Recreation Briefs

TRTA offers winter camping adventures

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering two snow camping dates, Jan. 16 to 17 or Feb. 27 to 28.

Snow camping 101 will cover the preparation steps that are necessary before venturing out into the backcountry.

Learn important techniques and other considerations for traveling and camping in the snow. Guides/instructors will cover: Packing for snow travel; basic orientation skills; winter travel hazards; winter survival techniques; campsite selection and set-up; cooking hints and demonstrations; principals of Leave No Trace.

For ages 21 and over and limited to 12 participants. For information and for prerequisites for this course, please call the TRTA office at 775-298-0238 or e-mail programs@

tahoerimtrail.org.

National Trails Day

with the TRTA

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will hold a kick-off celebration of the winter season and celebration of National Winter Trails Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 9, at Tahoe Meadows. This family friendly event will include the first free TRTA guided snowshoe hikes of the year (for all abilities), complimentary hot chocolate and snacks, activities for kids, snow cave building demonstrations and winter safety tips. Participation for this event is free, just wear proper clothing and bring snowshoes.

Pre-register for with the TRTA at programs@tahoe

rimtrail.org or 775-298-0012.

For information about the winter programs with the TRTA, visit www.tahoe

rimtrail.org.

Carson Valley bird count on Saturday

Birders will be using binoculars and spotting scopes to look for as many species of birds they can identify as part of the Audubon Christmas bird count in Minden and Gardnerville on Saturday.

The local bird count is part of the 110th annual event by the National Audubon Society. Data collected by volunteer bird watchers is used to assess bird populations in the United States.

To participate, contact Jim Woods for the Lahontan Audubon Society of Reno at 720-7009. Information, audubon.org.

Yahoe Women Services day at Sugar Bowl

Ski Sugar Bowl for just $25 and support Tahoe Women's Services Jan. 10. Sugar Bowl has generously donated 1,000 tickets to TWS to sell. Buy online before they sell out at www.tahoewomenservices.org or call (775) 298-0010.