Sierra State Parks Foundation

09/04/2026

We were deeply honored to have participated in the 30th annual Tahoe Summit. Over the last three decades, this event has served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate to protect the places we love.

From restoring sensitive meadow habitats and improving water clarity to tackling wildfire prevention and invasive species, Lake Tahoe stands as living proof that nonpartisan collaboration gets real results!

Read the full story to see key takeaways from this year's speakers and what's ahead for Lake Tahoe's future: Sierrasun.com/news/30-years-of-activism-celebrated-at-tahoe-summit-leaders-discuss-the-next-30

09/03/2026

Want to meet Lake Tahoe’s oldest and most majestic locals… its trees?!

California State Parks around the basin (like D.L. Bliss State Park, Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Emerald Bay State Park and even Donner Memorial State Park) are hands-down the best spots for tree-spotting. From towering Sugar Pines to ancient Sierra Junipers, check out the full guide to Tahoe's incredible forest canopy:

Sierrasun.com/news/tahoes-oldest-locals-a-guide-to-all-things-tree-in-the-tahoe-basin

09/02/2026

RESHARE FOR OUR PARTNERS, CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS:

Echolocation Exploration -- Sept. 11, 7 PM - 8:30 PM 🦇🦇

This is a wheelchair accessible event.
Event Fee: Free
Park Day-Use Fee: $10 | Cash, Card accepted

Celebrate Biodiversity Week with Echolocation Exploration, an inspiring evening adventure at Donner Memorial State Park!

Led by State Park Interpreters, this interactive program shines a light on the often‑misunderstood world of bats and the vital role they play in local ecosystems.

Using handheld ultrasonic microphones paired with advanced SonoBatLIVE software, we’ll listen to and identify real-time echolocation calls from up to 16 bat species native to the region.

As the sun sets and the park transforms into nighttime habitat, participants of all ages will explore how bats navigate, hunt, and communicate through sound. This hands-on experience encourages curiosity, invites opportunities for citizen science, and fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation in the Sierra Nevada.

The program meets at the lagoon by the lake. You will enter the park and go past the entrance kiosk towards day-use, stay RIGHT at the Y. You will see covered picnic tables, look for the program there.

This event is part of California Biodiversity Day at California State Parks Explore More California Biodiversity Day Events. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]

09/01/2026

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is proud to announce the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates Lake Tahoe’s iconic black bears while highlighting the important role local agencies and communities play in keeping bears wild and people safe.

Read more to learn about Tahoe Bear Fest & we hope to see you there! 🐻

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. —The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is proud to announce the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park....

08/31/2026

From curious chickarees and colorful Western Tanagers to our iconic black bears, Lake Tahoe’s local wildlife is an incredible part of what makes our region so unique.

Our Tahoe California State Parks are some of the best spots to experience these animals in their natural habitat!

When you're out exploring, remembering to respect wildlife from a safe distance keeps both you and our local species safe. A great trick to remember is the Rule of Thumb 👍-- Hold your arm straight out in front of you and give a thumbs-up. Close one eye and try to cover the animal with your thumb. If you can still see the animal around your thumb, you’re too close—take a few steps back!

Want to know which animals to keep an eye out for on your next trail walk? Read the full article on Sierra Sun to catch all the insider tips!

SierraSun.com/news/top-tahoe-animals-you-can-see-in-the-summer-if-you-pay-attention

08/30/2026

Did you know 4th graders get FREE admission to 54 California State Parks? 🌊🏜🌲🗻

Through California’s Outdoors for All Initiative, fourth graders and their families can explore state parks for free all year long. Grab your pass and start planning your next family adventure!

Read our latest Free Fourth Grade Pass blog post to learn how to claim your pass and see where it can take you! 👇

SierraStateParks.org/blog/free-fourth-grade-pass

08/29/2026

Things we find kinda chic 🤭

08/27/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾

Despite the hot controversy, dispersing gray wolves have been recorded traveling through the greater Lake Tahoe-Truckee region. So enjoy this Nat Geo Wolves 101 video! Did any of these facts surprise you? Drop a comment below to join the discussion! We appreciate keeping our comment section thoughtful and respectful.

Video credit to National Geographic

08/26/2026

We are just a few weeks out from the kickoff of California Biodiversity Week, Sept. 5-13. Enjoy a nature event in your park celebrating California’s incredible biodiversity. Events include guided walks, arts celebrating biodiversity, birding and bioblitzes! On behalf of our partners, California State Parks, here are some local ones we'd love to see you at:

VIRTUAL -- PORTScast: Beavers in Wetland Ecosystems
09/12, 9 - 9:45 AM
How do beavers help “Keep Tahoe Blue”? Join us from the shores of Lake Tahoe at Sugar Pine Point State Park to learn about the North American Beaver and their amazing ability to boost biodiversity and transform ecosystems.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK -- NATURAL PRESERVE BIOBLITZ
09/12, 10 AM - Noon
Join us for a Bioblitz at Sugar Pine Point State Park to celebrate California Biodiversity Day! Meet at the Nature Center at Sugar Pine Point Day Use at 10 am. We will learn how to make observations on the iNaturalist app, then take a walk into the Natural Preserve and record as many plant and animal species as possible! Please wear good walking shoes, and bring water and snacks. You can also go out bioblitzing anytime on your own at Sugar Pine Point State Park during the week of September 5-13, and your observation will be automatically included in this project.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK -- TAHOE BEAR FEST
09/12, 2 - 6 PM
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is proud to announce the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a showing of the documentary, "Bears of Durango" at 7 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Lake Tahoe’s iconic black bears while highlighting the important role local agencies and communities play in keeping bears wild and people safe. Visitors will enjoy a day filled with interactive booths, educational presentations, guided hikes, and activities for all ages. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

08/25/2026

Loved this Traveling A to Z vlog on exploring Donner Memorial State Park and the Donner tunnels! Be sure to check out their whole video at youtube.com/watch?v=KQfZGUVoUoU.

Visit Donner Memorial State Park: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503