Tahoe Institute for Natural Science

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Tahoe Institute for Natural Science

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Advancing the natural history, ecological, and conservation knowledge of the Tahoe Region through science, education, and outreach.

10/16/2026

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT: Tahoe Community Foundation!

At TINS, we’re grateful for partners who support our mission in so many ways! A huge thank-you to the Tahoe Community Foundation for their continued support.

From providing office space, storage, and meeting rooms to awarding grants that help bring our research, education, and outreach programs to life, their partnership helps TINS thrive and better serve our Tahoe community. We’re especially excited to continue this work together as we look ahead to Tahoe Big Year 2027, a community-powered celebration of Tahoe’s incredible birds.

Thank you, Tahoe Community Foundation, for investing in our community and the future of Tahoe’s natural environment!

10/07/2026

What can birds tell us about the places they depend on after breeding? 🐦
Through long-term bird banding and monitoring in the Tahoe region, TINS researchers are learning where songbirds go to molt, how long they stay, and which habitats are most important, while giving young people a hands-on look at real science in action.
By bringing youth up close with birds and research, we’re building a deeper connection to Tahoe’s natural history and inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists.

09/27/2026

Have you noticed all of the butterflies around Tahoe lately? These are the very same California Tortoiseshells that were coming through the region in large numbers in late June through early August. Earlier in the season they pushed uphill and north to find cooler temperatures to aestivate (summer dormancy) through the warmest part of the season. Now they are reversing this movement, traveling downhill and trending south, to find good places to shift into a true hibernation through the winter as adults. With so many adults around in late September, many will soon be tucking behind nooks and crannies for shelter with consistent temperatures to spend the next six months or so (peeling bark, wood piles, sheds and garages, etc.). These very same adults may emerge mid-winter during a prolonged warm spell, but otherwise we should see decent numbers of emerging again in springtime, right about the time Painted Ladies are migrating up from the southern deserts.

09/15/2026

Want to see your photos in Moonshine Ink?

We’re looking for your best Quaking Aspen photos from around the Tahoe-Truckee region! 🍂🌳

We’d love to see aspens in all their glory, whether it’s wildlife using aspen habitat during the summer or those beautiful fall colors.

Have a great shot? Post it in the comments below with the photographer’s name for credit, or email your photos to [email protected].

Your photo could be featured in an upcoming newspaper article highlighting the ecology of Tahoe’s quaking aspen forests!

09/02/2026

North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) are the talk of the town this week!
Aside from the unfortunate attacks, there’s a lot to learn about these aquatic weasels. Did you know that adult river otters can grow up to 4 feet long? They’re native to the Tahoe and Truckee area and are known for being playful, curious, and fierce aquatic predators.
Want to learn more about river otters and their local cousins? Check the newspaper 🔗 in our bio!

📸 PC: Doug Jones

08/30/2026

The first week of school has us day dreaming back to the days of summer camp!
We explored the plentiful flora and fauna of Tahoe, played games, made friends, and built on our connection with the natural world 🐛🪶🪻🔎📝🦎🐝

This summer TINS led 7 public summer camps in Truckee, Incline, and South Lake for groups ages 6-8 and 9-12. We also partnered with the TRTA and lead teens ages 12-14 and 14-17 on 4 youth backpacking trips.

Thanks to everyone who joined in on the fun, we hope to see you next year!

08/24/2026

California Poppies, California Red-legged Frog, California Quail, Coast Redwood, and Giant Sequoia. California has recognized all these iconic species (and more!) to represent the great state we call home.

California is home to more than 1,600 native bee species—from bumble bees and mining bees to leafcutter bees and mason bees. And like the Van Dyke's Bumble Bee shown here visiting a snowberry in Truckee, each plays an important role in pollinating our native plants and supporting healthy ecosystems.

👉 Vote for your favorite and share the poll with your fellow native plant and pollinator enthusiasts! To learn more about the nominees and to vote, visit https://calnbs.org/state-bee/

Voting closes September 8th.

08/22/2026

Who do you think had the best call??

Yesterday, we hosted nature trivia at Alibi Ale Works | Tahoe Brewery & Brew Pubs
In addition to fun bird, pollinator, and general nature themed questions related to Tahoe - we had a bird call competition!

We also held a raffle for a pair of Jack Johnson concert tickets, which were awarded to one lucky winner at the end of the night (congrats Lilly!)

Hope to see you at the next one 🐞🦆🌲🐛🦅🌱

08/19/2026

Nature Trivia with TINS Alibi Ale Works | Tahoe Brewery & Brew Pubs in Truckee!
Tomorrow - Thursday, August 20th @ 7pm

We are raffling two Jack Johnson Concert tickets to his sold out show in South Lake Tahoe!
🐝🦅🌲✍️ See you there 😉

Address

948 Incline Way
Incline Village, NV
89451

Website

http://www.tinsweb.org/

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