What if we told you South Lake Tahoe will have real snow this September? And not just snow — but a snow sledding hill, rail jams, big air mountain biking, live concerts, DJs, food trucks, and activities for all ages.

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey chats with Leslie Schultz, Marketing & Events Director for the inaugural Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival (Sept 27–28, 2025).

Discover how this free, high-energy festival came together, what to expect across the weekend, insider tips on where to stay, and why this could become Tahoe’s next signature fall event.

🎵 Featuring free performances by The Expendables and Jacob’s Castle.
🚵‍♂️ Professional & local athletes flying through the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena.
🎯 Family-friendly fun including a kids’ bike jump jam, sledding hill, yoga, and an interactive vendor zone supporting the Kyle Smeen Fund.

📅 Dates: Sept 27–28, 2025
📍 Location: Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys (Caesars Republic)
💻 Details & Registration: tahoegames.com

This week, we head to one of the richest birding regions in the Sierra Nevada — Plumas County — for a deep dive into the 2025 Grebe Festival and the incredible wildlife that calls this place home.

Liz Ramsey from the Plumas Audubon Society joins Charlie to discuss how Lake Almanor supports thousands of migratory grebes, what happens when boating and wildlife collide, and how science and community action are working to protect sensitive species like the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – Intro to Plumas County’s birding culture

• 02:45 – The Grebe Festival: What to expect this year

• 06:01 – Understanding grebes and their nesting habitat

• 09:01 – Recreation vs. conservation: Finding balance

• 11:59 – New science: Artificial grebe nesting platforms

• 17:47 – The forgotten frog: Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog

• 21:10 – Underrated birding hotspots in Plumas County

• 24:01 – How to get involved and make a difference

Resources:
🪶 Plumas Audubon: plumasaudubon.org
🎟️ Grebe Festival: Event Info

#GrebeFestival #PlumasAudubon #LakeAlmanor #BirdingCalifornia #PacificFlyway #WildlifeConservation #SierraNevada #OutdoorStories #PlumasCounty #SierraRecNow

This week on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie sits down with South Lake Tahoe artist and photographer Jennifer Haran to talk about the upcoming Tahoe Art League Studio Tour, happening August 1–3. From capturing wild bear cubs to telling the Sierra's story through a camera lens, Jennifer shares what it means to be a local creative in a region that inspires so many.

🎨 Topics Covered:

• The beauty of Desolation Wilderness

• How the Caldor Fire changed her approach to photography

• Her advice to new artists (Hint: shoot what you love)

• Choosing between metal, acrylic, and canvas prints

• Why Bridgeport is her dream spot for a photo day

🎟️ Learn more about the art tour: tahoeartleague.org
📸 Jennifer’s site: windowontahoephotography.com