Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | November 2022

Photo © David Grimes

Recent News from Yosemite

As we settle in to November, snow has already fallen in Yosemite Valley, dusting tree branches and delighting park staff and visitors last week. Our busy team is welcoming the quietude of winter, which invites an opportunity for reflection and an appreciation for the trickle of water that has returned to Yosemite Falls.

In other news:

• Magazine mailing soon: The Autumn/Winter 2022 issue of the Yosemite Conservancy magazine launches next week. Keep reading for a sneak peek, featured on our blog. Donors, keep an eye on your mailbox in the next couple of weeks for the print edition!
• Glaciers in Yosemite are "among the endangered": This Fresno Bee story outlines the findings of a recent UNESCO study, examining the state of Yosemite's two glaciers and featuring a video of the Conservancy's former lead naturalist Pete Devine.
• Happy Halloween: Last week, our Outdoor Adventures team produced another enchanting Halloween night of free programming at the Yosemite Valley Cemetery. Over 150 visitors joined Conservancy staff for insightful and contemplative tours through the graveyard, celebrating and sharing the wisdom of the park's former guardians, from Galen Clark to Florence Hutchings.
• Mule Appreciation Day 2022: In our latest video, Ranger Kate delivered cards to Yosemite’s mules to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work. Mules help park staff complete projects by hauling supplies and materials to crews — and hauling trash and waste out of the backcountry. Thank you to the Conservancy donors who generously fund the Horses and Mules program in Yosemite National Park!
• Merced Grove trail closure: The Merced Grove trail from Big Oak Flat to the giant sequoia grove remains closed until further notice. This temporary closure is needed to safely remove hazardous fuels surrounding the giant sequoias. High-severity fires have killed nearly 20% of all giant sequoias in the past two years in the southern part of the tree's native range. This closure is the first step in a prescribed fire project that will provide protection for the giant sequoias from future high-severity fire. It will also promote sequoia seedling germination.

Photo courtesy of NPS/Steve Shackelton

Nurtured By Nature

In honor of Veteran's Day on November 11, and with thanks to all who've served, we're revealing a feature story from our forthcoming Autumn/Winter magazine.

Nurtured By Nature explores the scientifically proven benefits of getting outside on our mental health, which inspired the donor-funded Yosemite Veterans Education and Leadership Seminar. The program supports peaceful reflection for military members who spend time in the park after they've completed their service — and in many cases, it proves life-changing.

Photo courtesy of NPS/Garrett Dickman

Fire in Yosemite: Fire Facts, Resources & Current Updates

Like many western states, California is facing massive, historic, terrifying wildfires. Yosemite Conservancy staff members, volunteers, and partners have felt the impacts of these fires in recent years — and the 2022 fire season was no exception.

In our latest blog post, we explore how fire can be devastating — while also playing a critical role in Yosemite’s ecosystems. Read on to learn the important ecological benefits of wildfire, how Indigenous nations have used fire as a tool for thousands of years, why the term "catastrophic" is often misused in describing fire, and more. And consider bookmarking this page for a list of fire-related updates and resources from NPS.

Photo courtesy of @TravelsWithCarolyn

You're Invited to Next Month's Virtual Donor Event

Join us on Monday, December 5th for a virtual conversation with Conservancy President Frank Dean and Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. During the event, Frank and Cicely will discuss 2022 project highlights, and share plans for potential 2023 projects in the park. They'll also discuss wildfire risk and fuel reduction, and explore the impact of the Great American Outdoors Act in Yosemite. They'll leave time for a short Q&A with the audience. Sign up to indicate your interest in this and other virtual events!

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy

Voices of the People

It's Native American Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating by reading Voices of the People, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between members of the Seven Associated Tribes of Yosemite National Park and the National Park Service.

Native people have lived in the area now known as Yosemite for thousands of years, and they have much wisdom to share about themselves and their homeland. Told from a unique vantage point, this book provides an account of Tribes' diverse histories, family chronicles, and visions for the future, all presented from their perspective and in their own words.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOSEMITE

Our peak program season has come to an end, but we will continue to offer naturalist walks in Yosemite Valley through November 26.

Thank you to all our participants for a wonderful season of in-park adventures and art classes, and stay tuned for the 2023 program schedule, which will go live on our website later this month!

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.