Program Overview: Yosemite National Park is a place of resilience and renewal. On this two-day program guided by park biologists and a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist, you’ll explore the remarkable comeback stories of the California red-legged frogs and peregrine falcons. Both species were absent from the park for decades and are now thriving with help from the Yosemite Conservancy, park biologists, climbers, zoos, and so many others. Learn what led to the decline of these species and how they are reclaiming their places in the park.
On Friday, after an indoor presentation learning about the amphibians of Yosemite and their decline and recovery story, we hope to see tadpoles and adult frogs with the help of Rob Grasso, Yosemite National Park’s aquatic ecologist, and plan to release frogs into Yosemite Valley with staff from the San Francisco Zoo. On Saturday, we’ll meet with the park’s raptor surveyor and look at peregrine eyries through spotting scopes. If we are lucky, we’ll be able to see the peregrines on the cliffs as well. This program offers a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from experts about Yosemite’s recovering species and the hope they represent for our shared natural world.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Friday, June 5, 8:30 am–1 pm and Saturday, June 6, 7 am–12 pm
- Program location: Yosemite Valley
- What’s Included
- Two mornings of guided instruction with a Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist Guide and National Park Service biologists
- Free day on Sunday, June 7, to explore the park on your own.
- 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, June 4, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, June 8, by 11 am. Two campsites are shared between all participants, each with space for 4–5 tents and equipped with a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit.
- Camping Location: Upper Pines Campground
- 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.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Curry Village for an additional fee. A block of rooms is reserved for program dates only. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program and are then released to the public. Booking details, including the Group Code, will be emailed after registration.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
