Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | August 2022

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Keith Walklet

Recent News from Yosemite

We're grateful to report that the Washburn Fire is now 100% contained, and the Oak Fire just outside the park in Mariposa County is 90% contained. The community of Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias reopened to visitors last week. Recent rain brought cool relief to the park after several days of hot temperatures and smoky conditions, and air quality has greatly improved.

Read our latest email update for more details on recent fires and how you can support the hundreds of Yosemite community members who lost their homes.

In other news:

• Reservations required to enter: In case you missed it, our National Park Service partners have instituted a peak-hours reservation system from May 20 through September 30, 2022. This means that a reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park from 6 am to 4 pm every day. The goals of the system are to help manage congestion, ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and residents, and promote an enjoyable park experience. Those without reservations can still access the park if they enter before 6 am or after 4 pm.
• Great American Outdoors Day: On August 4, the park celebrated the second anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act! This landmark legislation provides funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. One of the projects funded in part by the Great American Outdoors Act is the Glacier Point Road rehabilitation project, which is currently underway. Yosemite Conservancy donors are supporting this work by funding studies to improve traffic and parking in the area. Glacier Point Road is predicted to reopen in spring 2023.
• Parsons Memorial Lodge Summer Series: The 2023 series continues this weekend with a guided mindfulness practice and an interactive musical performance. All events are hosted at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows, and they are free and open to the public — you'll find full details on our website. Pro tip: Be sure to allow 30 minutes travel time to walk to Parsons Memorial Lodge from the Tuolumne Visitor Center parking lot.
• Obata Art Weekend: Chiura Obata was a Japanese American and Bay Area artist who found inspiration in Dai Shizen, or “Great Nature.” During a 1927 trip to Yosemite, he made 100 works in six weeks, describing the experience as "the greatest harvest for my whole life and future in painting." The 2022 donor-funded event celebrating artist Chiura Obata will take place August 26-28 in Yosemite Valley. The event will consist of art workshops, art demonstrations, ranger programs and more! Events are open to all visitors, and only art workshops require advanced registration — join ​​​​​​us in recognition of Obata's powerful legacy and deep connection to Yosemite.

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Gretchen Roecker

We Want Your Feedback!

Want to help us plan our 2023 Outdoor Adventures in Yosemite? Take our quick survey and let us know which of the new programs we're considering sound the most interesting to you! Thank you in advance for your time.

Photo courtesy of Pam Starr

Lucky Starrs: One Couple's Yosemite Love and Legacy

Some people have a love affair in Yosemite. Some have a love affair with Yosemite itself. And some have both. Conservancy donor Pam Starr is one of those people.

Read her and her late husband's sweet story in our latest blog post. If you are in need of a day brightener, look no further!

Photo courtesy of @TravelsWithCarolyn

Put Your IRA to Work for Yosemite

Did you know that individuals age 72 or older can make gifts directly from their IRA as part of their required minimum distribution — and it’s excluded from their taxable income?

Designating Yosemite Conservancy as the beneficiary of a retirement account can also be a tax-efficient estate planning strategy. Learn more about the benefits of IRA giving, and contact us with any questions. Thanks for your support!

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Kendra Binney

To Find Treasure in the Mountains

This beautiful new children's book (ages 4-7) makes its official debut on August 16. The story highlights discoveries and connections that come from sharing time outdoors together.

With sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, three young children hike through the sparkling woods to find treasure in the mountains. No pirate's map or magic wand required! Outside, there is always something wonderful just around the bend.

Author Francine Rockey will be in Yosemite on August 16 for a special kid's book reading and poetry workshop. Come join her from 1-2 pm at Happy Isles Art & Nature Center!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOSEMITE

Ongoing: naturalist walks (stargazing programs, sunset walks, & Wawona history walks), kids’ art classes (every Mon-Thurs through end of August), nature journaling walks (every Thurs through August 25), and daily art classes (every Mon-Fri) which feature a new artist every week —

August 8-12: Pen and Ink with Daniel Masterson

August 15-19: Watercolor and Ink with Mariko Lofink

August 22-26: Mosaics in Yosemite: Class 2

August 29 - September 2: Colored Pencil with Fiorella Ikeue

September 5-9: Field Sketching with Watercolor

September 12-16: Watercolor with John Gates: Class 1

September 19-23: Watercolor with John Gates: Class 2

Check out these trips to some of Yosemite's most iconic and inspiring destinations —

August 11-14: Women’s Backpack: Clouds Rest (Two Nights)

August 18-21: Backpack: May Lake and High Peaks

August 18-21: Backpack: Mt. Conness

August 25-28: Backpack: Ten Lakes LGBTQIA+

August 28-31: Backpack: Yosemite Creek to Eagle Peak

September 17: Day Hike: Clouds Rest

September 30 - October 2: Day Hike: Run Yosemite

These Yosemite Field School programs, along with our overnight astronomy trips, are designed for curious minds —

August 11-14: Yosemite Field School: Bighorn Sheep Backpack

August 12-14: Yosemite Field School: Tuolumne Meadows Geology

August 27-28: Overnight Under the Milky Way: May Lake #4

August 28-29: Overnight Under the Milky Way: May Lake #5

September 1-5: Yosemite Field School: Vogelsang Backpack

Keep in mind that your registration for a Conservancy outdoor adventure, custom adventure, or art program (excluding our one- to two-hour Naturalist Walks) includes a peak-hours reservation. You’ll have park access for the duration of your program.

Want the chance to see your shots featured here?

It’s easy! Share Yosemite photos with us on social media and tag your best shot with #yosemiteconnect. Winners will be featured online and in our monthly newsletter.