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Learning Center
The Learning Center contains educational information about the Lake Tahoe Basin. Learn how the Tahoe Basin was formed, who the first inhabitants were, important backcountry safety tips, read the Big Tree Register, which documents the largest trees found in the basin, and more!
Nature & Science
How big is Lake Tahoe and how was it formed? Although it is commonly believed that Lake Tahoe was formed by the collapse of a volcanic crater, the Basin was actually formed by the rise and fall of the landscape due to faulting.
Lake Tahoe is a complex and fragile environment, not easily described, nor easily managed. The many elements of this ecosystem, people, wildlife, trees and other plants, water, soil and insects, all must find a way to comfortably coexist.
This publication documents the largest known trees growing within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Learn about the many bird species in the Lake Tahoe Basin that are often seen by residents and visitors.
Lake Tahoe is bear country. When living in or visiting, always store food and garbage in bear resistant containers, keep your distance and never feed any wild animal. Learn more about peacefully coexisting with bears help keep Tahoe bears wild!
Lands in Transition presents a series of questions and feedback that lead you into the role of Forest Manager; a position entrusted with the stewardship of the forests. With the help of experts in the field, you will make hard decisions that try to balance the interest of the public and the health of the environment.
Living In and Visiting Mountain Lion Habitat
People and mountain lions now occupy much of the same geographical areas in California. If you live in mountain lion habitat, here are some tips to reduce your chances of an encounter.
During the Comstock Era, hundreds of thousands of huge, old trees were cut down, hauled to the lake, and floated to lumber mills at Glenbrook and Incline Village. by 1881 more than two billion board-feet of lumber had been removed from the Lake Tahoe area. Learn how this impacted today's forests.
History & Culture
History Told on Trees: The Basque Shepherds
Discoveries of gold, silver in California and Nevada attracted immigrants from around the world. Basque people from Spain and France were among these new arrivals, contributing their language, culture and expertise to the patchwork culture and society of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
In the Forest of Gold Mountain: The Chinese Experience at Tahoe
Just as discoveries of gold, silver and other abundant resources attracted the Basque people from Spain and France, Chinese people mainly from southwestern provinces of China, joined these new arrivals in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The Washoe - First People of the Lake
Lake Tahoe and approximately 10,000 square miles of land surrounding the lake were once home to the Washoe Tribe. Learn more about these first inhabitants of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Outdoor Safety & Ethics
Avalanche awareness during the winter months in the Lake Tahoe Basin is vital to those who venture out into the back country. Educate yourself in order to ensure you and your companions have a safe and enjoyable outing.
The backcountry is beautiful, but can also be unforgiving. Advance preparation is essential to an enjoyable, safe trip.
Whether you're roughing it in a tent at a campground or in the back country, there are many ways to make sure your trip is fun and safe.
As many as 85 percent of outdoor recreation fatalities are caused by hypothermia. Learn what you can do to minimize the risks.
Many vacationers are unaware of the measures they can take to lower their risk of being struck by lightning. Educating yourself about lightning strikes can minimize the risk.
Trail Tips for Hikers and Backpackers
Whether you're going out for a day hike or an extended backpacking trip, follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Just for Kids/Parents & Teachers
Many children in the Lake Tahoe area are disconnected with the outdoor environment. The Generation Green of Lake Tahoe is a work program designed to teach students about the forest while they work.
Winter Trek Fifth-Grade Conservation Education Program
The Winter Trek Fifth-Grade Conservation Education Program is a collaboration of the USDA Forest Service and Heavenly Mountain Resort. This fifth-grade outdoor education program typically begins in January and runs through March, weather permitting.