Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | May 2021

Photo: @TravelsWithCarolyn

Recent News from Yosemite

Glacier Point Road and Mariposa Grove have reopened for the summer season. Please note that there is currently no shuttle service from the Welcome Plaza to the Mariposa Grove; getting there requires a two-mile hike with approximately 500 feet in elevation gain. Many trails and boardwalks in the Grove remain closed due to downed trees — please use caution, respect all posted signs and barriers, and bring plenty of drinking water.

Beginning May 21, in conjunction with the start of this summer's temporary reservation system, Yosemite will implement a pilot overnight climbing permit program. Don’t forget that while the day-use reservation system is in effect, park access is included in your registration for any Conservancy art class, Outdoor Adventure or Custom Adventure. Check out all of our upcoming group programs at the link below, or inquire about a custom trip.

Photo: In 2017, students from the Yosemite Leadership Program at UC Merced created a sculpture of a bear using items collected during a park-wide cleanup event. Courtesy of NPS.

Sustainability and the Zero Landfill Initiative

Reducing Yosemite’s landfill-bound waste is critical. Less trash in the park means fewer overflowing garbage cans that can endanger bears and other wildlife by drawing animals into developed areas. Plus, reducing waste can help shrink Yosemite’s carbon footprint! Yosemite Conservancy has supported the park’s Zero Landfill Initiative efforts for years, and we took on a leadership role in 2021. Our Zero Landfill and Sustainability Coordinator is working with the National Park Service, Yosemite Hospitality, ZLI leaders and other partners to reduce improper disposal of single-use propane cylinders. Now you can buy reusable, returnable propane canisters at multiple locations in the park (see the full list at the link below). After you use the fuel, exchange your empty cylinder for a full one at a lower price through Little Kamper’s exchange program.

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America.

Photo: © Rachel Hartsough

Spring in Yosemite — See it for Yourself!

Nothing says spring in the Sierra Nevada quite like dogwood trees in bloom. As longtime Yosemite Conservancy naturalist Pete Devine recently observed, the dogwoods glow like lanterns in the Valley, brightening shady paths and shores. Check out our latest photo evidence in this celebratory blog post! Other signs of spring to keep an eye out for: The Conservancy's naturalist walks (one- to two-hour programs, offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays), our friendly volunteers (back in action this season!), and research and restoration projects — you might spy a peregrine surveyor using a telescope to zoom in on falcon nests, a crew repairing trails in the Valley, or scientists studying giant sequoias in Merced Grove.

PS: In case you missed it, recordings of all our 2021 Spring Gathering virtual events are available now on our YouTube channel!

Photo: @TravelsWithCarolyn

Charitable Gift Annuities Support You and Yosemite

Did you know that you can create a gift for Yosemite Conservancy that will provide payments to you for life? If you are age 65 or over, a CGA can be a great way to receive income and reduce your tax burden, especially if you have appreciated stock. With your date of birth and a few other details, we can personalize an illustration to show your rate. Read on to learn whether a Charitable Gift Annuity is right for you.

Maps On Sale!

Planning your summer adventure in Yosemite? Great — grab a map! Already have your day hike or wilderness trip planned out? Great — bring a map! A paper trail map is essential for safety and staying on track, but it can also help you discover hidden gems and make the most of your time in the park. All our Yosemite maps are 15% off through the end of May! Discount code: MAPS

Want the chance to see your shots featured here?
It’s easy! Share Yosemite photos with us on Flickr, and tag your best shot with #yosemiteconnect. Winners will be featured online and in our monthly newsletter.