Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Taking Care of Our Home: Stewarding Tahoe Truckee for Healthy Forest Ecosystems and Strong Communities
Thursday, February 27, 5:30-7pm @ Coffeebar Bakery, 12047 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee

In a time of unprecedented and growing wildfire risks, taking care of our forests is more important than ever. But what does this actually entail? In this Forest Futures Salon, organized by the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, we will feature an array of speakers exploring the meaning of stewardship: from climate action to ecological protection, from community engagement to Indigenous values. Our speakers underscore the urgency of restoring Tahoe’s ecosystems for reasons both local and global – and illuminate how our well-being is intimately tied to that of our forests.

Our fearless leader Will Richardson is will be featured speaker. See more information below and click here to register.

Join us for a snowshoe excursion and educational session hosted by TINS and the TRTA. Spend the morning hiking amid high-elevation pine forests on Tahoe’s East Shore at Spooner Lake State Park. We will take breaks periodically to learn about Tahoe’s forest ecology while identifying trees and animals that live amongst the Lodgepole Pines. 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 and stays at 7000′ elevation. This hike is great for beginners and is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

You will need to purchase a $10 Day Use Parking Pass to park at Spooner Lake State Park.

Difficulty

Moderate (300′ elevation gain)

Distance

~3 miles round trip

Location

Spooner Lake NV St Park

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Carson Valley is a prime destination for birdwatchers during the winter months, offering incredible opportunities to observe a wide variety of raptors. Join us for a guided outing with TINS (Tahoe Institute for Natural Science) as we explore the valley's agricultural fields, home to numerous hawk and eagle species.

Wintering raptors in the area include Bald and Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Prairie Falcons, and more.

Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn about and observe these incredible birds of prey in their wintering habitat.

We look forward to a memorable and educational morning in the field!

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!

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

When: January 31, 2025 from 6pm-8pm

Where: Parasol Building in Incline Village (TINS Home Base) - The middle ground for all TBYers!

Get ready to raise your glass and celebrate a fantastic year of birding at the Tahoe Big Year Celebration! On January 31, 2025, we’ll come together to commemorate all the hard work, dedication, and birding adventures that made this year unforgettable.

Join us for a fun and festive evening hosted by Parasol. We’ll be awarding prizes to some of our top participants, including the coveted Leaderbird winners, photographers, and more! And of course, no celebration is complete without a slideshow—get ready for a spectacular TBY slideshow showcasing the year’s best moments!

If you have any birding photos you'd like to share and include in the slideshow, please send them in high resolution to Sarah Hockensmith at sarah@tinsweb.org.

Come for the celebration, stay for the camaraderie, and let’s toast to an outstanding year of birding!

Beginning at Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead, glide through Tahoe’s winter wonderland on skis during a winter excursion hosted by TINS and 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.

Please bring your own cross-country skis.

Depending on the group, we will travel 3-5 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 will not have steep hills.

This tour is not for beginners and is appropriate for ages 16 and up as equipment and coaching will not be provided.

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

This tour is full. Please take a look at other calendar events to get involved with TINS!

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!

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

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 10th, 2025.

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 2025 Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count, please click here.

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

Volunteer and Help TINS Raise $20,000+

We are excited to announce that TINS has been selected as the 2025 Nonprofit Partner for Rubicon Pizza at Northstar Village. Recipients of this partnership have received over $20,000 for in support of their organization's mission and we think we can bring in even more with your help!

Each Saturday during the ski season, a pizza cart will be set-up in the Northstar Village where our volunteers will sell slices and share information about TINS. Profits from the pizza cart and tips will go directly to support TINS' mission of advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

You can make a difference by volunteering!

We need at least two volunteers each Saturday and a few extra days during the holidays. Everyone is welcome to volunteer (so bring your family and friends) and training will be provided. All you need to bring is a smile! Volunteers will set up a small table with information about TINS and Rubicon Pizza will provide all the gear needed to sell slices. The cart will open 11:30 am-3:30 pm.

We have heard your requests for more opportunities to volunteer and this is a great way to help out TINS, share your passion, and meet some new friends. Please check out our Sign-up Genius form see if there is a date that you can help. If you would like to volunteer for a date that is full, or have any questions, please email me (jennie@tinsweb.org). Thank you in advance for your support!

Click Here to Volunteer

The 2024 South Lake Tahoe CBC has been POSTPONED to Sunday, December 15, 2024.

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!

This Giving Tuesday, give a little love to TINS! Your donation helps foster a deeper connection to Tahoe’s natural wonders for everyone—from kids to conservationists. Give today and make a difference in the place we all love.

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is a member-supported nonprofit organization seeking to advance the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.

By popular demand, we are hosting a weekend TBY outing to Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Join us as we explore the different habitats and search for fall migrants.

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).

Spend a crisp fall morning birding the ponds near Cold Creek, parking off of Deerfield Drive in Truckee. We will look for ducks, birds of prey, songbirds, and anything we can find as we scour the several small bodies of water.

This mini-adventure is for beginner and intermediate birders alike and could be a great way to add a bird or two to your Tahoe Big Year list or just spend time learning the basics and enjoying birdwatching with like-minded folk. Bring your binos or camera. Please email Sarah (see below) if you need to borrow a pair of binoculars.

Advance registration is requested, but not required. If you are not registered, simply show up at this location at 9am.

Take a minute to slow down, disconnect from the hectic world, and experience a morning walk along the new section of the legacy trail on Halloween morning. Appreciate nature with like-minded folks and enjoy a chilly stroll while admiring fall and its fine colors. There won’t be any trick-or-treating but feel to wear a costume if you’re feeling festive.

Advance registration is requested, but not required. If you are not registered, simply show up at this address at 9am.

Join us as we host “spooky” nature trivia night at Alibi Inline in downtown Truckee. See flyer below:

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

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.

Another month, another opportunity to find birds as part of our Tahoe Big Year monthly outings! Once again we will be visiting Cove East in South Lake Tahoe to look for any interesting fall migrants passing through.

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).

Another month, another opportunity to find birds as part of our Tahoe Big Year monthly outings! TINS and TBY participants will search around the north and west shore areas (exact locations TBD) for shorebirds, gulls, raptors, ducks, and other migrants.

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).