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!

Join us as we host nature trivia night at RMU in downtown Truckee. See flyer below:

Celebrate your Earth Day morning with TINS as we spend time on the Legacy Trail looking for birds on April 22, 2024. On this relaxing stroll, be sure to bring your binoculars as we search for birds and anything we can find. Expect to walk about 2 miles. 

More information and precise location coming soon...

If you have any questions, please email (sarah@tinsweb.org).

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. 

Join us for the April Tahoe Big Year outing to Cove East in South Lake Tahoe. We will be looking for spring migrants, waterfowl, and returning summer breeders. If there is time and interest, we may pop over to Upper Truckee Meadows to explore some additional habitats. 

Remember our TBY outings are for active TINS members only. If you are not a member, you can join TINS here! If you have any questions about your membership status, email our Membership Coordinator (jennie@tinsweb.org).

To register for the April TBY outing, please click here.

Hosted at the Truckee Library, join Sarah Hockensmith as she explains Tahoe Big Year 2024, how you can participate, and learn all about the different bird species that call the Tahoe basin home. How many different species can you spot this year?

More information coming soon.

See you then!

Discover the wonders of winter during a fun and educational snowshoe trek to Picnic Rock. Located on Tahoe’s North Shore, this excursion will take you through pine forests until you reach scenic vistas of Lake Tahoe. While being guided by trained TRTA Guides, TINS naturalist Sarah Hockensmith will discuss winter ecology concepts, falcons, and geology in the Basin. This three-mile, moderately difficult, out-and-back hike is family-friendly and appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Difficulty: Moderate (600′ elevation gain in 1.2 miles)

Distance: ~3 miles round trip

Location: Picnic Rock Trailhead, Brockway Summit, Kings Beach, CA

Hosted at the Incline Library, join Sarah Hockensmith as she explains Tahoe Big Year 2024, how you can participate, and learn all about the different bird species that call the Tahoe basin home. How many different species can you spot this year?

See you then!

Our second Tahoe Big Year outing for 2024 will take place on the morning of March 28th at location TBD. We will finalize details on timing and location next week and send participants a confirmation email.

Remember our TBY outings are for active TINS members only. If you are not a member, you can join TINS here! If you have any questions about your membership status, email our Membership Coordinator (jennie@tinsweb.org).

Please join us for a virtual gathering the evening of February 21st. During this hour long, virtual event we will cover a TBY topic, discuss upcoming target birds to look out for, and answer TBY questions.

Below is a rough agenda for February’s gathering:

• TBY Announcements

• Topic: Spring Migration

• Upcoming Target Birds

• TBY Q&A

Link to webinar: meet.google.com/nti-ynqc-ncp

Join by phone: +1 860-603-3101‬ PIN: ‪286 247 128‬#

We will be answering questions during the last part of the presentation, but to make sure your question is answered during the allotted time, please email us questions beforehand.

Lastly, we will be hosting the webinar via Google Meets. You do not need to have a Google Account to join a Google Meet, however, if you don't have a Google Account, the meeting organizer or someone from the organization must grant you access to the meeting, so please log on early to the webinar.

To create an account for the 2024 Tahoe Big Year, please click here.

Interested in nature, discovery, exploring outside, and a bit of a challenge?

Join Sarah Hockensmith from the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and she introduces you to the 2024 Tahoe Big Year, a year-long birding event that celebrates the hundreds of bird species that occupy the Tahoe Region, and brings together birding beginners and enthusiasts alike.

This presentation at the South Lake Tahoe Library will acquaint you with common and unique birds of Lake Tahoe, birding destinations in the Tahoe region, what a bird Big Year is, and how to get involved.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Join us for an early morning snowshoe hike at Diamond Peak Ski Resort on Sunday, March 24th as part of the 2024 Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival. 

This short and scenic hike will take you part way up Diamond Peak as Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) director, Will Richardson 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 (with a suggested donation to TINS) and snowshoes are available to rent from TINS for $10. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pre-registration is required. 

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 and coffee following hike. Food and drinks available for purchase. 

We hope to see you there!

Join TINS naturalist Sarah Hockensmith and the Tahoe Trim Trail Association as they lead the way in search of wildlife, water features, and spectacular scenery from a beachy waterfront. Enjoy nature’s treasures before soaking up the great views of Sugar Pine Point State Park on Tahoe’s West Shore. Sarah will 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 Ehrman Mansion. 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: ~2 miles round trip

Location: Sugar Pine Point State Park ($5 parking fee)

We will be meeting at Rabe Meadows for this outing. We will announce the exact location, timing, objectives, and registration for this outing the week before (2/21). TINS Members only.

Merlin photo: Heather Gaburo, Stateline, NV, Jan 29, 2024

Please join us for a virtual gathering the evening of February 21st. During this hour long, virtual event we will cover a TBY topic, discuss upcoming target birds to look out for, and answer TBY questions.

Below is a rough agenda for February’s gathering:

• TBY Announcements

• Topic: Birding Etiquette

• Upcoming Target Birds

• TBY Q&A

Link to webinar: meet.google.com/nti-ynqc-ncp

Join by phone: +1 860-603-3101‬ PIN: ‪286 247 128‬#

We will be answering questions during the last part of the presentation, but to make sure your question is answered during the allotted time, please email us questions beforehand.

Lastly, we will be hosting the webinar via Google Meets. You do not need to have a Google Account to join a Google Meet, however, if you don't have a Google Account, the meeting organizer or someone from the organization must grant you access to the meeting, so please log on early to the webinar.

To create an account for the 2024 Tahoe Big Year, please click here.

Glide through Tahoe’s winter wonderland on skis at a winter excursion hosted by TINS and the TRTA. Spend the morning on cross-country skis sliding, drifting, and floating amid high-elevation pine forests on Tahoe’s North Shore. We will take breaks periodically to learn about Tahoe’s forest ecology while identifying trees and animals that live amongst the Lodgepole Pines. Please bring your own cross-country skis. Depending on the group, we will travel 3-5 miles on a groomed trail by Nevada Nordics. 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. This tour is not for beginners and is appropriate for ages 16 and up.

Click here to sign up.

Difficulty: Moderate (300′ elevation gain)

Distance: ~3-5 miles round trip

Location: Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead

In the winter months, Carson 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 in and around the agricultural fields on the west side of the valley.

Wintering raptors include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged, Ferruginous, and Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, and more.

REGISTRATION FULL - (for waitlist, email Sarah@tinsweb.org)

Looking forward to a fruitful morning.

Please join us for a virtual gathering the evening of January 31. This hour long, virtual event welcomes those participating in the TBY, and serves as a platform to answer questions, talk ducks, and share exciting ideas we have in store for 2024.

Use this link to log on: meet.google.com/nti-ynqc-ncp

See you there!

Brought to you by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, the Tahoe Big Year celebrates the hundreds of bird species that make the Tahoe region their home all year-round, during summer or winter, or while passing through to other destinations.

Beginning January 1st, participants will scour the Lake Tahoe region in search of as many species of birds as they can find during 2024. It is important to note that this event is not strictly a competition, but an opportunity for the entire community to learn about and experience the Tahoe region's diverse bird community and rich birding opportunities. We expect that for many participants, of all ages, the Tahoe Big Year will be a gateway into the world of birding itself and a deeper appreciation of the region's natural history.

To create an account for the 2024 Tahoe Big Year, please click here.

** Written in our latest newsletter, we wrote January 24 for this event, when in fact it is January 23. Our apologies **

Spend the morning gliding on cross-country skis during a winter wonderland excursion hosted by TINS and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. An adventure along Spooner Lake on Tahoe’s East Shore, we will take breaks periodically to learn about forest ecology while talking about the plants and animals that make up Tahoe’s wintery ecosystem. 

Please bring your own cross-country skis. Depending on the group, we will travel 3-5 miles. 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.

Click here to register and for more information.

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 9:00am-12:00pm. 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.

REGISTRATION FULL (for waitlist, email Sarah@tinsweb.org)

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

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 12th, 2024.

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

Please register for this free and informative presentation by clicking here.

If you would like to learn more about the 2024 Mid Winter Bald Eagle Count, please look at tomorrow’s calendar date or simply click here.

The 2023 South Lake Tahoe CBC has been scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023.

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: Dedication to the Chase. 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!

We will miss birding with you, but we are looking forward to the count and how many species we can find!

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.

Scott Dietrich was an integral part of the Tahoe birding and TINS community for 10 years, and we were deeply saddened by his passing in May. Please join us for a celebration of life in loving memory of Scott Dietrich (January 20, 1978-May 30, 2023). We will gather together to share some of our favorite memories. If you cannot attend but have a memory to contribute, please feel free to send them to Will Richardson (will@tinsweb.org) and he will be sure that they are included.

If you can attend, please RSVP to Scott’s mother Barbara via text (707.322.6741) or email (Barbara.Dietrich@att.net).

Fall in the mountains prompts many changes. From migrating fish and birds to color changing trees, there will be plenty of natural history to observe. Join TINS for a stroll around Taylor Creek Visitor Center in search of migrating fish and birds, fall color changes, and much more.

More details will be emailed out a day or two before the outing, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Bring your binoculars!

Join Sarah Hockensmith from TINS as she leads a quick hike up to the “Keyhole” along the Mt. Judah Loop in Truckee, CA. During this steep 3 mile hike, Sarah will cover geological concepts of Donner Lake while identifying plants and animals along the way. Get some exercise, take in the views, and learn some stuff!

Although this hike is open to those over 12 years of age, this hike is a bit quicker and more strenuous than a typical TINS walk. Please plan accordingly.

Join TINS naturalist, Sarah Hockensmith and the TRTA, as they lead the way in search of birds in the fall to discuss and watch firsthand their physical characteristics and behavior. You’ll walk away from this trek with a better knowledge of what kinds of birds live and migrate through Tahoe, the low-down on great birding destinations in the Tahoe Basin, and some worthy photos.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: ~3 miles round trip

Location: Spooner Summit North Trailhead

Time: 8:00 am to ~11:00 am

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

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.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) a non-profit dedicated to advancing the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education and outreach. TINS’ education programs benefit more than 8,200 students each year.

We need volunteers to make this event happen!!!

CLICK HERE to register to help out at the event.

***RESCHEDULED!! Due to the lingering deep snowpack at Carson Pass, we are pushing back our original date by a full month. We anticipate that there will still be plenty of glorious flowers to see (and far less snow) on the new date.***

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 $5 unless you have an Interagency Pass.

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.