Your Yosemite: Keep in touch with the park, wherever you are. No images? Click here Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | April 2023Photo courtesy of NPS Recent News from YosemiteAs spring finally begins to grace us with its presence here in Northern California and the Sierra Nevada, we're highlighting this important hiking safety message from the National Park Service: It may not look very snowy in the photo above, but if you try to hike up from the floor of Yosemite Valley, it is still VERY snowy. Experienced hikers with crampons are choosing to turn around due to treacherous conditions, even on the popular trails to the tops of Vernal, Nevada, and Yosemite Falls. We strongly discourage hikers from hiking on snow-covered trails right now. If you choose to, be sure to use traction devices and be prepared for a winter mountaineering experience. (And, remember, you can always choose to turn around if your hike isn't going as expected!) In other Yosemite and Conservancy news:
Photo © Yosemite Conservancy VIDEO: Yosemite Zero Landfill Initiative: Reusable Propane CylindersSingle-use propane cylinders are classified as hazardous waste. They’re costly to collect, store, transport, and recycle, and they often end up in the trash. Around 24,000 used-up cylinders are collected in recycling areas in Yosemite each year, and an unknown number are thrown out. At Yosemite Conservancy, our Zero Landfill and Sustainability Coordinator is working to change that — in collaboration with the National Park Service, Yosemite Hospitality, Zero Landfill Initiative leaders, and other partners. This effort to reduce improper disposal of single-use propane cylinders will help move Yosemite National Park toward zero-waste status. This project is made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. Photo © Yosemite Conservancy United in Yosemite — 2023 Climbing FestivalUnited in Yosemite is a new climbing festival celebrating diversity in climbing, funded in part by the generosity of Conservancy donors. The event will take place in Yosemite Valley from June 23–28. "United in Yosemite is committed to nurturing an evolution in climbing culture through the lenses of representation, Tribal engagement, stewardship, and celebration. The event is designed with new and intermediate Yosemite rock climbers in mind. The event's mission is to provide opportunities for mentorships amongst climbers from historically marginalized groups, empowering individuals to achieve their climbing goals, thrive amongst community, and develop as stewards of the land." Photo © Christopher Michel Spend a Night, Donate a DollarPlanning a Yosemite visit? Check to see if your hotel or campground partners with the Conservancy through our Dollar-a-Night program — if they do, you’ll be able to donate to support projects in the park for each night of your stay. A dollar or three might not seem like much, but those modest donations add up to a big benefit for the park! We're grateful to the generous lodging partners — and their generous guests — who've teamed up with the Conservancy to show their love for Yosemite. To thank our supporters, we also partner with local businesses to offer special discounts through the Yosemite Conservancy Donor Passport. Donors, consult your 2023 Passport for discounts on lodging, food, in-park activities, and more! Or, join us today to receive your Passport! Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Heather van der Grinten Yosemite Conservancy Centennial HatNew product alert! Your support has helped Yosemite Conservancy reach a huge milestone — 100 years of conservation in Yosemite through 100 years of partnership with the National Park Service. Now you can join the celebration with our centennial-inspired baseball cap, featuring our centennial logo. Photo © Yosemite Conservancy / Brittany Colt UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOSEMITEAs noted above, Naturalist Walks are back for the 2023 season, and the Happy Isles Art & Nature Center has opened! Check out our scheduled Art Classes, Outdoor Adventures, and Donor Events below: April 10 – 21: Watercolor & Ink with Casey Cheuvront April 24 – 28: Watercolor Journaling with Elizabeth Butterfield May 1 – 5: Mosaics with Denise Davidson May 5 – 7: Spring Colors May 8 – 12: Watercolor with John Gates May 15 – 19: Watercolor with Jo-Neal Graves May 19 – 20: Yosemite Field School: Meadow Hydrology and Ecology May 22 – 26: Watercolor with Grace Fong May 26: Paint and Sip May 29 – June 2: Outdoor Painting & Poetry with Joa & Kelly Photo of the MonthFrozen pebbles along the bank of the Merced River, Yosemite Valley Dennis Kneff 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. |