Our biggest fundraiser of the year is back… and we couldn’t be more excited!

All proceeds from the event benefit the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science!

Guitar Strings Vs. Chicken Wings
The ultimate Village battle is back, as six restaurants and six bands face off for the ultimate supremacy for “Best Wings” and “Best Band.” Restaurants will battle for the Wing vs. Wing Champion Trophy and bands will battle for a cash prize, in addition to bragging rights. Cast your vote and help choose the winners!

Event Details
Tickets and beer, wine and cocktail specials at the TINS bar are available starting at 4:00pm.
Additional voting tokens can be purchased at the registration booth to help push your favorites to the top.
Each restaurant will be cooking their own signature recipes for spicy, flavor-packed chicken wings and joining forces with the region’s best bands to crank the contest to the max.

We need volunteers to make this event happen!!!

We need your help!! In order for us to host this fundraiser, we will need over 20 volunteers, so please help spread the word. It can get busy, but it sure is fun! To volunteer, please click on the button below.

Join plant ecologists Molly Ferry and Hugh Safford for a guided 3+ mile hike near Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe. This hike is hosted by the California Native Plant Society, Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter- rain or shine.

The hike will include some off-trail walking over uneven terrain, covering 2–4 miles with about 500 feet of elevation loss and gain (down and back up the paved road). Restrooms are available at the boat-in campground.

At Emerald Point, we’ll explore a stand of massive old trees, including Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). We will count 13 different tree species that occur at the site.

In the spirit of Molly’s Wildflower Wednesday Search Parties, we’ll also be looking for a short list of target plant species. Your observations will help update the classic book Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Wildflower Wednesdays are task-oriented toward search party species and map hunts. Expect off-trail hiking and uneven terrain as we search for species that need their distribution clarified for an update to Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide. This may mean bypassing other interesting flowers to prioritize reaching key sites.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a snack, and a botanical loupe (if you have one). No dogs, please.

Meeting Point: Please park and meet at this precise Google Maps location near Emerald Bay. Parking can be challenging, but there is plenty of paved roadside parking where the boat-in campground road meets Highway 89. We’ll meet at the green gate at 10am, returning in an estimated 4 hours. There are also shuttles running from South Lake and Sugar Pine Point State Park to Emerald Bay.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Check out the Tahoe Plant Book Website or email Molly at tahoeplantbook@gmail.com

Autumn Exploration Series with TINS: Galena Falls Wildflower Hike

Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) guides and nonprofit partner Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) for an alpine hike to Galena Falls in the Mount Rose Wilderness to enjoy the beauty of mountain wildflowers at the peak of their summer bloom. The TRTA is the primary steward of the Tahoe Rim Trail system, and TINS is a valuable ecological stewardship organization and community education provider. Together, our organizations collaborate to provide educational experiences in this Autumn Exploration Series across the Tahoe Rim Trail and throughout the Basin.

Naturalist Sarah Hockensmith will lead the group along the trail and teach you all about local wildflowers and the animals that rely on them to survive. Bring your camera for this event and get ready to enjoy nature’s colorful show!

Difficulty Intermediate

Distance 6 miles roundtrip

Location Mount Rose Trailhead

Join us for a peaceful morning bird walk along the scenic Legacy Trail, nestled beside the beautiful Truckee River. Led by local birding expert Sarah Hockensmith from the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), this guided walk offers a chance to experience the rich birdlife of the Truckee region in the heart of summer.

We'll meander through riverside paths and forested areas to observe and learn about the birds that call this region home in August. From warblers to woodpeckers, you’ll discover the sights and sounds of the Sierra Nevada's feathered residents and migratory visitors.

This event is generously funded by a grant from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and is free to attend. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just curious about the wildlife in your backyard, all are welcome!

What to Bring:

• Binoculars (a limited number may be available to borrow)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Water and sun protection

• Curiosity and a sense of adventure

Space may be limited, so we encourage early arrival. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Join fellow wildflower enthusiasts for a full day of plant exploration along the high-elevation slopes of Mt. Rose. We’ll begin at the Mt. Rose Trailhead and zip by Galena Falls with the goal of continuing upward to search for alpine specialties such as pincushion plants, buckwheats, and other lofty flora that thrive at higher elevation.

This outing is in partnership with the Nevada Native Plant Society, and ideal for anyone interested in plant identification, botany, or simply experiencing the diversity of wildflowers in one of Nevada’s most scenic mountain areas.

What to Bring:

• Plenty of water

• Lunch and snacks

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.)

• Comfortable hiking gear

• Field guides or ID apps if you have them

Please plan for a full day outside, with changes in weather and elevation.

Join TINS for a fun day exploring dragonflies as part of our annual Odonates Mini-blitz.

Contribute to citizen science! Read below for more information.

Odonates

Odonates, or simply “odes” for short, are members of the insect order Odonata, comprising dragonflies and damselflies.  This fascinating group of animals holds much the same appeal with nature lovers as birds and butterflies (i.e. diverse and conspicuous, aesthetically pleasing, ecologically interesting), and with the 2003 release of Tim Manolis' fantastic identification guide, Dragonflies and Damselflies of California, the group became that much more accessible to anyone with a pair of binoculars or a camera (although a net is still required for some identifications). The greater Tahoe region hosts about 55 species, including a few that are strictly migratory or occur as vagrants.

Each year, a group of California odonate enthusiasts (CalOdes) converges for a long weekend somewhere in the state for an Odes-Blitz, wherein they attempt to document new species for state or county lists.

In the Tahoe region, TINS sponsors instead an Odes Mini-blitz, and our goals are threefold:  to (1) document the odonate fauna of the Tahoe region, (2) identify locations with high odonate diversity or hosting unique or rare species, and (3) have fun!

TINS Discoveries

Some of the discoveries from these events have been quite significant. For example, in 2011 we documented the intergeneric copulation between two dragonflies at Grass Lake. In 2021, we rediscovered Spiny Baskettails in the Donner Lake area, a population that had not been seen since 1914! Click the embedded links to read more about these discoveries.

How to Get Involved

Anyone interested in participating in this or future mini-blitzes is encouraged to contact Will Richardson for more information. Note that the location(s) each year are TBD, and the timing is usually quite flexible depending on the group.

More information about the goals of the Odes Mini-blitzes can be found HERE.

Join the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the Nevada Native Plant Society (NNPS) on a field outing to search for monkeyflowers and other native plant species in the scenic alpine meadows of Mt. Rose. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn about native flora, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Registration:
Please visit the NNPS website to register once event details are available.

Additional details coming soon!

Join botanist Gale Rankin for a walk north from Barker Pass along the Tahoe Rim/Pacific Crest Trail to see wildflowers, old-growth trees, and stellar scenery.  Our “grand finale destination”, per Julie Carville’s Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails, is “a glorious seep garden of wildflowers that cascades down a hillside into an inviting meadow”.  On the way, we will enjoy views of the Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, craggy volcanic outcrops, and a short detour to the flanks of Barker Peak.  Along with the myriad flowers of the several seeps, rocky slopes, and forests, our hope is to find explorer’s gentian and catch the Sierra primrose in full bloom.  

The maximum distance for this out and back outing is 5 miles and under 1000 feet in elevation, with the goal of being back at the cars by 1:00 pm.   The pace will be determined by the group and the trip is appropriate for all levels of wildflower enthusiasts.  Bring your snacks, water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, and hiking poles (for those that use them). 

This hike is co-sponsored by the Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.

Resilient Little Things with Scaled Wings: Exploring the Butterflies of the Sierra Nevada Talk at Parson’s Lodge.
Join T. Will Richardson, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, for a captivating talk on the butterflies that thrive from Sierra Nevada meadows to alpine heights. Discover their fascinating behaviors, adaptations, ecological roles, and the mounting challenges they face in these mountain environments.

📍 Parsons Lodge, Tuolumne Meadows
Please note: Yosemite National Park has a reservation system in place this season. Early entry before 6 AM does not require a reservation—learn more here.

Special thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy for making this series possible.

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided wildflower walk at Shirley Canyon near Palisades Resort. Participants will explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Wildflower Wednesdays are task-oriented toward search party species and map hunts. Expect off-trail hiking and uneven terrain as we search for species that need their distribution clarified for an update to Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide. This may mean bypassing other interesting flowers to prioritize reaching key sites.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a snack, and a botanical loupe (if you have one). No dogs, please.

Meeting Point: Please park and meet at this precise Google Maps location at the Palisades Parking lot near off of highway 89 between Tahoe City and Truckee.

Note: Feel free to turn around halfway (before Shirley Lake bouldery section) or rally up to High Camp- 4 miles, 2,000 vert and take the TRAM DOWN (free).

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Check out the Tahoe Plant Book Website or email Molly at tahoeplantbook@gmail.com

In 2010, TINS initiated an annual butterfly count, centered on Osgood Swamp and encompassing much of the southern Tahoe basin (view map of count circle). The goals of the counts are threefold: to (1) gather data to monitor butterfly populations, (2) give butterfly enthusiasts a chance to socialize and have fun, and (3) to increase public awareness and interest in butterflies and butterfly conservation needs. Experts from around the state have joined the Tahoe count, and more experienced butterfly enthusiasts will be assigned to cover various portions of the count circle, either solo or in small teams. All are welcome, however. We primarily use the count to generate interest in butterflies, and beginners can have a great time learning the basics.

Anyone interested in participating, please contact Will Richardson to be kept up to date on the latest information regarding the 2025 count.

For more information on the annual South Lake Tahoe NABA Butterfly Count itself, click HERE.

Our amazing volunteer, Lynn Harriman, will lead this joint birding and wildflower walk along the Tahoe Rim Trail/Pacific Crest Trail. This will be an out and back walk from Barker Pass Trailhead. The trail follows the contour of a hill with views west along Barker Meadow. Passing through Red Fir forest and crossing seasonal streams coming down from the slopes of a 7,904-foot hill. Several alpine meadows follow the streams, and the walk will pass through them. The maximum distance for this outing is 5 miles, but if there is lots to see and the pace is slower, it may be a shorter trip with the goal of being back at the cars by 1:00. Our hope is to see Lazuli Bunting defending alpine meadow territory and we will look for Brewer's Bishops Cap (Mitella breweri). We will have brunch along the way so bring your snack, water, mosquito repellent, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, and your curious brain. The pace will be leisurely. The elevation gain and loss is no more than 400 feet.

Bob Anderson was (among many other notable things!!) a TINS Board Member, whose life was cut tragically short in 2013. Each year we honor Bob’s memory with a beautiful hike among the wildflowers and scenery of Carson Pass, following the loop that Bob, Grace, and family took on his last day hike in July of that year.

All are welcome, whether you knew Bob or not!

We will meet at 8:00 at the Woods Creek trailhead parking lot and cast off from there. Directions can be found by clicking HERE. Note that this is a Fee Area parking lot; I believe the parking fee is now $10 (unclear if Interagency Passes are accepted).

Each year we alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise, hitting either Winnemucca Lake or Round Top Lake first, followed by the other.

Keep in mind that this is a slightly longer outing than most of our bird or botany hikes, so be prepared for covering about 6.5 miles, and definitely bring water and a snack (and your swimsuit if so inclined!) for a break at Round Top Lake. After the hike, we will raise a toast to Bob back at our cars, so consider an appropriate beverage and perhaps something tasty to share.

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided hike at the Fallen Leaf Meadow. Explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Friday Flower Forays are more flexible in their objectives compared to Wildflower Wednesdays, aiming to cast a wider net and take in as many interesting plants as possible. Think of them as more traditional wildflower walks with a continued effort to update Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide, increase your enjoyment of native flora and your tally for the Tahoe Wildflower Big Year.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a snack, and a botanical loupe (if you have one). No dogs please.

Meeting Point: Please park and meet at this precise Google Maps location.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Check out the Tahoe Plant Book Website or email Molly at tahoeplantbook@gmail.com

Dust off your binoculars and join us for a guided birding trip through the beautiful Euer Valley! Learn from a local expert and founder of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science as we explore the area's diverse birdlife.

Meeting Location: Alder Creek Adventure Center

What to Bring:

• Binoculars

• Bug spray

• Water

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Sturdy shoes

This event is proudly held in partnership with Tahoe Donner’s 2025 Stewardship Day initiative. We’re excited to be part of this important community effort. Click here to learn more

***Please note that there is a separate waiver required by the UC Sagehen Creek Field Station.***

Sagehen Creek Field Station Waiver - Please digitally sign and email to sagehen@berkeley.edu by Friday, July 4

Join TINS staff and others as we document life in the Sagehen Basin during a morning bioblitz! A bioblitz is a detailed study of biodiversity in a specific location over a specific period of time, bringing volunteers and experts together.

Naturalists of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Just bring your smartphone or camera, and your enthusiasm, and together we will look for birds, mammals, insects, spiders, and wildflowers.

If you want to use the iNaturalist application on your phone, please be sure to download it prior to arrival. However, we personally prefer to upload images to iNaturalist from a camera later using the web interface and a computer, so be aware that also is an option.

Practice with making iNaturalist observations beforehand is recommended but not required.

Plan on reconvening at noon for lunch and a quick taxonomic tally. We also will have an optional afternoon session for those that want to spend a full day exploring, and we may even conduct insect light-trapping at the field station for a few hours the previous evening.

We will be sending more information out via email the week of the blitz, but if you have any questions in the meantime, you can contact Will Richardson

email: will@tinsweb.org

or phone: 775.298.0065

Get ready for a wild time at Wild Tahoe Weekend!

Join us at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center for a celebration of nature during as we combine the 14th annual Lake Tahoe Bird Festival and Native Species Festival on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Enjoy a full day of bird-themed fun, including:

• Hourly guided bird walks along the Rainbow Trail

• Encounters with live birds of prey

• Presentations and exhibits on migratory birds

• Bird-themed crafts and games for all ages

• A live falconry demonstration
  ...and much more!

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just curious about Tahoe’s amazing wildlife, there’s something for everyone. Come connect with nature and celebrate the wild side of Tahoe!

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided hike along Meeks Creek located at on the west shore. Explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Wildflower Wednesdays are focused surveys of specific areas where rare or otherwise noteworthy species have been previously collected or reported. The goal is to assess the current status and ideally confirm the continued presence of these species as part of an effort to update Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide. This may mean bypassing other interesting flowers to prioritize reaching key sites.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a snack.

Meeting Point: This Google Maps location across the street from Meeks Campground on the west shore.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Please email Molly at ecobotany@gmail.com

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided 2–3 mile hike through Big Meadow and along the Scott’s Lake trail. The morning will begin with a few gentle switchbacks before opening into a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow. We'll explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

This outing is perfect for plant enthusiasts of all levels.wWhether you’re just curious or deeply passionate about local flora.

Questions? Please email Molly at ecobotany@gmail.com

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided hike through the Baldwin Beach Meadows in South Lake Tahoe. Explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Friday Flower Forays are more flexible in their objectives compared to Wildflower Wednesdays, aiming to cast a wider net and take in as many interesting plants as possible. Think of them as more traditional wildflower walks with a continued effort to update Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a snack.

Meeting Point: Please park and meet at this Google Maps link across the street from Baldwin Beach’s entrance.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Please email Molly at ecobotany@gmail.com

Kick off California State Parks Week by joining a bird walk at Washoe Meadows State Park, led by TINS’ Director Will Richardson and in partnership with Tahoe Area Sierra Club and the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Expect a mostly flat, slow-paced stroll along the riparian habitat of the Upper Truckee River. Bring the usual items for a successful bird outing: layers, sun protection, binoculars, water, snack, and perhaps your favorite field guide.

Max 20 participants. Meeting location will be sent upon registration. To register, Click Here.

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided hike through Washoe Meadows in South Lake Tahoe. Explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Wildflower Wednesdays are focused surveys of specific areas where rare or otherwise noteworthy species have been previously collected or reported. The goal is to assess the current status and ideally confirm the continued presence of these species as part of an effort to update Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide. This may mean bypassing other interesting flowers to prioritize reaching key sites.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a snack.

Meeting Point: This Google Maps location off of Mountain Meadow Dr.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Please email Molly at ecobotany@gmail.com

Join longtime Incline Village resident and three decade biology professor, Suzanne Gollery for a 3-hour walk along one of her favorite local trails—the Incline Flume. This mild, traversing hike winds through open, south-facing forest where flowering shrubs and wildflowers are expected to be in full bloom, even early in the season. Creek crossings and a mix of terrain will offer a variety of plant life to observe.

This is a great opportunity for all levels of plant lovers to explore a mid-elevation habitat with an experienced naturalist who knows the trail intimately.

Join plant ecologist Molly Ferry for a guided 2–3 mile hike through Angora Burn Area in South Lake Tahoe. Explore native plants, meadow herbs, and understory flora while learning from Molly’s work updating the classic Plants of the Tahoe Basin (Graf, 1999).

Friday Flower Forays are more flexible in their objectives compared to Wildflower Wednesdays, aiming to cast a wider net and take in as many interesting plants as possible. Think of them as more traditional wildflower walks with a continued effort to update Michael Graf’s 1999 Wildflower Guide.

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a snack.

Meeting Point: Please Park and meet at this Google Maps link located off of Panther Dr.

No registration - just show up on time.

Questions? Please email Molly at ecobotany@gmail.com

Every Thursday in May through the first week in June, TINS will host a bird walk at the Village Green in Incline Village NV.

Join us as we take a leisurely stroll to observe the numerous bird species that are returning or migrating through Tahoe this spring. We will identify the songs, calls, and field marks of birds while walking through different habitats including riparian areas, streams, and through pine forests. These Village green Bird Walks are open to birders of all experience levels.

Bring your binoculars. No registration required.. just show up! We will meet at the Aspen Grove Parking lot.

In partnership with the Sierra Club and Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Spring is here—come stop and smell the flowers! Join local naturalist Bob Sweatt for a guided walk through Washoe Meadows State Park as we search for a variety of wildflowers, including the beautiful Sand Lily.

• Difficulty: Easy and flat terrain

• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, snacks, binoculars, and any naturalist guides you enjoy

• Registration Required: Due to limited capacity, registration is required. Each registration is for one participant only. A signed waiver is also required and will be provided upon registration.

About Bob Sweatt:
Bob is a retired photography teacher with a deep love for nature. He enjoys birding, walking, and especially searching for and photographing wildflowers. Leading wildflower walks and sharing his knowledge with others is one of his greatest passions.

Carpooling Encouraged:
Parking is limited, so please carpool if you know others attending.

Ready to kick off your wildflower adventure? Join us for a fun-filled ramble along the Lower Sagehen Creek trail, just north of Truckee. This easy, mostly flat 5-mile loop will likely be the lowest-elevation hike of our Tahoe Wildflower Big Year.

We’ll take our time exploring the diverse wildflower wonderland, with a special eye out for the stunning bloom of Camas Lilies at the end of the trail. As we stroll through different habitats, you’ll find a variety of blooms along the way.

We also want to thank the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation for funding this free hike for the public. Please register below!

***NOTE: This event is FULL but cancellations do happen. Join our waitlist below:

Every Thursday in May through the first week in June, TINS will host a bird walk at the Village Green in Incline Village NV.

Join us as we take a leisurely stroll to observe the numerous bird species that are returning or migrating through Tahoe this spring. We will identify the songs, calls, and field marks of birds while walking through different habitats including riparian areas, streams, and through pine forests. These Village green Bird Walks are open to birders of all experience levels.

Bring your binoculars. No registration required.. just show up! We will meet at the Aspen Grove Parking lot.