Sierra State Parks FoundationPosts

We are so excited to share that the new dukMéʔem wáťa (pronounced “dook-MEH-em wah-tah”) interpretive panels have been installed at Sugar Pine Point State Park. These panels are a testament to the strong partnership and collaboration with our Washoe Tribal and California State Park partners, with funding provided by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. The installation of these panels marks another important step in the larger effort to restore the name dukMéʔem wáťa within Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Furry friend or foe? Can you identify this common Tahoe mammal?

It's a Douglas Squirrel or Chickaree! This talkative tree squirrel can be found scampering up trees, dropping pine cones, and moving food to their storage area called a minden.

There have been talks about the bubonic plague, and while yes, the Douglas Squirrel can carry this disease, it can be easily avoided! Avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, including squirrels, and use flea and tick control for your pets.

There are a few squirrels that you will see most often around the Tahoe region: Douglas Squirrel, Western Gray Squirrel, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (not be be confused with a chipmunk), and ground squirrels (California or Belding's). Stop by one of our Visitor Centers to pick up a field guide to help identify our furry friends.

PINE LODGE PORCH RESTORATION COMPLETE! This is a big year for restoration milestones. California State Parks maintenance staff from all over the state came to learn historic techniques for restoring limestone plaster ceilings and wood shingled roofs such as those at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The roof restoration was completed last year, and the ceiling restoration was completed this summer.

There was a little mishap with the curing process for the limestone plaster ceiling, you might have noticed the recent burlap sacks. But it was redone, and now the ceiling is completely cured, cracks and burlap-free!

Sierra State Parks Foundation contributed half of the cost ($60,000) for this restoration training class, while State Parks contributed the other half of the funding.

Some park campgrounds and facilities may be closed, but our historic home tours of the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and Vikingsholm Castle, along with the Visitor Centers, remain open until September 30th!
After that, they'll be closed in preparation for wintertime ☃️