Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | July 2021

Photo courtesy of NPS

Recent News from Yosemite

There was a lot to celebrate last month in the park:

• On June 28, rangers, park leadership, community members and special guest Pattie Gonia came out to celebrate and support Pride in Yosemite! We share the National Park Service’s gratitude for the vibrant contributions of LGBTQ+ rangers, staff and volunteers to the park.
• On June 30, the National Park Service celebrated the signing of the act creating the Yosemite Grant in 1864, which paved the way for the creation of public lands as we know and love them today. This marked the first time the U.S. government officially set aside land for the preservation of scenery and enjoyment by the public, and the legislation became a significant building block in promoting public lands.

In other fun news, starting this summer, your furry family member (along with a little help from a human companion) can become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger by protecting Yosemite and learning the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code:

• Bag your pet’s waste,
• Always leash your pet,
• Respect Wildlife, and
• Know where you can go.

Photo: @TravelsWithCarolyn

Annual Report: Looking Back on 2020 – And Forward – With Gratitude

Our 2020 Annual Report is available now! Scroll through to see all the good work our donors, volunteers, program participants and staff accomplished in Yosemite last year. We also invite you to read the accompanying letter from our Board Chair, Matt Adams, and our CEO, Frank Dean, who expressed their gratitude for our supporters’ continued dedication during such a challenging year. To sum it up: "None of our work in 2020, or in any year, would be possible without your extraordinary generosity. Thank you."

Photo: © Terre Passeau

Congratulations to our #FindYourPark Photo Contest Winners!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our recent photo contest – we received dozens of incredible pictures of Yosemite, and we’re especially grateful to those who chose to donate their images to the Conservancy for future use on our website and social media channels! The first place image can be seen here, and you can visit the link below to browse all the submissions, shot by talented photographers near and far. We will be reaching out to our three winners in the next day or two to collect your address and share your prize.

Photo: © Oscar Guzman

Support Yosemite While You Shop

As of June 8, 2021, Amazon shoppers have raised $9,696.26 for Yosemite Conservancy – will you help us raise even more? Support your park while you shop on Amazon in three easy steps: 1) activate AmazonSmile, 2) select Yosemite Conservancy as your charity of choice, and 3) use smile.amazon.com every time you shop. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to support projects and programs in Yosemite National Park at no additional cost to you. Be sure to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app, too!

Enjoy a Discount on ALL T-Shirts!

Because it’s way too hot for sleeves! Stay cool in our comfortable cotton tees, featuring unique designs from art deco-inspired Half Dome to an artful take on Keep Bears Wild. We’ve got the classics too, from Tunnel View to the Grizzly Giant. And check out our new illustrated Junior Ranger tee and several other youth shirts for little Yosemite lovers. Discount code: JULY21

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.