What has SWEP been up to?

Explore Our Blog!

Get blog updates in to your inbox

Sagehen Outdoor Education Program Goes Virtual

Students were still able to get much needed outdoor time during the 2020/21 virtual Sagehen Outdoor Education Program!

tatum244

Nov 25, 2020

38 views

Forest Health Field Day 2019

With witches and wizards, foxes and pirates, SWEP taught 120 seventh graders from North Tahoe School about how to ascertain if the forest is

Jenna Granger

Nov 4, 2019

51 views

Truckee River Day Restoration & Fair 2019

The Truckee River Day was a success, with many volunteers working hard on restoration projects along the river, followed by a family fair.

Jenna Granger

Oct 24, 2019

50 views

Wonders of Watershed 2019 at Kings Beach Elementary

Wonders of Watershed at KBE this fall aimed to inspire the next generation of stewards. Our watershed is important, we need to protect it!

Jenna Granger

Oct 16, 2019

22 views

1 2

🌨️ 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

Sustainability Club students were buzzing with excitement this week as they received their long-awaited club t-shirts! Here, Green Teamers from Kings Beach Elementary don their new shirts; a symbol of their commitment to environmental stewardship and passion for making a positive impact locally & globally.

The t-shirts are more than just a piece of clothing—they represent the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the students as they continue to take on sustainability projects at their schools and create outreach that educates their peers on the importance of reducing our carbon footprint.

Sustainability Clubs are making waves and we are thrilled to see the ripple effect extend to their peers, their schools & homes, and the environment.

Kings Beach Elementary School @kbelions

#GreenTeam #SustainabilityClubs #ClubTshirts #EcoFriendly #Teamwork #EnvironmentalStewards

Winter is not a time to stay indoors—it’s an invitation to students to explore the world outside, where every snowflake and frozen breath become a lesson in resilience, wonder, and the beauty of nature’s quiet seasonal transformation.

SWEP's Winter Trek programming invites students to do exactly that! 5th graders from Tahoe Lake Elementary joined us in learning about the wonders of winter and the physical and emotional benefits of being outdoors, no matter the season.

@tahoelakeelementaryschool

#SWEP #WinterTrek #SnowScience #WinterEcology #OutsideForMentalHealth #OutdoorsForWellness

Valentine's Day is around the corner! 💚🌍

This year, show some love to the planet! 🌱 Here are a few eco-friendly tips to make your Valentine’s Day more sustainable:

Give Green Gifts 🎁: Choose sustainable gifts like potted plants, reusable items, or handmade treasures. They're thoughtful and planet-friendly!
DIY Cards ✂️: Skip the store-bought cards and get creative with DIY ones using recycled paper or natural materials.
Eco-Friendly Flowers 🌸: Opt for locally grown, organic flowers, or consider giving a lasting gift like a tree sapling.
Sustainable Date Ideas 🌿: Go for a nature walk, volunteer for a local clean-up, or enjoy a picnic with zero waste.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s spread love for each other AND for the Earth! 🌎💚

#SWEP #ValentinesForThePlanet #EcoFriendlyLove #SustainableValentines #LoveYourPlanet

Today, we celebrate Jan Ellis, whose dedication to environmental education has left an indelible mark on SWEP and the students we've worked with over the years. Jan joined SWEP in 2002 as a Project Manager, where she played a crucial role in inspiring and guiding thousands of students to become passionate environmental stewards. Her leadership in those early years helped shape the direction of our programs, and her influence continues to be felt today.

Even after her time as Project Manager, Jan's commitment to our cause hasn't wavered. Now, as a valued volunteer and donor, Jan still finds ways to support and enrich the SWEP community. Just this week, she joined the SWEP staff for lunch, bringing with her a collection of cherished memories—photographs of student drawings of macroinvertebrates from years ago. These drawings, shared with our field instructor Conor, serve as a reminder of the lasting impact SWEP has on the students who participate.

Jan, your ongoing support is deeply appreciated. You have helped to ensure that our mission lives on and continues to inspire future generations. Thank you for being such an integral part of SWEP’s journey and for your dedication to fostering environmental stewardship in the students we serve.

Jan Ellis

#SWEP #VolunteerHighlight #DonorHighlight #GratitudePost

Let’s talk about trash! Did you know that trash in our landfills creates powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change? It's time to get serious about reducing what goes into the landfill.

Students from North Tahoe Eco Action Club share tips for what you can do to reduce your impact on the planet.

Thank you to our partners for supporting Sustainability Clubs, which educate and empower students to protect for our environment.

#SWEP #Rethink #ReduceReuseRecycle #DoYourPart

@ntslakers @truckeetahoeairport @tahoetruckeeusd @truckeedonnerpud @thepatchworkcollective Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation @placercounty @clifbar @vail_resorts Northstar California Resort @keeptruckeegreen

Composting at Truckee High kicked off in December! The Envirolution club, in partnership with SWEP, has followed the lead of other schools across the district in making a better and more eco-friendly campus.

The article, Composting at Truckee High, by Enviolution Club President and Truckee Times Managing Editor, Lola Hadley, is featured at our link in bio. Head on over for more information on this new student-led initiative!

@truckeehighschool
#SWEP #Sustainability #Composting #NoFoodWaste

5th graders from Kings Beach Elementary joined SWEP Field Instructors at our Winter Trek programming for hands-on winter ecology lessons and snow science experiments in the forest. Although there wasn’t enough snow for snowshoes, fun was had by all while learning about the wonders of winter and the importance of our annual snowpack.

Hands-on learning in outdoor classrooms = immersive, engaging experiences that connect students to nature, foster curiosity, and build practical skills through real-world application!

@kbelions Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

#SWEP #WinterTrek #SnowScience #WinterEcology #HandsOnScience

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@sweptahoe

What has SWEP been up to?

Sagehen Outdoor Education Program Goes Virtual

Forest Health Field Day 2019

Truckee River Day Restoration & Fair 2019

Wonders of Watershed 2019 at Kings Beach Elementary

​

Follow us on Instagram

Connect With SWEP!