Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | September 2022

Photo courtesy of @TravelsWithCarolyn

Recent News from Yosemite

If you've been to the park recently or will visit Yosemite soon, you'll notice smoky conditions. Air quality throughout the park has been impacted by several active wildfires in the Wilderness and beyond. Fire and smoke are as much a part of the Yosemite ecosystem as water and ice –– fires within the park boundary are being closely monitored and managed to harness their important benefits while also protecting impacted communities and landscapes.

In other news:

• Reservations required to enter: 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. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to spread the word during the final month of the 2022 peak hours reservation system.
• Mist Trail repair: The lower Mist Trail from the John Muir Trail (JMT) junction to the top of Vernal Fall will be closed Monday through Thursday between 6:30 am and 4 pm from August 29 through September 23, and Monday through Friday between 6:30 am and 4 pm from September 26 through November 4. The trail will remain open on weekends.
• Merced Grove trail closure: The Merced Grove Trail from Big Oak Flat to the giant sequoia grove will be closed from August 22 to September 12. 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.
• Job openings: Yosemite Conservancy is seeking one or two people to staff the historic Ostrander Ski Hut this winter. Are you a masterful and enthusiastic backcountry skier capable of breaking 10+ miles of trail after a heavy Sierra storm? Are you a passionate people person who loves sharing their knowledge of Yosemite and its wilderness with visitors? Do you believe that it will actually snow in the Sierra this winter? Are you at ease in Yosemite’s beautiful and isolated wilderness for days at a time? Are you unafraid to trap vermin and scrub an old building until it shines? Learn more about this and other job opportunities on our website. 

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Kendra Binney

VIDEO: "To Find Treasure in the Mountains" Author Read Aloud

Ready for a treasure-seeking adventure? No pirate's map required! Outside there is always something wonderful just around the bend....

This summer we worked with author Francine Rockey to film a read aloud of our most recent children's book, To Find Treasure in the Mountains, in Yosemite. This story shares excellent tips for adventure seekers of all ages for how to find treasure in the mountains, your own backyard, local park, or wherever life may bring you.

Inspired to share this story with a child you love? It's available online.

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Keith Walklet

Artist Spotlight: Janet Takahashi

Summer may be winding down, but we are not finished celebrating 40 years of art programs in Yosemite!

Art has always been integral to the Yosemite experience, and our 2022 class offerings provide opportunities for artists of all ages and ability levels to try something new. With several more weeks of daily art classes, there's still time for beginner artists to join us.

For those looking for a deeper dive, Art Retreats provide opportunities to study with professional artists on multi-day workshops in Yosemite National Park –– and your campsite is included, with an option to upgrade to in-park lodging.

Janet Takahashi is a talented freelance artist, author, and illustrator who expresses her love of nature through sketchbook journaling and calligraphy. She has been an instructor with Yosemite Conservancy for many years specializing in watercolor journaling. There is still space to join Janet for a workshop this season –– check out her October 11-14 art retreat focusing on Yosemite's historic architecture.

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Keith Walklet

Easy Ways to Support Yosemite

Looking for easy ways to do more for Yosemite that fit into your busy life? Check out these simple but powerful ideas to make a difference for the park:

• Set Yosemite Conservancy as your favorite charity when you shop with Amazon Smile. To use AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com on your web browser or activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app on your iOS or Android phone (within the Settings or Programs & Features menu). Then, Amazon will donate 0.5% of every eligible purchase to Yosemite Conservancy at no cost to you.
• Share one of our recent social media posts on your profile, or forward this email to a friend who loves Yosemite as much as you do. You can help us spread the word about the good work Conservancy donors make possible in the park.
• Leverage Facebook to fundraise for Yosemite National Park on your birthday! Find step-by-step instructions to create your Facebook fundraiser on our website.
• Use the link below to sign up for a monthly gift. Giving $5 or more each month is one of the most reliable and efficient ways to donate to the park you love. As our thanks to you, you’ll receive donor benefits according to your giving level. 

Photo © Yosemite Conservancy/Heather van der Grinten

Mugs for Autumn

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate... as autumn approaches, purchase the perfect vessel for all your warm beverages! You can sip satisfied knowing that by drinking from a Conservancy mug, you're supporting the park you love all year round.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOSEMITE

While our peak season is winding down, the following programs are still ongoing: naturalist walks (we offer stargazing programs & sunset walks) and paint and sip (September 16, 23 & 30).

We've also got a few more weeks of daily art classes (every Mon-Fri) —

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

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

October 3-7: Watercolor with Jennifer Bentson

October 10-14: Watercolor with Zach Polic

October 24-28: Watercolor Journaling with Elizabeth Butterfield

Or, check out these trips that offer unique and creative ways to experience Yosemite —

September 17: Day Hike: Clouds Rest

September 30 - October 2: Day Hike: Run Yosemite

October 20-23: Workshop: Autumn Light Photography

October 28-30: Day Hikes: Historic Roads

November 12: Day Hike: Day of the Woodpecker

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.