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.

Meet at 9:00 AM at Mountain Meadow Drive (park on road at trail to gate), South Lake Tahoe, CA

Parking is limited. Carpooling encouraged.

Dust off your botanical cobwebs and join Molly for a 3 mile, mostly flat loop through Washoe Meadow State Park. Along the way, we will explore key characteristics of the plants and plant families we encounter while highlighting notable discoveries from the 2025 search season.

Participants are encouraged to bring a hand lens (loupe), though Molly will have some available to borrow. The route follows established trails for most of the walk, with a few short off-trail excursions through low-growing vegetation - no heavy bushwhacking required.

No Registration Required - just show up on time!

Target species include:

·       Marsh speedwell (Veronica scutellata)

·       Bruce’s cinquefoil (Potentilla bruceae)

·       Ballhead sandwort (Eremogone congesta var. congesta)

·       Starlily (Leucocrinum montanum)

·       Small-headed clover (Trifolium microcephalum)

·       …and more!

Hikers and plant enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome (unfortunately, dogs are not).

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.

tahoeplantbook@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.

Join TINS for a fun day exploring dragonflies as part of our annual Odonates Mini-blitz in Truckee as we search for early season Dragonflies around Truckee’s Teichert Ponds and Cold Creek. Note that this is a day dedicated to exploration and learning, so no prior expertise is required. A willingness to get your feet wet, literally, is a plus.

What are 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 interesting species, and (3) have fun!

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 and to get on the list.

We’re excited to share that TINS will have a booth at Kids Expo Tahoe 2026 on Saturday, May 30, 10:00 am–2:00 pm at Lake Tahoe Community College!

Kids Expo Tahoe is a free, outdoor family event full of fun, learning, and hands‑on activities for children and families. It’s a great chance to connect with the community, share what TINS is all about, and inspire young nature lovers with engaging activities and wildlife info.

Bring the whole family, stop by our booth, and say hello!

This 1-mile loop wildflower walk through the Martis Valley will be led by Steve Matson, an exceptional botanist and excursion leader. This outing promises not only scenic views but also a rich sampling of botanical insights. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just curious, expect a morning filled with discovery, learning, and the vibrant colors of spring. Steve will also be offering iNaturalist training for those interested.

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

The Bird Walk on 5/28 is CANCELLED due to weather!

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.

Join us for a guided bird walk at Upper Truckee Marsh as we search for the many species returning to Tahoe or passing through on migration. Led by Will, we’ll explore the marsh in hopes of spotting sandhill cranes, songbirds, ducks, raptors, and much more.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the early season bird activity, learn from an expert, and connect with the natural world in South Lake Tahoe.

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, birds, and even ants play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological resilience of the Sierra Nevada. Yet many of these species remain overlooked or poorly documented.

Join Will Richardson of TINS at the South Lake Tahoe Library for an accessible and engaging exploration of the region’s pollinators, their ecological connections, and the challenges they face in a changing climate and landscape.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science.

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.

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

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.

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.

Villager Spring Speaker Series

Join us in person for a discussion on our native bird species with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science's, Sarah Hockensmith.

Join Sarah for a talk on the habitats of songbirds and the native birds of Truckee and Tahoe, as well as highlight plants that help encourage their presence.

Proceeds of ticket sales will go to the Tahoe Institude for Natural Science(TINS), a member-supported nonprofit organization advancing the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach

Pollinators, bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, birds, and even ants play a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological resilience of the Sierra Nevada. Yet many of these species remain overlooked or poorly documented. Join Will Richardson of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) for an accessible and engaging exploration of the region’s pollinators, their ecological connections, and the challenges they face in a changing climate and landscape. This lecture will also provide a brief introduction to iNaturalist, a powerful community-science platform that allows anyone with a camera to contribute valuable biodiversity data. 

Will Richardson is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). A field biologist with decades of experience in the Sierra Nevada, Will is known for his deep expertise in birds, insects, and regional ecology. He has led numerous research projects, guided community-science initiatives, and taught natural history programs throughout the Sierra Nevada. Passionate about connecting people with the natural world, Will works to make scientific knowledge acessible and engaging for all ages.

Location: Tahoe Science Center, 201 Country Club Dr. Incline Village NV 89451

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

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

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

📍 Village Nursery, Truckee

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

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

Click here to learn more. 

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

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

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

This hike is sponsored by Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

📍 Madelyn Helling Library Community Room, Nevada City

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

Celebrating a Year in Bloom

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

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

What to Expect

• A warm welcome and brief introduction from our hosts

• Light appetizers and beverages

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

• Botanist Molly’s Tahoe Plant Book update

• Tahoe Wildflower Big Year Participant Storytelling

• Photo slideshow

Event Details

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

2877 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 

Please park across the street in the Tahoe Center lot

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

RSVP BELOW

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

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

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

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

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

• 7:30am – 8:30am: Guided hike 

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

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

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

Sponsored by Friends of the Library and TINS.

Connection to Nature, Land Stewardship & Wellness

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELED

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

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

Difficulty: Intermediate

Distance 5 miles round trip

Location: Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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