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Empowering Tahoe-Truckee Youth Through Snow Science Education: A Look at SWEP's Partnership with Tahoe XC

For the past 15 years SWEP has collaborated with Tahoe XC and supported the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association (TCCSEA) in reachi

Nick Mitchell

May 9, 2024

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Bringing Winter Survival & Ecology to Schools: The SWEP SWSSS Program

How do you prepare for spending time outside in winter weather? What would you do if you became lost in a snow storm? How do you increase...

Simone Tenorio

Mar 21, 2024

44 views

Bundled Up and Ready to Trek: Winter Adventures with Sagehen Outdoor Education Program

"We are here because we love to get you outside and connect you to the environment. We believe that the experience of hugging a tree, or...

Brooke Landis

Feb 16, 2024

26 views

Sagehen Winter Trek 2022: Snowshoeing & Science

Despite even more obstacles offered by Covid, SWEP took 200 fifth graders snowshoeing in the Tahoe Truckee area to learn about snow science.

Jenna Granger

Mar 10, 2022

32 views

Winter Science in a Virtual World

SWEP continued to offer its winter science program to students despite the pandemic in 2021. How did it look this year?

Jenna Granger

Mar 10, 2021

31 views

Snowflake Morphology

Are all snowflakes the same? What factors influence the shape, size and structure of snowflakes?

Jenna Granger

Apr 7, 2020

491 views

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Limited space available - claim your's while there's time!

SWEP Junior Explorers Summer Camp: ConnectSWEP Junior Explorers Summer Camp: Connect#environmentalstewardshiping Kids to Nature! 🌲🌞

SWEP summer camps promote environmental stewardship by connecting children to the natural environment through science, games, art, and outdoor adventures. Based out of our 30-ft yurt at the trailhead at Tahoe Cross Country, our days will be spent exploring local forests, creeks, and streams—learning, exploring, and, of course, having lots of summer fun!

Scholarships available. For more information and to register, visit 4swep.org.

#SWEP #JuniorExplorers #SummerCamp #OutdoorAdventures #EcoEducation #NatureExploration #SummerFun #SustainableFuture #YouthEngagement #EnvironmentalStewardship

The North Tahoe Ecoaction Club has teamed up with Clean Up The Lake to sort through trash pulled from Lake Tahoe, learning about the incredible work being done to protect “Big Blue.”

We're taking some of this debris and transforming it into a powerful sculpture to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and the environmental consequences when it's ignored. Let's work together to keep our lakes clean and safe for future generations! 🌊💚

@ntslakers @cleanupthelake

#SWEP #LakeTahoe #EcoAction #WasteAwareness #CleanUpTheLake #EnvironmentalStewardship

🎉 It’s SWEP Science Festival season! 🎉

We kicked off this year’s interactive learning events at Incline Elementary School, and it was such a joy to see students fully engaged in the wonders of scientific inquiry! 🧪🌍 Watching them marvel at the amazing world of science and explore hands-on activities is always a highlight — it's a core SWEP value and a cornerstone of our programming.

A special thank you to Denna Guasch, IES Kindergarten teacher and SWEP board member, for your support and involvement! 🙏 Your dedication made this event truly special for the students.

Here’s to a season full of curiosity, learning, and fun! 💚

#SWEP #ScienceFestival #STEAMeducation #CuriosityInAction #HandsOnLearning #EnvironmentalEducation #Gratitude

🌲✨ Interested in a Weeklong California Naturalist Immersion Course? 🌊🏞️

This summer, Sagehen Creek Field Station and TINS are offering an exciting opportunity for those passionate about nature! The California Naturalist Course will dive deep into the wonders of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe, combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences.

🔬 Learn about Earth systems, water, energy, forestry, and more!
🌱 Participate in science, stewardship, and environmental justice activities.
🤝 Volunteer in educational and interpretive programs to make a positive impact!

This community college-level course is designed for anyone eager to deepen their knowledge of the natural world while contributing to meaningful environmental work.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and make a difference! 🌍💚

@sagehencreek @tahoenaturalists

#CaliforniaNaturalist #EcoEducation #SagehenCreek #NatureExploration #EnvironmentalStewardship #LakeTahoe #SierraNevada

✨ Feeling inspired and incredibly grateful after attending the Bioneers Conference at Cal Berkeley last week! 🌱 Our SWEP team had the privilege of learning from some of the most impactful speakers and panelists in the field of environmental sustainability. The knowledge shared and the connections made have truly reignited our passion for creating positive change in our communities.

Thank you to all the incredible thought leaders who are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. We’re energized and ready to bring these lessons back to SWEP’s programs! 💚

@bioneers

#BioneersConference #SWEP #Grateful #Inspired #Sustainability #EnvironmentalLeadership #ActionFostersHope

A huge thank you to Northstar California Resort & Vail Resorts EpicPromise for their generous support of SWEP Sustainability Clubs! Your commitment helps us inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders. 🌍💚

@northstar_california Northstar California Resort @vail.resorts Vail @vailmtn

#EpicPromiseShareDay #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #GreenFuture #SWEP #EnvironmentalEducation #SupportLocal #NorthstarCalifornia #VailResorts #EpicPromise #SustainabilityClubs #EcoLeaders #ThankYou #EnvironmentalStewardship #FutureGenerations

🌨️ Winter Stewardship at SWSSS! 🌲

As part of our Sevison Winter Science, Survival and Stewardship (SWSSS) program, North Tahoe 6th graders are embracing the principles of Leave No Trace! 🌍❄️

At the Winter Stewardship station, students learned how to respect nature and minimize their environmental impact while enjoying the outdoors in winter. Through hands-on activities, they practiced the key principles of Leave No Trace, like staying on marked trails, packing out all waste, and being mindful of wildlife. 🦌🌿

It's all about fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for our natural world, and our students are taking these lessons to heart. 🌱💚

@ntslakers

#SWEP #LeaveNoTrace #WinterStewardship #SWSSS #OutdoorLearning #RespectNature #EnvironmentalResponsibility #Sustainability #WinterAdventures #6thGradeExplorers

❄️ ACMS 6th graders take on the snow, building a Quinzee shelter! 🏔️

6th graders at ACMS are stepping up to the ultimate winter challenge—building Quinzee snow shelters as part of the Sevison Winter Science, Survival and Stewardship (SWSSS) program! 🌨️🏠

In this hands-on lesson, students are learning how to carve into snow to create these amazing shelters, all while working together and embracing the winter elements. It’s not just about survival skills—it’s about problem-solving, communication, and experiencing the great outdoors in a whole new way. 🌲💡

We’re so proud of our students for braving the cold and putting their teamwork to the test. Who knew winter could teach us so much? ❄️💪

@aldercreekpto @acms_panthers

#SWEP #WinterChallenge #SnowShelters #SWSSS #TeamworkInTheCold #ACMS #SurvivalSkills #OutdoorLearning #WinterFun #6thGradeAdventures

Preparations for the annual Earth Day Trashion Show at Palisades Tahoe are in full swing! Join us on for the show on April 26th at 2:00 pm! Students have been meeting weekly at the Truckee Roundhouse to design their fabulous upcycled outfits. Members of the Yo Bro! Club at THS have joined this creative endeavor and are helping Envirolution students bring their sustainable fashion ideas to life.

Don't miss out on this exciting and eco-friendly showcase of creativity and sustainability! Plus, there will be a raffle fundraiser with fabulous prizes – more info to come! 🎉

@truckeehigh @northtahoehs @truckeeroundhouse @tahoetruckeeusd @palisadestahoe

#TrashionShow #SWEP #Envirolution #UpcycledFashion #SustainableStyle #EarthDayFestival #PalisadesTahoe #EcoFriendlyFashion #Upcycle #CreativeSustainability

SWEP Junior Explorers Summer Camp: Connecting Kids to Nature! 🌲🌞

SWEP summer camps promote environmental stewardship by connecting children to the natural environment through science, games, art, and outdoor adventures. Based out of our 30-ft yurt at the trailhead at Tahoe Cross Country, our days will be spent exploring local forests, creeks, and streams—learning, exploring, and, of course, having lots of summer fun!

Scholarships available. For more information and to register, visit 4swep.org.

#SWEP #JuniorExplorers #SummerCamp #OutdoorAdventures #EcoEducation #NatureExploration #SummerFun #SustainableFuture #YouthEngagement #EnvironmentalStewardship

🌍💡 Join Us for Earth Hour! 💡🌍

This Saturday, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, let's come together to #SwitchOff for Earth Hour and show our commitment to a sustainable future. 🌱

Students from Kings Beach Elementary Green Team urge you to turn off your lights, unplug your devices, and enjoy the night—together, we can make a difference! 💚

@kbelions @tahoetruckeeusd @truckeedonnerpud @northtahoepud

#EarthHour #ActOnClimate #SaveThePlanet #Sustainability #EarthHour2025

GOT HOME COMPOST?

We are in need of 5 gallons of finished at-home compost for one of our Science Festival stations. If you have some ready to donate, we'd love to take it off your hands! Please contact us at info@4swep.org to arrange a drop-off time and location.

Let’s keep composting and make a positive impact together! 🌍

#SWEP #Compost #ScienceFestival #MethaneReduction #EcoFriendly #SustainabilityInAction

FREE FURNITURE: Sustainable Space Clearing!

TTUSD is giving away surplus chairs, filing cabinets, and more as we clear space for a new program and give these items a second life. Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must move the items yourself.

Where: Rideout Community Center, 740 Timberland Lane, Tahoe City
When: Thursday, March 20, 2-6 pm & Saturday, March 22, 8 am - 2 pm

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District @tahoetruckeeusd

#SustainableLiving #FreeFurniture #SpaceClearing #ReduceReuseRecycle #GiveItemsASecondLife #SustainableSolutions #EcoFriendly #Upcycle #FurnitureGiveaway #GreenLiving

❄️ Exploring Snow Science with Snow Pit Analysis! 🧪

As part of the Sevison Winter Science, Survival and Stewardship (SWSSS) program, 6th graders at ACMS are diving deep into snow science with a hands-on Snow Pit Analysis and Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) experiment! 🌨️🔬

Students learn from experts at Sierra Avalanche Center and SWEP staff how to analyze snow layers and measure the amount of water stored in the snow—critical knowledge for understanding snowpacks and how they impact the environment. 🌲💧 It’s a fascinating way to connect classroom learning with real-world science!

From digging snow pits to calculating SWE, these young scientists are gaining valuable skills for working in winter environments while having fun exploring the science behind our snow-covered world. 🌍❄️

@aldercreekpto @acms_panthers @savycenter Sierra Avalanche Center

#SWEP #SnowScience #SnowPitAnalysis #SnowWaterEquivalent #SWSSS #OutdoorLearning #WinterScience #HandsOnEducation #6thGradeExplorers #EnvironmentalStewardship

❄️ Snowshoe Olympics Challenge in the SWSSS Program! 🏅

North Tahoe 6th graders stepped up to the challenge at the Snowshoe Olympics Station as part of the Sevison Winter Science, Survival and Stewardship (SWSSS) program! 🌨️🏔️

Students strapped on their snowshoes and completed exciting challenges, from obstacle courses to team-based activities, all while learning essential skills for navigating snowy terrain. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ What a fun and active way to connect with nature while building confidence and teamwork!

These winter-themed challenges not only get students moving, but also teach them valuable survival techniques for snowy environments. ❄️💪

What a cool (literally!) way to embrace the winter season while learning important outdoor skills! 🌲🌟

@ntslakers

#SWEP #NTS #SnowshoeOlympics #SWSSS #OutdoorLearning #WinterChallenge #SurvivalSkills #Teamwork #SnowshoeFun #NorthTahoe #6thGradeAdventure

We’re excited to share that SWEP received a Certificate of Recognition from the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District for our outstanding contributions to the educational community! 🌱✨

This honor celebrates our 30 years of commitment to creating a lasting impact on students and the community through environmental stewardship, climate action, and sustainability.

A huge thank you to our students, staff, board, donors, partners and community members for helping us make a lasting impact. Together, we’re creating a better world, one student at a time! 💚

@tahoetruckeeusd Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

#SWEP #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #CommunityImpact

♻️ Ever wondered what happens to your trash after collection day? 🤔

Join SWEP for an exciting and educational tour of the Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility to see exactly where your waste goes! 🏭✨ Learn about the journey of recyclables, the technology behind sorting, and how the facility helps reduce landfill waste. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future! 🌎

Don’t miss this chance to gain a deeper understanding of waste management and the importance of recycling in our community. 🗑️➡️♻️

@tahoetruckeesierradisposal

#SWEP #MRF #WasteNot #Recycling #SustainabilityInAction #MRFTour #EnvironmentalEducation #ReduceReuseRecycle #BehindTheScenes

❄️ North Tahoe 6th graders braved the cold and built Quinzee snow shelters! 🏔️

As part of the Sevison Winter Science, Survival and Stewardship program (SWSSS), 6th graders took on the challenge of building Quinzee snow shelters! 🏠🌨️ These hands-on experiences teach essential survival skills while connecting students with nature in a fun and interactive way.

Working together, students learned how to carve out snow to create these cozy, life-saving structures—proving that teamwork, creativity, and a little bit of cold can lead to big accomplishments! 💪❄️

Kudos to these amazing students for their hard work and dedication to learning the art of snow shelter building. What an unforgettable experience for these future survival experts! 🌲👏

@ntslakers

#SWEP #SnowSurvival #QuinzeeShelters #SurvivalSkills #NorthTahoe #HandsOnLearning #WinterAdventures #SWSSS #6thGradeGoals #OutdoorEducation

🌿 Glenshire Elementary’s Green Team is on a mission to make recycling easier for everyone! ♻️✨

To help students and staff know exactly where to place their recyclables, the Green Team has created bright and informative “What Goes Where” recycling posters! These posters are popping up around the school to guide everyone on which items belong in the recycling, compost, or trash bins. 🗑️💚

By raising awareness and providing clear instructions, the Green Team is making it easier for the whole school to reduce waste and recycle correctly. Let’s give them a round of applause for their hard work and dedication to making Glenshire more sustainable! 🌍👏

Glenshire Elementary School PTO @glenshirepto
@keeptruckeegreen @truckeetahoeairport @tahoetruckeeusd

#SWEP #GreenTeam #RecyclingHeroes #SustainableSchools #EcoFriendly #GlenshireElementary #WasteLess #RecyclingMadeEasy

Did you know that food waste in landfills is contributing to more methane emissions than any other landfilled material? That is why Green Team students from Kings Beach Elementary urge you to, "Only Take What You Can Eat!" By being mindful of portion sizes, YOU can make a big difference in minimizing waste and supporting sustainable practices.

@kbelions Tahoe Truckee Unified School District @truckeetahoeairport @placercounty @truckeedonnerpud @northtahoepud @clifbar

#SWEP #ReduceFoodWaste #PortionSize #SustainabilityPractices #MethaneEmissions

🌍 Did you know that markers and glue sticks are not recyclable? 🖊️❌ Many of us toss these items in the recycling bin, but because of their plastic components and mixed materials, they can't be processed by traditional recycling systems. However, Creekside Elementary’s Green Team is taking action! 🌱

The dedicated Green Team students have launched a marker and glue stick collection system right in their classrooms! By collecting used markers and glue sticks, the team is working to keep these non-recyclable items out of landfills. They’re supporting their school in its journey toward becoming more sustainable, helping to reduce waste and raise awareness about eco-friendly practices. 🌍♻️

💡 How it works: Students are encouraged to bring in their old markers and glue sticks, which are then collected and sent to special recycling programs. Some programs upcycle the materials into new products, like plastic lumber for outdoor furniture!

👏 A big shout-out to these passionate Green Team students who are making a difference for their school and our planet, one marker at a time. 🌿🌟

@creeksidecharter

#GreenTeam #EcoWarriors #SustainableSchools #RecyclingRevolution #CreeksideElementary #WasteNot #PlanetCare

Did you know that over 75% of what ends up in our landfills is actually recyclable or compostable? That is a lot of waste that could be diverted instead of taking up precious space in our ever-growing landfills.

Green Team students from Glenshire Elementary School urge you to: "Think before you throw!" Your actions matter, and you have the power to drive change through simple everyday tasks like correctly separating your waste.

For information on waste and recycling services in the Truckee-North Tahoe Region, head to waste101.com .

#SWEP #ThinkBeforeYouThrow #YourActionsMatter #SustainabilityClubs

Glenshire Elementary School PTO @tahoetruckeesierradisposal Tahoe Truckee Unified School District @placercounty @keeptruckeegreen @thepatchworkcollective @truckeetahoeairport @truckeedonnerpud
Northstar California Resort Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation @clifbar

Peer-to-peer learning is a key part of Sustainability Clubs! 🌍💚 At SELS Green Team, students are creating posters to encourage their school to reduce waste and reuse materials. They're also teaching their peers what can and can't be recycled. By working together, they’re spreading awareness and making sustainability a shared responsibility! 🌱♻️

@sierra_expeditionary_learning Sierra Expeditionary Learning School Tahoe Truckee Unified School District @truckeetahoeairport @keeptruckeegreen

#Sustainability #PeerLearning #GreenTeam #ReduceReuseRecycle

Get ready for North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST! The largest winter mountain festival on the West Coast is back from Feb 26 - Mar 9, 2025! This 10-day celebration showcases the best of North Lake Tahoe, with a focus on supporting local nonprofits, student organizations, and scholarships.

Local student and SWEP Envirolution Club President, Sarah Kenny, is participating in the SNOWFEST Scholarship Contest, and her chosen nonprofit is SWEP! You can support Sarah and SWEP by purchasing raffle tickets. 🎟️ Tickets are just $5 (or 5 for $20), with a chance to win incredible prizes like: ✨ Unrestricted Tahoe Palisades 2025/26 pass 🚤 Cobalt Boat Rental 💦 Jet Ski Rentals from Sunnyside Water Sports🧣Tahoe SNOWFEST merch + more!

Head to Tahoesnowfest.org for more info and to get your tickets! ❄️

@kenny5302007 #SnowFest2025 #TahoeLife #SupportLocal #RaffleForACause #SWEP

SWEP thanks our partners at TMRF for your ongoing support and belief in our work. Thanks to you, we are able to provide tools and safety equipment to students, making our service learning projects safer and more efficient! Your commitment helps us reach new heights and make a lasting impact on environmental stewardship in the Tahoe Truckee region.

Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation @tmrfoundation

#SWEP #PartnershipForChange #GratitudePost #ThankYouThursday

🎉 Happy Birthday to our incredible Project Director, Ashley Phillips! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating the amazing woman who brings so much energy, inspiration, and compassion to our work in environmental stewardship and sustainability! 🌍💚 Whether it’s her infectious sense of humor or her unwavering dedication to making the planet a better place, she leads with passion and purpose every day.

Ashley, your positivity, drive, and commitment to SWEP's mission inspire us all to give our best and work toward a sustainable future. We’re beyond grateful to have you leading the way and making every day at work feel like a celebration of both our team and our planet. 🌱✨

Here’s to another year of great accomplishments, laughter, and positive impact—on students, the environment and everyone lucky enough to work with you! 🎂🎈

@ewensonphillips

#SWEP #HappyBirthday #ProjectDirector #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #Inspiration #TeamLeader #GratefulForYou #WorkWithHeart

SWEP thanks the Excellence in Education Foundation for their support and commitment to bringing quality educational experiences to local students. Thanks to their generous funding, we are able to expand multiple environmental programs, addressing topics of winter ecology, forest health, defensible space, and science festivals. With your help, we are empowering students, protecting the environment, and creating a more sustainable future.

#SWEP #GratitudePost #PartnershipForImpact #SupportingStudents

"Gratitude is the attitude!" 🌟 3rd graders at Kings Beach Elementary have been busy expressing their thanks to our amazing field instructors who made their Winter Discovery Center field trip unforgettable! ❄️
From learning about snow science and winter ecology 🏔️ to cross-country skiing for the first time 🎿, these young explorers were inspired and engaged all day long. Their thank you cards are overflowing with appreciation for a day full of learning and adventure- memories they’ll cherish forever!

A huge thank you to the teachers for supporting SWEP programming and making this special experience a reality for their students! 💙

Kings Beach Elementary School @kbelions @tahoexc @excellence_in_education

#GratitudeIsTheAttitude #WinterEcology #WinterWonderland #SnowScience #FieldTripFun #CrossCountrySkiing

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What has SWEP been up to?

Empowering Tahoe-Truckee Youth Through Snow Science Education: A Look at SWEP's Partnership with Tahoe XC

Bringing Winter Survival & Ecology to Schools: The SWEP SWSSS Program

Bundled Up and Ready to Trek: Winter Adventures with Sagehen Outdoor Education Program

Sagehen Winter Trek 2022: Snowshoeing & Science

Winter Science in a Virtual World

Snowflake Morphology

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