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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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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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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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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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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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Contaminants in Yosemite’s Waters
Determine which contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are present in Yosemite, so we can understand the threat to human and aquatic health.
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Yosemite Observer Dashboard
Display and share online visualizations online of current conditions and trends in weather, stream flows, fires, air quality, and more for visitors and park staff.
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Forest Vulnerability and Health
Use lidar data to track trends in forest health and understand forest dynamics in a warming climate.
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The Impacts of Disappearing Snow
Research and map snow fields and ice patches in the park to understand how their loss, due to climate change, will affect the park and areas downstream that rely on Yosemite’s water.
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Studying Yosemite’s Springs
The first-ever inventory and baseline study to determine cultural and ecological significance of springs in Yosemite, which will inform the creation of a monitoring plan.
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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.