7 Ways to Care for the Earth While in Yosemite

While you’re exploring and adventuring in Yosemite, keep these different ways to care in mind for the park we all love.

1. Biking
   Talk about one of the easiest ways to care on two wheels. Not only is biking in Yosemite Valley one of the most memorable and breath-taking ways to experience the park, but it is also invaluable in lessening your carbon emissions while in the park and reducing traffic noise on local wildlife.
   Bring your own bike and enjoy the views and the sweet mountain air, or use our Yosemite Conservancy bike share in the Valley for rides up to 1-2 hours. Bike share is open May – September in the Valley and is free to all. In addition to the Yosemite Bike Share, there are bikes available through the park partner, Travel Yosemite, for half-day and full-day rentals.
   
2. Shuttle
   The Yosemite Valley Shuttle System is a free and easy way to hop all over the park during your visit that saves you time and energy from needing to re-park for every stop. By taking the shuttle, you’ll get to your trailhead faster and save on gas and carbon emissions. It combines one of the ways to care for the park with a fun way to get around.
3. Reusable propane containers
   We’re thrilled to be piloting a reusable propane container system in Yosemite National Park through the Zero Landfill Initiative — which is made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of Subaru of America. If you’re camping in Yosemite, stop by the Village Store, Curry Village Gift Shop, Mountain Shop, Wawona Store and El Portal Market. to pick up and drop off a reusable propane container for all your camp cooking needs. In the last X years, this program has saved X canisters from being tossed in the landfill.
4. Bear-proof lockers and food safety
   One of the most important ways to care for the earth and local wildlife in Yosemite is through food safety and utilizing the bear-proof lockers in the park. By not leaving out unattended food and properly storing your scented items, food, and trash, you’re ensuring that our bears stay wild and our park stays clean. Learn more about how to use these lockers here.
5. Leave No Trace
   Leave No Trace are principles that encourage park visitors to leave the place better than you found it and with no “trace” of human interaction. The best ways to do that are to pack out your own trash, pick up trash on the trail that you find, and to leave any rocks, plants, and flowers where they are — they are all a part of a delicate and important ecosystem in Yosemite. By practicing Leave No Trace wherever you are, the other wildlife and people on the trail with you will thank you!
6. Utilizing park recycling bins
   We’re proud to have recycling bins all over Yosemite National Park. Help us ensure that as little as possible goes to landfill from Yosemite by properly sorting your trash into these bins around the park. This is one of the classic ways to care for the earth and Yosemite.
7. Take YARTS or carpool
   If you’re sharing your Yosemite experience with loved ones, consider carpooling or taking YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System). By riding together or taking regional transportation, you’re saving on carbon emissions to get you to the park and get to share road trip stories and tunes together.

By following these tips and ways to care for the Earth, you’ll be well on your way to helping protect the park and planet for future generations. Are there any other suggestions we should add to our list? We love hearing new ways to take care of our favorite national park and our favorite home planet!

On your next adventure to Yosemite, join us for one of our art classes, naturalist walks, or Outdoor Adventures in the park! Most of our art classes and Outdoor Adventures include your peak hours/day-use reservation for entry to the park during 2024 peak season. Book your experience now before spots fill up!