Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | January 2022

Photo © Carolyn Botell

Recent News from Yosemite​

Happy New Year from Yosemite, and from all of us at the Conservancy!

“Several winter storms, highlighted by a potent atmospheric river event on December 13-15, have blanketed the Sierra Nevada in its white winter coat. For those of us who have witnessed the climate change impacts of drought and catastrophic wildfires over the past several years, the arrival of snow is a sight for sore eyes even if only ephemeral. Let’s hope the winter trend continues along this path.”

– Reflections from the Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers; follow their blog here.

See the snow for yourself on our four webcams – all back online! Check current road conditions and tire chain restrictions by calling (209) 372-0200 (press 1, then 1). And here are some important safety tips if you’re visiting Yosemite this winter.

In other news, we’re hiring a Staff Accountant (based in San Francisco), an Outdoor Programs Coordinator (based in Yosemite). and a Marketing Coordinator (location flexible). Know someone who'd be a good fit for our team? Direct them to our Careers page!

Photo courtesy of NPS

Volunteer in Yosemite in 2022

We’ve got multiple opportunities to make an impact in Yosemite next year:

• Enjoy a week in the park while completing physical restoration projects including trail repairs, habitat rehabilitation, and more by joining a Work Week Crew (applications go live Wednesday, January 12).

• Spend a month sharing your Yosemite knowledge to help visitors navigate and enjoy the park as a Visitor Information Assistant (applications go live Wednesday, January 12).

The photo in this section shows 2021 Conservancy volunteers walking from camp to their work site. Not a bad commute, right?

Photo © Carolyn Botell

One Year Later: Mariposa Grove Wind Storm Update

In January 2021, Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove was struck by a powerful and devastating wind storm, which killed 15 giant sequoia trees, damaged multiple buildings and walkways, and required an estimated $3 million in repairs. Thanks to the Legacy Fund and additional gifts from Yosemite Conservancy donors, Mariposa Grove was reopened to visitors in May of 2021 – just a few months after the storm.

To learn more about Yosemite Conservancy’s Legacy Society and how you might create a legacy to provide for Yosemite’s future, please contact Catelyn Spencer, Director of Planned Giving, at (415) 891-1039 or cspencer@yosemite.org, or visit yosemite.org/legacy.

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