Yosemite Conservancy Newsletter | February 2022

Photo © Mark Marschall

Recent News from Yosemite​

February has arrived. Happy Lunar New Year!

As the Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers recently reported, barely any precipitation fell in the park in January. The good news is that the heavy snows of December have left a central Sierra Nevada snowpack that is still 92% of “normal” for February 1. But hopes are high for more precipitation this month.

In Conservancy news, we’re hiring a Director of Wilderness Operations, a Sales and Information Assistant, and a Bookstore Operations Manager, all based locally in Yosemite Valley.

Lastly, check out our new Yosemite conditions round-up. This tool can help you stay connected to your favorite park — or even better, prepare for an upcoming visit. Please let us know if you’ve got a question to add to our FAQs list!

Photo © Carolyn Botell

Thank you, Conservancy Community!

The new year always marks a new chapter for our organization. We wrap up one year of projects and announce a new set of grants to Yosemite National Park. Our in-park team gears up for a new season of helping people connect with Yosemite, including through naturalist-led adventures and outdoor art classes. We humbly request renewals from our committed donors.

But we don’t want to miss the chance to share all that we accomplished together in 2021, and to thank you, the Conservancy community, for making so much possible last year! Stay tuned for more on the projects we’re funding in the park in 2022 in the next edition of this newsletter — or get a sneak peak now on our website.

Photo © Justin Olsen

Know Before You Go: Horsetail Fall

On rare occasions during mid- to late- February, ephemeral Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset. Although entirely natural, the phenomenon is reminiscent of the human-caused Firefall that historically occurred from Glacier Point.

Per the National Park Service, reservations are not necessary to visit the park during the 2022 Horsetail Fall event — but masks are required, and traffic control will be in effect to minimize crowding and environmental impact. In previous years, visitors have caused extensive damage to fragile riverbanks, increasing erosion, trampling sensitive vegetation, and exposing themselves to unsafe conditions. Some undeveloped areas have been left littered with trash, and the lack of restrooms has resulted in unsanitary conditions.

If you’re planning to visit for this year’s event, please be mindful of your impact, expect crowds, and follow directions from park service employees and volunteers. Better yet, consider enjoying Horsetail Fall virtually via images on social media and the Yosemite Nature Notes episode of the same name.

Photo © Everett Children's Adventure Garden

February is Black History Month

Where's Rodney? is an award-winning children's book about a Black student who visits a big park for the first time. It's written by Carmen Bogan, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, and published by Yosemite Conservancy. This month, Rodney is featured in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden in honor of Black History Month — a fitting celebration not only of its African-American main character but also its author and illustrator. If you live in the New York City area, the garden is open to the public and the exhibit will continue for the month of February. If you can't visit in person, we highly recommend reading and sharing this awesome book.

Want the chance to see your shots featured here?
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.