Lake Tahoe interpreters receive distinguished Golden Pinecone Award

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has announced the 2023 Pacific Southwest Region winners of The Golden Pinecone Award, which honors the incredible work of Forest Service partners and staff when engaging the public in our mission through public-facing communications and outreach events.

The Great Basin Institute (GBI) Visitor Services Program Manager-Lake Tahoe, Erin Gavlock, and LTBMU Tallac and Taylor Creek Visitor Center Site Manager, Amy Sherwin, were recognized with The Golden Pinecone for their outstanding public engagement efforts recorded in the Nature, Interpretive, Communication, and Education (NICE) database for the Artists-in-Residence program at the Tallac Historic Site. GBI developed, implemented, and brought this program to life with support from the LTBMU.

The LTBMU also recognizes and thanks the 2023 artists who participated in the Artists-in-Residence program: Kristen Holden, Julia Schwadron Marianelli and Pam McKnight. These artists utilized the Artist Cabin and Tallac Historic Site grounds last May through October to provide public studio hours and classes. For more information about the 2023 program and future programs, visit the GBI Tallac Historic Site Program webpage.

Nominated by the Pacific Southwest Region of the USDA Forest Service, the Artists-in-Residence program encourages members of the public to explore their artistic sides through drawing, painting, or creating other visual art. Suited for ages 8 and up, this popular summer program is led by Forest Service volunteers and takes place at the Pope Estate Artist Cabin, which was constructed in 1923 and formerly hosted acclaimed artists, potters, and other creative crafters during its heyday.