A monthly recap of what we saw, heard and did in the park. Here’s what happened in March…
Snow long, winter?
The start of March meant the March 1 snow surveys — and this year’s results were definitely newsworthy! Data showed that the water content in the park’s snowpack ranged from 177% (Merced drainage) to 208% (Tuolumne drainage) of average. Grace Meadow (near Bigelow Peak) emerged as the snowiest Yosemite spot in the survey: 16 1/2 feet of snow, equating to more than 7 feet of water.
Curious about the state’s snow studies? Check out the California Department of Water Resource’s Data Exchange Center (cdec.water.ca.gov), where you can explore an interactive graph of snow-water stats, learn about the relationship between snow depth and water, see what goes into being a snow surveyor, and much more. And if you have a few minutes, check out this classic Yosemite Nature Notes episode.
Your gifts at work in the Valley
While the high country remained blanketed in snow throughout the month, the Valley saw springier conditions — a splash of green here, a robust seasonal waterfall there — and the first forays into field work for several of the grants our donors are funding this year.
Biologists got to work studying species that prey on Merced River-dwelling amphibians and reptiles. By learning more about the habits and preferred habitats of river otters, raccoons and ravens, scientists will be able to ensure the success of another grant-funded wildlife project focused on restoring populations of California red-legged frogs and western pond turtles.
Botanists dug into a second year of improving habitat for pollinators (by pulling out invasive plants and nurturing native ones), and Happy Isles got a new technological touch: special equipment to track flying mammals for the new Yosemite Bat Channel.
Gathering and giving
We celebrated the season with donors at our annual Spring Gathering in the Valley. After a round of wet weather, the skies cleared in time for a series of Saturday morning walks focused on topics including flora and fauna, photography and park history.
As part of the festivities, Conservancy President Frank Dean presented acting Yosemite Superintendent Chip Jenkins with a ceremonial check representing our organization’s annual support to the park: $12 million. Thank you to everyone who joined us in the park!
Art in the park
Some of our Spring Gathering attendees tapped into their creative sides during an outdoor art class with watercolor painter Frank Eber, who was in the park to help kick off our 2017 Art Center season! During the last week of March, Frank volunteered his time to lead our first art class of the year (Atmospheric Watercolor), and we kicked off a new Open Studio program featuring daily drop-in crafts and activities for kids, teens and families. To learn more about ways to nurture your inner artist while in the park, check out the art programs section of our website, where you’ll find our full schedule of expert-led classes.
Remembering Royal
Finally, we honored the life of legendary rock-climber and longtime Yosemite supporter Royal Robbins, who passed away on March 14. He was known as a pioneer in the big-wall community, not only for his many first ascents, but also as an advocate for “clean climbing.” We are deeply grateful for Royal’s support of the Conservancy and the park, both as an individual and through the company he began with his wife, Liz, who is herself an icon of the climbing world.
Coming up on our calendars: The first of our “Dine and Discover” programs, a new adventure series that combines evening presentations, al fresco food, and day hikes — the inaugural program (April 21-22) focuses on the causes and consequences of Sierra pine tree mortality. We’re also looking forward to opening the Yosemite Theater for the season, to casual backpacking trips led by our naturalist guides, and to National Park Week, which kicks off with Junior Ranger Day on April 15.
See you in the park, and thanks for reading!
