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.

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.

Join us at the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) for a special opportunity to observe bird banding up close and personal! Come see how researchers safely capture, study, and release songbirds while contributing valuable data to long-term monitoring efforts.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe’s meadow and aspen habitats, this is a beautiful and educational way to welcome October and the crisp colors of fall. Watch as local and migratory birds are gently banded and learn about the science behind this important conservation work. This event fills quickly, so don’t wait — sign up today to reserve your spot!

What to Bring:

• Warm layers (mornings can be chilly)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Binoculars (optional)

• Your curiosity!

THIS EVENT IS CURRENTLY FULL

If you would like to join the waitlist, we will contact you if space becomes available.

Join Will Richardson and California State parks as speaks on how the mountains of the Tahoe region bring dramatic swings in both the resources available for, and the conditions faced by, the animals that spend time here.  Periodic movements help many of these animals survive those changes and hopefully make it all worthwhile.  This talk at Donner Memorial State Park provides an overview of migration basics along with notable local examples of movements from a wide variety of species at local, regional, and global scales.

Presentations take place in the main theater of the Visitor Center at Donner Memorial State Park (12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA). Doors open at 5:00pm for refreshments and the program is from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Click here for additional information.

Join us for a peaceful morning walk at Teichert Ponds near Donner Lake, a hidden gem full of wildlife and natural beauty. Led by Sarah Hockensmith from the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), this guided outing is a chance to explore the area in search of river otters, birds, and all things nature.

As we stroll along the ponds and surrounding habitat, we’ll observe the sights and sounds of early fall in the Sierra, from diving ducks to darting dragonflies, and maybe even a glimpse of a playful otter.

This free event is made possible by a generous grant from the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. All are welcome whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the wild world around you.

What to Bring:

• Binoculars (a limited number may be available to borrow per in advance request)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Water and sun protection

• Curiosity and a sense of wonder

Space may be limited, so early arrival is encouraged. We look forward to exploring with you!

Autumn Exploration Series with TINS: Birds, Botany, and Beavers at Spooner Lake

Join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) guides and nonprofit partner Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) for a guided nature walk around beautiful Spooner Lake as we explore the vibrant life that remains as summer winds down. Led by naturalist Sarah Hockensmith and volunteers from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, this outing is a perfect way to connect with nature during the cooler days of early fall.

We’ll be on the lookout for migrating birds headed south, discover late-blooming wildflowers, and search for signs of local beavers: from gnawed trees to dams and lodges, there’s plenty of evidence of their busy activity! Whether you’re a birder, botanist, wildlife enthusiast, or just enjoy being outdoors, this adventure offers something for everyone.

Difficulty - Intermediate

Distance - 3 miles roundtrip

Location - Spooner Lake Trailhead

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.