The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is excited to announce the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2–6 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park and TINS will have a booth!

Enjoy interactive booths, educational presentations, guided “Bear Walk” hikes, games, and activities for all ages. Food will be available from The Potluck Truck and Tahoe Pops. Free posters and stickers will be available while supplies last.

Throughout the day, attendees can:

• Explore hands-on exhibits from local organizations and agencies.

• Enjoy games and activities, including a mock campsite investigation, bear headband and button making, and a bear canister game.

• Attend presentations from 2:30–5:30 p.m. on bear biology, Karelian Bear Dogs, Bear CSI, bear storytime, and more.

• Join California State Parks for guided “Bear Walk” hikes about black bear biology, behavior, and habitat.

• Stay for a free 7 p.m. screening of Bears of Durango on the lawn overlooking the lake.

Parking is limited, so carpooling is strongly encouraged. Additional parking will be available in the campground overflow lot. Guests may arrive anytime between 2–6 p.m., and parking fees will be waived during the event.

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.

TINS & Patagonia Fundraiser

Join us on Saturday, August 29, at Patagonia Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe for a special evening benefiting the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS).

TINS is excited to partner with Patagonia for a community movie screening, with 100% of proceeds supporting TINS' education, research, and conservation programs. Patagonia will provide complimentary food and beverages, and TINS will share a brief presentation following the film about our work and the impact your support makes in the Tahoe region. This event is free, even the pancakes but all donations and raffle ticket purchases will go to TINS!

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 29

• Location: Patagonia Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe

• Nature Walk: 9am

• Screening: 10:30 am

• Raffle: 11am

• Cost: FREE

About the Film: 20 Minutes of Joy

Oly's Dean is a short film set along British Columbia's remote Dean River. It follows Oly as he explores his family's fishing lodge in the heart of steelhead country. Surrounded by anglers, wildlife, and wild rivers, Oly discovers the rhythms of lodge life and develops a deep connection to the natural world. When he lands a wild steelhead on a fly he tied himself, it becomes a meaningful moment that reflects his curiosity, independence, and love for the outdoors, while giving his parents the chance to experience that journey through his eyes.

Join TINS as we host Nature Trivia at Alibi in Truckee!

Join Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) for an alpine adventure to Galena Falls in the Mount Rose Wilderness, where we’ll explore the peak of summer wildflower season in full bloom. This high-elevation hike offers sweeping mountain views, vibrant alpine flora, and a chance to experience the Sierra Nevada at its most colorful.

TRTA, the primary steward of the Tahoe Rim Trail system, and TINS, a leading organization in ecological education and natural history programming, work together to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences across the Tahoe Basin. Through this Autumn Exploration Series, we invite you to deepen your connection to the landscape while learning from local experts.

Naturalist Sarah Hockensmith will guide the group along the trail, sharing insights into native wildflowers and the wildlife that depends on them. Please note that this hike reaches elevations above 9,000 feet. Participants should come prepared for high-altitude hiking conditions and variable mountain weather.

Difficulty
Intermediate

Distance
6 miles round trip

Location
Mount Rose Trailhead

We will be hosting a TINS booth at the 30th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit: Celebrating 30 Years of the Tahoe Summit, hosted by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen.

Join us on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, for this special milestone event.

Event details:
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon (check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada
Cost: Free

In addition to the main program, attendees are encouraged to visit the booth fair before or after the Summit. The fair will feature dozens of local agencies and nonprofit organizations, offering a chance to meet staff, learn about ongoing projects, and explore ways to get involved in stewardship efforts across the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Our friends at the Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter of California Native Plant Society are hosting a talk. Read Below:

Nutcrackers and nighttime warming: unexpected treeline dynamics in the High Sierra Nevada with Dr. Hugh Safford

In the summer of 2024, Hugh found an extraordinarily high-altitude population of young Jeffrey pines in the Kaweah Mountains, at elevations up to nearly 12,700 feet. This is 1000s of feet above the generally recognized range of the species, and – unbelievably – the population included the highest formally recorded individuals of any tree species in California. This find set in motion a study of the Jeffrey pine phenomenon, its extent, its drivers, and its meaning. In the summer of 2025 Hugh’s team surveyed tree populations above timberline in Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as in the Inyo National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.  They found that the Jeffrey pine phenomenon is much more widespread than previously believed, found that individuals of all of the subalpine tree species are growing at higher elevations than previously documented, and found the first trees – all whitebark pine – ever reliably recorded above 4000 meters (13,124 feet) in California. An interaction between the warming climate and bird dispersal of seeds is driving much of what they see.  Hugh will report on the findings from last summer, describe what they know about the current status of the Jeffrey pine invasion, and theorize a bit about how this invasion may fundamentally change Sierra Nevada subalpine forests.”

Dr. Hugh Safford is a research ecologist in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California-Davis, which he joined in 2003. Safford was also Regional Ecologist for the USDA-Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Region between 2001 and 2022.  The Safford Lab at UC-Davis is focused on applied ecological support to resource, forest, and fire management in California and worldwide.  Safford has provided technical assistance on fire, forest management, and climate change issues in the US and abroad since the 1990s.

In partnership with California State Parks at Donner Memorial State Parks, join us for a free birdwatching tour led by Outreach Director, Sarah Hockensmith. All are welcome.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this outing

Join TINS for a Bird and Nature Walk at Glacier Way in Tahoe Donner, Truckee, where we will set out on an outdoor adventure to explore local habitats and search for seasonal birds. This guided outing offers a chance to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural world while learning more about the species that call this area home.

As we hike, we will take in beautiful views overlooking Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The route is a moderate 4-mile hike with some elevation gain, offering a rewarding mix of forested trails, open viewpoints, and excellent birding opportunities along the way.

Expect a beautiful day outside filled with fresh mountain air, scenic vistas, and plenty of time to stop for birds, wildlife, and nature observations. Whether you are an experienced birder or simply curious about the natural world, this outing is a great way to explore Tahoe Donner in good company.

Please bring binoculars, water, a snack, and sunscreen. If you need binoculars to loan, please email sarah@tinsweb.org

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this outing

Our friends at the Tahoe & Sierra Valley Chapter of California Native Plant Society are hosting a talk. Read Below:

Blow Your Mind Botany Talk

Don’t just sit there and vegetate!  What an insult to the largest mass of biodiversity on Earth and the endless benefits that it provides to all our planet’s species.  Are these “non-moving” creatures sentient? Do they communicate among themselves or with other species? Can they anticipate the future and plan ahead? Can they solve our climate crisis? 

Let’s dive deeply into the current scientific research that causes departments of plant neurobiology to emerge at higher-level institutions around the world.

Joe Medeiros, Professor Emeritus of Botany and Ecology - Sierra College, Rocklin, CA

Joe has lived and hiked in the Sierra for more than 60 years and taught full-time for 35. He was a seasonal National Park Ranger (in the Sierra, of course!) and has led countless field trips around the US and the world.  He is a card-carrying tree-hugger and dirt-worshiper.

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.

Botanical Discovery Hike at Shirley Canyon

This challenging hike follows Shirley Canyon Trail through a diverse montane landscape rich in wildflowers and native flora. Participants are welcome to turn around before the rocky section near Shirley Lake, or continue to High Camp for a total of approximately 4–5 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, with the fun option to take the tram down. Park in the main Palisades Tahoe parking lot and follow signs for the Shirley Canyon Trail. Meet outside the TRAM restrooms at 9AM, then walk approximately 7 minutes to the trailhead.

The route is steep, rocky, and dusty, providing opportunities to observe and discuss plant id and ecological adaptation across an elevational gradient.

Target species include:

·       Narrowleaf onion (Allium amplectens)

·       Sierra laurel (Leucothoe davisiae)

·       California skullcap (Scutellaria californica)

·       Rock goldenbush (Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata)

·       Gray’s broomrape (Aphyllon californicum var. grayanum)

·       Spokane false goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa var.minor)

·       Bear Valley wild buckwheat (Eriogonum ursinum var.ursinum)

·       Western maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuticum)

The hike is designed for those interested in botany, native plants, and citizen science. Participants should be prepared for an arduous hike and variable mountain weather.

About the Leader

Molly Ferry is a botanist and ecological consultant who has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 25 years. She is currently leading the second edition revision of Plants of the Tahoe Basin, a comprehensive field guide documenting the region’s flora through plant stewardship, floristic research, ethnobotany, and large-scale citizen science.

Registration Required

Join TINS and our partners at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for a guided walk through the beautiful Page Meadows in search of vibrant mountain wildflowers and native bird species along Tahoe’s scenic West Shore. This leisurely outing offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sierra, learn about the local ecosystem, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. We hope to see you on the trail!

Difficulty
Intermediate: steady climb during the first mile

Distance
3 miles round trip

Location
Ward Creek Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead

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 2026 count. Note - please leave a phone number and a good time to call so we can discuss your experience, interest, and how you can best participate.

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

***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 Thursday, July 9

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

Meet at 8:45 AM at Meiss Meadows Sno-Park (parking fee required).

This guided half-day hike covers approximately 4–5 miles along Meiss Ridge. Participants will help search for priority plant species while learning to identify alpine perennials adapted to high winds, shallow soils,and persistent snowpack. The hike focuses on plant identification, habitat relationships, and field-based botanical survey methods.

This botanical field excursion combinesexploration with map-based plant hunts focused on:

·       Timberline sagebrush (Artemesia rockrothii)

·       Slender draba and Olympic draba (Draba albertina, D. novolympica)

·       Nevada grounddaisy (Townsendia scapigera)

·       Kruckeberg’s sword fern (Polystichum kruckebergii)

·       Alpine flames (Pyrrocoma apargioides)

·       Greene’s thistle (Cirsium inamoenum var. i)

·       Dwarf alpine hawk’s-beard (Askellia pygmaea)

And a mystery Gilia that stumped Molly last year. 

The hike is designed for those interested in botany, native plants, and citizen science. Participants should be prepared for moderate, off-trail hiking conditions and variable mountain weather.

About the Leader

Molly Ferry is a botanist and ecological consultant who has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 25 years. She is currently leading the second edition revision of Plants of the Tahoe Basin, a comprehensive field guide documenting the region’s flora through plant stewardship, floristic research, ethnobotany, and large-scale citizen science.

Bird Walk Along the Legacy Trail

Join us for a morning bird/nature walk along the Legacy Trail as we celebrate the birds in our community and learn from an expert from TINS. This short, guided walk is a great opportunity to observe local species, ask questions, and deepen your appreciation for the natural world around us. We aim to add an art element do this outing as well so come prepared to be artsy!

Binoculars can be provided upon request.

Thank you to the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation for sponsoring this walk!

Dive into the California Montane Bee-O-Blitz with this hands-on introduction to native bees. Join experts Rachel Vannette (UC Davis) and Will Richardson (TINS) to explore the fascinating world of native pollinators.

Learn how to identify common groups of bees, observe their behavior in the field, practice techniques for photographing bees, and observe researchers at work. This interactive walk is perfect for beginners and nature enthusiasts looking to build skills and contribute to the Montane Bee-O-Blitz (June 22–28).

Location is still TBD, but likely on the West Shore (e.g. Page Meadows or the top of Ward Canyon)

Hosted in collaboration with the California Native Bee Society and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Learn more about the Montane Bee-O-Blitz iNaturalist project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/california-montane-bee-o-blitz

Each Wednesday in June, TINS volunteers, Lynn and Don Harriman, will guide a 1.5-2 hour bird walk at the Upper Truckee Marsh. Bring your binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, and a camp chair (optional) in case there are opportunities to enjoy bird behaviors. Registration is not required, just meet up on Lily Ave (Park Here) and look for the Silver Toyota Tundra with a stuffed animal eagle on the dashboard.

We want to thank the El Dorado Community Foundation and our members for supporting these outings.

Each Wednesday in June, TINS volunteers, Lynn and Don Harriman, will guide a 1.5-2 hour bird walk at the Upper Truckee Marsh. Bring your binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, and a camp chair (optional) in case there are opportunities to enjoy bird behaviors. Registration is not required, just meet up on Lily Ave (Park Here) and look for the Silver Toyota Tundra with a stuffed animal eagle on the dashboard.

We want to thank the El Dorado Community Foundation and our members for supporting these outings.

Wild Tahoe Festival (Lake Tahoe Bird Fest)

Get ready for a wild time at the Wild Tahoe Festival! Join us at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center for a full day of outdoor fun, wildlife education, and family-friendly activities as we celebrate the 15th annual Wild Tahoe Festival on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

This free community event brings together local wildlife and natural resource organizations for an exciting day dedicated to the birds, animals, and ecosystems of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day outside with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Festival Highlights

• Hourly guided bird and nature walks along the Rainbow Trail

• Encounters with live birds of prey

• A live falconry demonstration

• Presentations and exhibits on migratory birds and native species

• Interactive educational booths from local organizations

• Bird-themed crafts, games, and activities for all ages

• Opportunities to learn more about Tahoe’s unique wildlife and ecosystems

Come connect with nature and celebrate the wild side of Tahoe!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Join us for a guided bird walk through the Angora Burn, where regeneration and wildlife come together in a uniquely dynamic landscape. We’ll begin at Panther Street and slowly make our way up the hillside, scanning the recovering forest for woodpeckers, wrens, warblers, and other birdlife that thrive in post-fire habitats.

This walk offers a chance to observe how birds are using the burn area while enjoying a peaceful, observant hike. Expect a steady uphill climb as we bird along the route, pausing often to listen, look, and learn. Bring binoculars, sturdy shoes, and a sense of curiosity as we explore this evolving ecosystem.

Each Wednesday in June, TINS volunteers, Lynn and Don Harriman, will guide a 1.5-2 hour bird walk at the Upper Truckee Marsh. Bring your binoculars, sturdy walking shoes, and a camp chair (optional) in case there are opportunities to enjoy bird behaviors. Registration is not required, just meet up on Lily Ave (Park Here) and look for the Silver Toyota Tundra with a stuffed animal eagle on the dashboard.

We want to thank the El Dorado Community Foundation and our members for supporting these outings.