Program Overview: Ackerson Meadow is coming back. After more than a century of road building, logging, and ranching, the largest single wetland-restoration project in the history of the Sierra Nevada has reconnected this mid-elevation meadow to its own water, and the results are showing up in the plants, the birds, and the wildlife returning to it.
On this two-day guided program in Yosemite’s lesser-known and highly underrated northwest corner, you’ll explore the spring wildflowers, wetlands, and fascinating science of meadow hydrology and ecology. On Friday you will enjoy Ackerson Meadow, the largest mid-elevation meadow in Yosemite. NPS Hydrologist, Catherine Fong with join as a guest speaker to share how the restored hydrology is reshaping the landscape and share what researchers are learning as they monitor the meadow’s recovery. Saturday will be spent with your naturalist guide, you’ll walk the blooms of Hetch Hetchy on the way to Wapama Falls and sharpen your identification skills for trees, wildflowers, and shrubs while learning about their ecological and cultural significance.
Learn more about Ackerson Meadow here.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15; 9 am–3 pm
- Program location: Hetch Hetchy and Ackerson Meadow
- What’s Included
- Two full days of guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide including one day with guest speaker NPS Hydrologist Catherine Fong.
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Thursday, May 13, after 12 pm. Depart Sunday, May 16, by 11 am. Shared walk-in campsite. Must carry all gear approximately ¼ mile from your vehicle. No potable water is available at the campsite. Bring water containers and fill them at the nearby spigot. Each site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and bear locker. Within two weeks of registration, select “Camping” or “Not Camping” in your online portal to reserve your spot in a shared campsite. Access your portal through your confirmation email, and check your spam folder if needed.
- Camping Location: Hetch Hetchy
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only. This is a walk-in campground, and water is not at the site but nearby.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Evergreen Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. A block of rooms is reserved for program dates only. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Instructions on how to upgrade your lodging will be sent in your confirmation email after registration. Please check your spam/junk folder.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
