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