the TRTA can provide snowshoes upon request. TINS can also provide binoculars by request. Please bring some snacks, as we will enjoy a lakeside picnic at tables near the lakeshore.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance 2 miles round trip

Location Sugar Pine Point State Park ($5 Parking Fee)

Struggling to tell apart those look-alike woodpeckers and raptors in Tahoe? Curious about the subtle differences between similar species? Want to strengthen your ID skills for woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and raptors… both in flight and during their life stages?

Look no further! TINS and birding enthusiast Rich Chambers are here to help.

Join us for a free, fun, and informative 3-part online class series where Rich will guide participants through some of the toughest bird ID challenges specific to the Tahoe and Truckee region. Through expert tips, clear comparisons, and real world examples, you’ll sharpen your skills and gain confidence in identifying these tricky species.

The series will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00 PM on January 27, February 3, and February 10 with a Carson Valley Raptor Field Trip (optional) to conclude the course on February 11.

Register for the online class below. We hope to see you there!

Struggling to tell apart those look-alike woodpeckers and raptors in Tahoe? Curious about the subtle differences between similar species? Want to strengthen your ID skills for woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and raptors… both in flight and during their life stages?

Look no further! TINS and birding enthusiast Rich Chambers are here to help.

Join us for a free, fun, and informative 3-part online class series where Rich will guide participants through some of the toughest bird ID challenges specific to the Tahoe and Truckee region. Through expert tips, clear comparisons, and real world examples, you’ll sharpen your skills and gain confidence in identifying these tricky species.

The series will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00 PM on January 27, February 3, and February 10 with a Carson Valley Raptor Field Trip (optional) to conclude the course on February 11.

Register for the online class below. We hope to see you there!

Struggling to tell apart those look-alike woodpeckers and raptors in Tahoe? Curious about the subtle differences between similar species? Want to strengthen your ID skills for woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and raptors… both in flight and during their life stages?

Look no further! TINS and birding enthusiast Rich Chambers are here to help.

Join us for a free, fun, and informative 3-part online class series where Rich will guide participants through some of the toughest bird ID challenges specific to the Tahoe and Truckee region. Through expert tips, clear comparisons, and real world examples, you’ll sharpen your skills and gain confidence in identifying these tricky species.

The series will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00 PM on January 27, February 3, and February 10 with a Carson Valley Raptor Field Trip (optional) to conclude the course on February 11.

Register for the online class below. We hope to see you there!

Glide through Tahoe’s winter wonderland on skis for a winter excursion in partnership with the TRTA. We will take breaks periodically to learn about Tahoe’s forest ecology and bird migration habits while identifying trees and animals that live amongst the Lodgepole Pines.

Cross country skis and experience are required as we do not provide skis. We will travel ~3 miles on a groomed trail by Nevada Nordic. We will go as fast as the slowest member of the group and can make adjustments along the way. Our route will not have steep hills. Sorry, no snowshoers on this adventure, but take a look at our Events Calendar for other opportunities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance ~3 miles round trip

Location Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead

In 2012, TINS took over coordination of the annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Survey for the Tahoe basin. From 9am-12pm, volunteers are paired up and stationed at 26 vantage points throughout the Tahoe basin, mostly around the lakeshore.

This year's count is scheduled for Friday, January 9th, 2026.

When registering, we ask that you provide the following information:

• Preferred location

• Are you a first time participant or a repeat participant?

• Experience level (beginner, intermediate, expert) - we will do our best to pair folks with less experience with experts

• Phone number / email

• If you prefer to be paired up with a particular person, please provide their name 

The count is part of the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that was initiated by the National Wildlife Federation in 1979. Over the years, the coordination of the national effort has changed hands a few times, and is currently managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Most recently the survey at Lake Tahoe was coordinated by the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Click here to learn more.

In order to prepare folks for the Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count the following day, the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) will host a talk the evening before the count to provide information on the following topics:

• History of the Bald Eagle Count

• How to Age Eagles

• How the Count Works

• Other Discussions

Please copy this link to the Bald Eagle Count Slide show: meet.google.com/nti-ynqc-ncp

If you would like to learn more about the 2026 Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count, please click here.

In the winter months, Sierra Valley is one of the best places to view raptors of all kinds. We would like to invite you to come out with TINS to observe the many species of hawks and eagles on from 9:30am-12:30pm. The agricultural fields of the valley provide food for migrating raptors including various species of rodent.

Wintering raptors typically include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged, Ferruginous, and Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, and possibly others.

This is a driving and caravan-style bird tour with many stops off and on the road. Be sure to bring your binoculars!

The 2025 South Lake Tahoe CBC is Sunday, December 14, 2025

If you would like to learn more about the CBC, please click here. Otherwise, please sign up today via the button above. The below text includes some information about the structure of the count.

Option One: Join the Flock. If you want to chase birds on foot, skis, or even in a boat, we are looking for experienced and beginner avian enthusiasts to find birds in assigned areas. We will appoint individuals or small groups to specific locations throughout the count circle. Please let us know if you would like to be assigned to a specific area, and we will do our best to make it work on a first come, first serve basis.

Option Two: The Backyard CBC. For people that live within the count circle, we encourage folks to participate by counting the birds at your feeder or in your yards or immediate neighborhoods. This way, you can kick back, relax, and learn about the birds that inhabit your yard. Be sure to hang up your feeder a few weeks leading up to the count, so the birds get used to the location of your seeds.

There will be an optional pizza party to conclude the day at Sue Stevenson’s house. More details to come.
With both options the data will need to be submitted to TINS via email or regular mail. A map of the count circle can be found by clicking HERE.

There will be an optional pizza party to conclude the day at Sue Stevenson’s house. Thank you to Blue Dog Pizza for donating pizza to our amazing volunteers!

Fall in the mountains is a season of transformation. At Taylor Creek, migrating Kokanee salmon, the wildlife they attract, and the golden hues of changing aspen leaves all come together to create a spectacular natural display.

Spend your fall morning with Sarah Hockensmith of TINS for a leisurely walk around the Taylor Creek interpretation trail and then down to the mouth of the creek at Kiva Beach. With her expert guidance, you'll explore the rich natural history of the area and witness the subtle, and not-so-subtle, signs of the season’s change.

Event details will be emailed few days in advance, so be sure to mark your calendar and register today!

Bring layers, binoculars and a smile.

Come Celebrate 15 years of TINS with us!

Join the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) as we celebrate 15 incredible years of connecting people and nature in the Tahoe region! This special evening is all about our amazing community, the members, partners, and friends who have made TINS what it is today.

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, and salad buffet at Rubicon Pizza, along with live music, great company, and fantastic raffle prizes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow TINS members, meet new nature-loving friends, and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together over the past 15 years. This is meant to be a drop-in event, and everyone is welcome! Please bring your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your love for this incredible place that we call home.

Raffle prizes include:

• Palisades Tahoe lift tickets

• Diamond Peak lift tickets

• Tahoe Mountain Sports gift cards

• A $100 Scheels gift card

• And more amazing local prizes!

💚 TINS members receive one free entry!
🎟️ $25 for adults • $15 for kids (includes buffet and one raffle ticket)

Rubicon Pizza is generously donating all entry fees to directly support TINS’ wildlife research, education, and conservation programs in the Tahoe region — helping us continue inspiring curiosity and protecting the natural world we all love.

Come raise a slice and toast to 15 years of science, stewardship, and community! We couldn’t have done it without you, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone together.

RSVPs aren’t required, but they help us plan a wonderful evening for everyone.

Sponsors

Fall in the mountains is a season of transformation. At Taylor Creek, migrating Kokanee salmon, the wildlife they attract, and the golden hues of changing aspen leaves all come together to create a spectacular natural display.

Spend your Halloween morning with wildlife biologist Sheryl Ferguson for a leisurely walk around the Taylor Creek interpretation trail and then down to the mouth of the creek at Kiva Beach. With her expert guidance, you'll explore the rich natural history of the area and witness the subtle, and not-so-subtle, signs of the season’s change.

Event details will be emailed few days in advance, so be sure to mark your calendar and register today!

Bring layers, binoculars and a smile.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, October offers a natural invitation to slow down. It's the perfect time to step away from screens, quiet the noise of the world, and reset before winter settles in. With the vibrant colors of fall all around us, there's no better season to practice gratitude and find peace in nature.

This month, we’re excited to partner with Sierra Community House to offer three Mindfulness Nature Walks across the Tahoe-Truckee region. These gentle walks are designed to help you unplug, move mindfully, and reconnect with the natural world. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich natural history and how time outdoors can nurture your mental well-being. We hope you’ll join us for one of these experiences.

• October 11 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - Incline Bike Park - Incline Village, NV

• October 15 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - New Legacy Trail - Truckee, CA

• October 24 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - Skylandia Forest - Tahoe City, CA

Let nature guide you back to balance..

Experience the beauty of fall along the Truckee River on this guided nature walk led by Sarah Hockensmith from the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). As the seasons shift, so does the landscape and this is the perfect time to slow down, take it in, and learn how local plants, wildlife, and ecosystems prepare for the coming winter.

We'll walk the newer section of the Legacy Trail, taking in the golden leaves, crisp air, and subtle changes in bird and animal behavior that mark the transition into fall. Sarah will share insights into the science of seasonal change in Truckee, from migratory patterns and plant cycles to the quiet adaptations of animals preparing for colder months.

This walk is supported by a grant from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and is open to all ages and experience levels.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Layers for changing temperatures

• Binoculars (optional)

• Water and snacks

• An appreciation for nature’s changing rhythms

Autumn Exploration Series with TINS: Changes at Page Meadows

Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) guides and nonprofit partner Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) for a scenic October hike to Page Meadows, one of Tahoe City’s most stunning locations to witness the magic of fall. As the seasons change, so does the landscape and the wildlife that call it home.

Together, we’ll search for signs of animals preparing for winter: caching food, migrating south, or bulking up for hibernation. Along the way, we’ll be immersed in the golden glow of Quaking Aspens as their leaves turn from green to brilliant shades of orange and yellow. Keep your eyes open as we may even spot bear scratches on tree trunks or other subtle clues of wildlife activity.

This hike is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about the rhythms of the natural world as it shifts into autumn.

Difficulty - Intermediate

Distance - 3 miles roundtrip

Location - Ward Creek Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead

Come together for a day of river, meadow, and wetland restoration. Participants will work side-by-side with other volunteers to plant plant native vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, and protect sensitive areas. Projects start at either 9am or 11am and end between 2-3pm at various locations around the watershed.

Also join TINS and other non-profits at the Truckee River Day Fair at Granite Flat Campground from 1pm to 4pm to celebrate the Truckee River! All are welcome. Live entertainment, environmental education activities, art projects and more! Granite Flat is 1 mile south of Truckee on Highway 89.

For more information, please click here.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, October offers a natural invitation to slow down. It's the perfect time to step away from screens, quiet the noise of the world, and reset before winter settles in. With the vibrant colors of fall all around us, there's no better season to practice gratitude and find peace in nature.

This month, we’re excited to partner with Sierra Community House to offer three Mindfulness Nature Walks across the Tahoe-Truckee region. These gentle walks are designed to help you unplug, move mindfully, and reconnect with the natural world. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich natural history and how time outdoors can nurture your mental well-being. We hope you’ll join us for one of these experiences.

• October 11 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - Incline Bike Park - Incline Village, NV

• October 15 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - New Legacy Trail - Truckee, CA

• October 24 - Mindfulness Nature Walk - Skylandia Forest - Tahoe City, CA

Let nature guide you back to balance.