Hikers and photographers head to Pothole Dome, the gleaming granite slab at the western end of Tuolumne Meadows, to take in views of distant peaks. The scene at the dome’s base, however, is less appealing: An informal trail captures water flowing off the rock and channels it into eroded gullies. Without vital hydration, wetland plants have died out, replaced by flora better suited to dry conditions.

This grant funded the crucial first steps toward repairing the damaged habitat. In 2019, work focused on examining the area’s biodiversity, hydrology and history. By surveying the Pothole Dome area, researchers gathered critical information to help the park to develop effective plans for rehabilitating the ecosystem and designing a formal, well-drained trail to the dome.

Your support helped propel the essential initial elements of an effort to save wetland habitat in western Tuolumne Meadows.

Completed in partnership with Yosemite National Park.