Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) is a member-supported nonprofit organization advancing the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach. TINS operates with three full-time staff, seasonal staff, and the efforts of their board and volunteers. Since 2010 TINS has promoted stewardship of the Tahoe region, bringing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s natural resources to children, adults, and land managers.
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science has the long-term goal of bringing a world-class interpretive nature center and educational facility to the Tahoe area. Towards their Mission, they engage in a variety of research, education, and outreach programs to promote greater appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of the natural resources of the Tahoe region. They also do applied field research that helps public and private land managers to answer questions that inform management decisions.
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science's mission is to advance the natural history, conservation, and ecosystem knowledge of the Tahoe region through science, education, and outreach.
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science’s Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of TINS. Learn more about the important work that they do to connect the people of the Tahoe region to the natural world
Science Education
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science provides education programs that fulfill many needs faced by educators, parents, and a community investing in its future:
- Providing curricula, educational material, and instruction that conforms to California and Nevada education standards
- Awakening students' curiosity of the natural world and inviting them to become engaged in their immediate natural surroundings
- Promoting responsible environmental citizenship by helping students develop the tools they will need to make informed decisions relevant to the Tahoe region's resource issues
Our Outreach programs bring nature education to the rest of the community, engaging children and adults alike outside the classroom, and allowing for the public to learn about and experience the Tahoe region's natural history in a variety of ways including guided outings, talks, Citizen Science, festivals, and other special events. Through 2019, TINS hosted 127 talks and presentations and 422 guided nature outings, for a total of 11,655 participants. Citizen science, festivals, and other events put our Outreach totals much higher!
Community Nature Programs
Bird Banding Research
Ongoing research suggests that many songbirds breeding on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada also rely higher elevation molting grounds, prior to migration. After fledging young in May and June, both adults and Hatch-Year birds disperse to higher elevations and concentrate in meadows dominated by willows. Data from Yuba Pass suggest that adults may remain at a favorable site for upwards of 70 days, and data from Yuba Pass and Devils Postpile demonstrate strong post-breeding site fidelity between years (J. Steele, unpub. data, Richardson and Moss 2010). Mist-netting birds at these sites can help shed light usage patterns, allow researchers to collect valuable data on molt and mass gain during these periods, and determine the relative value of sites as molting grounds and stopover sites for post-breeding and migrant passerines.
Join us in supporting Tahoe Institute for Natural Science
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help TINS to fulfill their mission by donating now.