Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | March 2021

Photo: NPS / Yosemite Historic Photo Collection

Recent News from Yosemite

As of March 1, day-use reservations are no longer required to visit Yosemite. Some park services and facilities continue to be limited and shuttles are not operating due to COVID-19. Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on federal lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including on narrow or busy trails or overlooks. Seasonal climbing closures have taken effect to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Last but not least, it's Women’s History Month — please join us in celebrating by reading up on just a few of the notable women from Yosemite’s past.

Photo and artwork: Kristin Anderson

Art for All

“When asked, ‘Are you an artist?’, we might think of Michelangelo’s impossibly detailed stories painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. These grand ideas of what art is can feel intimidating...but art doesn’t need to be exclusive or intimidating. My goal for the Conservancy’s art programs is to invite people to come enjoy themselves and embrace the imperfect process of creating art.” Take art program manager Kristin’s advice and join us this season for an outdoor art class in Yosemite Valley or a virtual wine and paint class via Zoom — tap into your creativity and connect with nature in a new way!

Photo: © Roy Williams Photography

Watermelon Snow

If you hike at high elevations in Yosemite, you may come across large patches of pink or reddish snow, a phenomenon sometimes called “watermelon snow.” It's common around mountain lakes or on alpine slopes — the pink snow pictured here was spotted during an Outdoor Adventure to Mt. Lyell a few years ago. Scientifically speaking, what you’re seeing is Chlamydomonas nivalis, a species of algae that contains both green pigment (chlorophyll) and red pigment (carotenoid). Learn more about this unique spectacle in the latest blog post from Cory, our lead naturalist.

Photo: © Lora Spielman

You’re Invited: Virtual Spring Gathering

Donors, join us for Yosemite Conservancy’s virtual Spring Gathering, which will take place entirely online from March 23-27, 2021! Explore the park from home through video tours with Conservancy naturalists and a special guest from the National Park Service. All annual donors of $25 or more and Legacy Society members are invited to attend. Follow the link below to reserve your spot.

Children's Books

This month, all of our kids’ books are 15% off! Browse our collection of critically acclaimed and award-winning books, such as Where’s Rodney?, and new publications including Eat Up, Bear!. From board books to young adult novels, we’ve got great titles for all of Yosemite’s smallest stewards. Discount code: KIDBOOKS

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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.