Project overview: Foster a sense of connection between visitors and Yosemite’s meadows through ranger-led walks and pop-up programs on current research and the long-term impact that visitors can have on meadows.

How your support helps: Visitor interest in guided programming at Yosemite National Park has skyrocketed in recent years. As more and more visitors seek free opportunities to learn about Yosemite’s history and resources, National Park Service rangers hope to direct audiences to a resource that almost all visitors encounter in some form during their Yosemite experience: meadows.  

To connect visitors with the importance of meadow ecosystems in Yosemite, the Meadow Ranger Walks will highlight the intricate web of wildlife that meadows support, and how these habitats are a key part of habitat resiliency, watersheds, biodiversity, and resource protection. Rangers will encourage visitor participation through hands-on activities that bridge the gap between these complex topics and public understanding. In addition to traditional ranger walks, the program will tie in pop-up programs as well to meet a wide range of visitor interests.  

As a long-term solution, this program will also focus on developing resources for visitor programs and training seasonal employees to lead outreach efforts, ensuring the continuation of similar programming for years to come. 

This year: In 2026, seasonal rangers will lead a minimum of 24 meadow ranger walking and pop-up programs in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadow that highlight the importance of meadows to foster a sense of connection between visitors and stewardship of Yosemite’s vibrant landscapes. In this way, the Meadow Ranger Walks program supports ongoing science communication to the public in places that so desperately need protection as social trials and trampling increase.

Project partner: Yosemite National Park

 

Photo credit: Jenn Emerling