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Supporting the world-class scientists who conduct unique and vital research in Yosemite.

Yosemite is an ideal place to study the natural world. Scientists working in this “living laboratory” explore biodiversity, geology, climate change and more. Your support can fund research that informs efforts to understand and protect the park’s resources today and prepare for the future.

Current Projects

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Linking Pyrodiversity and Biodiversity
This project will use lidar to research frequently burned sites in the Illilouette Creek Basin to better understand the impacts of managed fire on wildlife in the region.
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Predicting the Next Beetle Attack
Create a Yosemite-specific risk map to prepare for future drought-driven bark beetle outbreaks, which can lead to widespread loss of trees and habitat.
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Future Forests of Yosemite
Study and model forest location and health in Yosemite between 2050 and 2150 — based on projections of future climatic changes — to aid long-term forest and wildlife management priorities.
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Cultural Benefits of Prescribed Burns
Assess the potential for Yosemite’s prescribed burn program to benefit plant species with cultural significance for the seven traditionally affiliated Tribes.
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Study and Save Sequoias
Research the intersection of the three major threats contributing to giant sequoia mortality in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove and Sequoia National Park by monitoring sequoias’ physiological responses to drought, fire, and insect attacks.
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Study Songbirds with Lidar
Leverage donor-funded songbird and lidar data to create predictive maps detailing individual bird species and communities in forests across the park, and measure park-wide avian diversity.
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Protect Alpine Plants in a Changing Climate
Preserve alpine plant communities by documenting the specific impacts of climate change and other factors on flora persistence and migration at a variety of Sierra sites.
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How is climate change affecting Yosemite’s plant and animal populations? What can a tiny sample of water tell us about the organisms living in an alpine lake? How does Yosemite’s shrinking glacial ice impact ecosystems in and beyond the park?

Donor-funded projects help deepen scientific understanding of natural processes, flora and fauna, and human impacts on the environment. Browse our past projects to see innovative research our supporters have made possible.

Areas of Focus

Thanks to supporters, we’ve provided over $140 million to Yosemite for more than 700 completed projects. Donor gifts help improve trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife, inspire the next generation of nature-lovers and more. Explore our funding areas to see current and past projects.