Recorded Presentations

Recorded Presentations

Wolves of the Sierra 

(Originally presented 04/01/2026)

Axel Hunnicutt is a wildlife biologist and wildlife manager who has worked across countries and continents with various large carnivores. As the State Gray Wolf Coordinator for the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, he leads the state’s efforts in gray wolf conservation management, recovery, and research. This talk explores the first decade of gray wolf recovery in California, the state’s efforts in conservation of the species, the growing challenges of managing a small but expanding population, and the pivotal role the Sierra Nevada plays in shaping the future of wolves in the state.

Sierra Wildlife Habitat Connectivity 

(Originally presented 03/25/2026)

The Sierra Nevada holds continental-scale significance for wildlife connectivity, serving as a critical bridge between ecosystems spanning from the Cascades to the Mojave Desert. As species such as wolves, mule deer, pine marten, Sierra Nevada red fox, and porcupine navigate an increasingly fragmented landscape, maintaining connected habitats across the Sierra is essential to their long-term survival. In this webinar, Mari Galloway will highlight how wildlife crossings, research, policy, and restoration efforts are helping reconnect and restore landscapes across the Sierra Nevada.

 

The Return of Elk to the Sierra Nevada

(Originally presented 5/6/2025)
Dr. Rick Lanman provided an insightful presentation on his research of the history of Elk in the Sierra Nevada, which contradicts our current understanding of their historical range. He described the various Elk species of California, their importance in our environment, origins to the area, and current status within the Sierra Nevada. Additionally, he highlighted the current and projected migration of Elk to the Tahoe Basin and what steps should be taken for their safety and ours. 

Bird Friendly Buildings: What You Can Do

(Originally Presented 3/18/2025)
In association with the Sierra Nevada Alliance, American Bird Conservancy's Bird Collisions Campaign Director Dr. Christine Sheppard presented about how to reduce bird and glass collisions. Dr. Sheppard provided insight into the scientific work being done to understand the interaction between birds and available window treatments, and how these findings influence architectural and legislative decisions. She also provided several cheap and easy solutions you can do to make your home bird friendly! Visit ABC's website to learn more about this work! 

Geological History in the Lake Tahoe Basin

(Originally presented 6/07/2024)
Paula Noble,  professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Global Water Center at the University of Nevada, Reno, presented her research on Fallen Leaf Lake on exploring the late Holocene era (the past 12000 years) utilizing lake core sediment.

Why are Sierra Nevada Forests in Crisis? What Can Activists Do?

(Originally presented 11/09/2023)
John Buckley, the Director of Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center gave a slide presentation on the state of Sierra forests, trends in forest management, threats, and things activists can do to promote better forest management practices. 

Mythbusting Tahoe

(Originally presented 1/24/2023)
Come uncover the truth behind Lake Tahoe's popular myths and legends! This presentation featuring guest speaker: Sarah Hockensmith (Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS)), explores the unique history, geology, flora, and fauna of Tahoe's Sierra Nevada and Carson Range, and is proudly sponsored by the Sierra Club. Watch as Sarah explores topics and debunks common misconceptions about the Lake Tahoe Basin and its related ecosystems! 

Microplastics and Lake Tahoe 

(Originally presented 10/27/2022)
Microplastics, plastics smaller than 5 millimeters, are found throughout the environment. These particles are the result of plastic pollution and have been found in Lake Tahoe and in the surrounding region.  Scientists at the Desert Research Institute, with the help of citizen scientists, are working to understand the threat of plastics in the lake.  Researchers Rachel Kozloski and Hannah Lukasik will join us for a virtual presentation about plastics, their presence in the environment, and the implications microplastics have for the Lake Tahoe area.  

Living With Bears!

(Originally presented 5/26/2022)
Kathryn Bricker of No Bear Hunt Nevada and Ann Bryant of the BEAR League of Lake Tahoe presented a program on coexisting with bears in Lake Tahoe. Kathryn discussed the Drivers of Human-to-Human conflict over Living with Bears, and Ann followed with a presentation on Bears: Replacing Fear with Fact.  

Wildflower's of Tahoe

(Originally presented on 5/22/2022)
Sarah Hockensmith, The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) Outreach Director, gave a wonderful presentation on Wildflowers of Tahoe.

 Mountain Ash

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities

(Originally presented 1/26/2022)
 Amanda Milici and Mike Vollmer of Tahoe Resource Conservation District spoke about the history of wildfire in Lake Tahoe and wildfire preparedness efforts through the Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities. Amanda and Mike also provided links to a number of resources to help Tahoe residents increase the resiliency of their homes to wildfire: