Yosemite Conservancy Spring.Summer 2016 :: Volume 07.Issue 01

YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: VOLUME 07.ISSUE 01

Keeping Yosemite “Wild”

INSIDE

Preserving Yosemite’s Wilderness

A Guide to Leave No Trace

Expert Insights on Preserving Ackerson Meadow

Q&A with a Yosemite Botanist PHOTO: (RIGHT) © KARL KROEBER. PHOTO: © JENNIFER MILLER. PHOTO: A visitor enjoys the John Muir enjoys A visitor

Trail through Cathedral Meadow, a designated Meadow, Cathedral through Trail Peak, Cathedral to on her way area, Wilderness in the distance. COVER PHOTO PHOTO COVER he word wilderness might sound he word up a conjure forbidding, or it might an increasingly In sense of adventure. and — world, national parks crowded their protected Wilderness areas — provide — provide areas Wilderness their protected for both important space, solace, and a refuge ago, I had years wildlife and humans. Some a friends into good with ski to privilege the had We Meadows. Tuolumne snowed-under a full and enjoyed to ourselves the meadows to make it off the snow moon that reflected Wilderness Yosemite’s We are now on Twitter and Instagram! on Twitter now are We connected. and stay Conservancy, Yosemite Follow PRESIDENT’S NOTE MISSION almost as bright as daylight. It was an amazing experience. almost as bright as daylight. It Yosemite their time in spend Yosemite of visitors to than 95 percent More Yosemite comparison, the By Road. Tioga or along Grove, Mariposa Valley, the than permits more seek hikers yet used, lightly relatively is Wilderness use of the John for the most popular trails. Backpacker quota allows resource Whitney is at an all-time high. and Mt. Yosemite between Trail Muir by beauty and inspiration provided The popularity is not surprising, as the Wilderness the park’s high country is magical. However, Yosemite exploring the Conservancyfragile. also is help preserveto support donors projects many and habitat restoration for trail rehabilitation, Grants Wilderness. Yosemite’s the effects of human impact, so that inspirational and reduce wildlife research about some can read You for the next generation. magical experience remains and Canyon habitat in Lyell of these important such as restoring projects, in the following Meadow, boundaries to include Ackerson extending park for making so thank you to enjoy, is yours Wilderness Yosemite The pages. financial support. your possible through these projects Yosemite! do for for all you Thanks President Dean, Frank Providing for Yosemite’s future is our passion. We inspire people to inspire We is our passion. future Yosemite’s for Providing Yosemite and protect that preserve supportand programs projects visitor experience. and enrich the resources Park’s National

eller ether-Marion eorge Sundby eber* & ent* Jill Appenz Jill Estes Sue Art Baggett Philip Pillsbur Philip Av Jan Stanton* Russ Sheila Gr Sheila Lisa & Greg Stanger* Lisa & Greg & Jennifer Urick & Bill Susan Clifford J. Walker* & Wallner* Wally & Walston Jack W Phyllis Patsy & Tim Marshall Tim & Patsy Miks Kirsten & Dan Miller & Joe Robyn Napolitano Janet Otter Dick & Sharon Reller Bill Rempt & Rod Pam Rhodes* & Skip Frankie Robbins Liz & Royal & Rossetti Dave Ann & G Jean Lane Jean Lemmermann* Walt & Bob Lind Melody & Cindy Livermore Sam Lovelace Anahita & Jim & Marion Mark Jerry Edelbrock Jerry PRESIDENT & CEO Dean* Frank VICE PRESIDENT, COO & CFO

ischbach urn & y Johnson* SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG SPRING.SUMMER 2016 Gregor Christy Holloway* Tassone Richard Bernard F Bernard Gloria Miller Gloria ori & Bob Brant* ennifer & 02 *Indicates Board of Trustees Board *Indicates PARK NATIONAL YOSEMITE Neubacher Don Superintendent

Christina H J

Cynthia & Bill Floyd* & Bill Cynthia Freedman Jim Fuhrer* & Don Susan Bonnie Gregory Gregory* Rusty Hanson & Steve Karen Chuck & T & Allan Brown Marilyn Ciesinski* & Diane Steve & Bob Comstock Sandy Cranston* Hal Diaz & Manny Carol Dorman* Leslie* & John Dornsife* & Dana Dave Elliott Lisa & Craig Kathy Fairbanks & Sandra COUNCIL Adams* & Matt Hollis Adams & Michael Jeanne Augustyn Gretchen Baribault & Bill Susan & Bob Beck Meg & Bob Bennitt* Suzy & Bowman David VICE CHAIR Bob Bennitt* CHAIR L. PillsburyPhilip Jr.* YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY YOSEMITE MEMBERS COUNCIL

Q&A WITH A EXPERT INSIGHTS EXPERT WHY I GIVE READER PHOTO GRANT UPDATES PROGRAM UPDATES DONOR EVENTS

YOSEMITE INSIDER YOSEMITE 31 individuals of like-minded Join a community Yosemite. to connect to 32 of their stories donors share Conservancy and passion. inspiration 34 share supporters Conservancy Yosemite memories. their special Yosemite 12 the manager Linda Mazzu shares Resource borders Yosemite’s of expanding excitement Meadow. of Ackerson with the protection 14 Dickman explains Garrett botanist Yosemite pollinating species saves planting native how in Yosemite. wildlife 16 restoring Canyon; in Lyell habitat Preserving and frogs saving trails; Yosemite beloved flora. rare turtles; and researching 22 little-known explore Adventures Outdoor the celebrate programs theater wonders; and a new centennial; Service Park National golden age. rock-climbing’s memoir remembers DEPARTMENTS YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 03 :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG

SPRING.SUMMER 2016 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 01 07.ISSUE VOLUME

The pristine, rugged beauty of the Yosemite Wilderness inspires people to connect with the natural world. with the natural connect people to inspires Wilderness rugged beauty of the Yosemite pristine, The

RESTORATION IN IN RESTORATION RESTORING YOSEMITE’S YOSEMITE’S RESTORING NO TRACE: LEAVE

ABOVE or deep in the backcountry, every or deep in the backcountry, these simple steps visitor can follow our park. to protect beauty of Yosemite’s designated designated Yosemite’s beauty of native while protecting areas, Wilderness habitats. wildlife and sensitive GUIDE A STARTER’S Wawona Valley, Whether in Yosemite PICTURES: A BEFORE & AFTER STORY the hidden reveal pictures Side-by-side story from of wilderness restoration, to illegal campfires. trails to meadows WILDERNESS CHARACTER WILDERNESS the untrammeled restore Programs 10 04 08

IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS

PHOTO: (RIGHT) © KARL KROEBER. KEEPING THE “WILD” IN WILDERNESS PROJECTS PRESERVE YOSEMITE’S WILDERNESS

hat is wilderness? That seemingly simple noun conjures up a host of images and associated adjectives: undeveloped, rugged, wild. The 1964 Wilderness Act, which established a national network of places “protected and managed so as to preserve [their] natural conditions,” definedWilderness , with a capital W, as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

Where that definition stops, our relationship with wilderness begins. We, the human visitors who do not remain, embrace the recreational experiences wilderness offers, prize pristine landscapes as havens for plants and animals, and connect with the symbolic value of primeval spaces as reminders that we are relative newcomers on a shared, biodiverse and ancient earth.

All these human–nature relationships find a home in Yosemite. Every year, thousands venture into the park’s 704,624-acre designated Wilderness to experience a remarkable landscape of smooth granite domes and jagged peaks, still lakes and crashing waterfalls, ephemeral wildflowers and age-old trees. And every year, our donors help ensure those wild acres are preserved and managed, so they remain untrammeled for generations to come.

This August marks 100 years since President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service. The idea for

LEFT The Cathedral Range’s jagged Echo Peaks, rising out of a lush meadow above the still, clear Echo Lake, epitomize the Yosemite

Wilderness: pristine, diverse, wild. PHOTO: © ALICIA MARTINEZ.

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 05 “Wilderness is a place to calm the mind, clear the lungs and rejuvenate the spirit, but it is also a place to strengthen one’s mental, emotional and physical traits.”

— LAURIE STOWE Wilderness Program Manager

establishing that federal agency, which today oversees nearly resiliency of Yosemite’s Wilderness to human-induced change.” 44 million acres of the nation’s designated Wilderness, has roots in Yosemite. A century before the Wilderness Act, the The major goals of wilderness restoration, including restoring Valley’s majestic features and Mariposa Grove’s towering natural processes, slowing erosion, improving water quality sequoias helped inspire the 1864 Yosemite Grant Act — and reconnecting fragmented habitat, feature prominently groundbreaking legislation that spurred a movement to set in Conservancy-funded projects. This year, for example, aside protected areas as national parks. Much later, in 1984, donors are funding efforts to remove invasive plants in Congress officially designated the Yosemite Wilderness, which high-elevation meadows, to reestablish sequoia habitat and now accounts for nearly 95 percent of Yosemite National Park. natural water flow in Yosemite’s three sequoia groves, and to restore wilderness character by removing informal campsites Designating land as Wilderness, however, does not ensure it and restoring trails through the Keep it Wild program. Such will remain undeveloped and wild. According to Elissa Kretsch, restoration activities also encourage prevention. Since the Yosemite’s wilderness education coordinator, Conservancy Conservancy started funding Keep it Wild in the 1980s, the donors play a big part in protecting the park’s Wilderness and park has seen a steady downward trend in the number and ensuring everyone can appreciate the remarkable, rare experience size of inappropriately located campsites. of being a guest in a place where nature is allowed to prevail. In many cases, wilderness-preservation projects start with “Our love of wild places is the biggest threat to Wilderness areas,” understanding human nature. By looking at numerous social Kretsch says, noting that hikers can inadvertently affect their paths created around Cathedral Peak, crews identified and surroundings in many ways, such as by transporting invasive stabilized the most heavily used, durable trail, which helped plant seeds on their boots, creating social paths or building consolidate foot traffic and minimize impacts on the landscape. campsites in sensitive areas. “Conservancy-funded projects Last year, a similar approach was used to remove unsafe social not only repair this unintended damage, but also increase the trails near Vernal Fall, protecting hikers and fragile spray-

06 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG PHOTOS: (TOP) © KEITH WALKLET. (BOTTOM) © KYLIE CHAPPELL.

zone plants alike. Ongoing work to reroute sections of the John Muir Trail and restore wetland in Lyell Canyon (see p. 20) emerged from research showing that hikers were trampling sensitive meadow habitat to avoid muddy trails.

Truly preserving Wilderness not only involves restoring the “untrammeled” nature of a protected place, but also requires protecting the “community of life.” The animals that make their homes in the Yosemite Wilderness are as integral to the landscape as mountains and meadows. Donor-funded projects help protect wildlife in the park’s Wilderness in many ways, from planting flowers for bees, butterflies and other pollinators that fill a crucial niche in healthy ecosystems; to studying and protecting endangered species, such as great gray owls and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep; to tracking black bears with new GPS collars to keep bears wild and visitors safe.

Your support for projects that restore habitats and trails and TOP With more than 704,000 acres of designated protect wildlife benefits Yosemite’s Wilderness in countless Wilderness (nearly 95 percent of the park), Yosemite is a protected haven for pristine natural resources, diverse ways, year-round. If you’re looking for evidence of wilderness species and unparalleled views. BOTTOM The Conservancy’s restoration, however, don’t look too hard. As Kretsch reminds naturalist-led Outdoor Adventures offer ample opportunities us, “The best wilderness restoration is where you cannot see to explore the Yosemite Wilderness, including backpacking treks and high country day hikes. that it was needed at all.”

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 07 PHOTOS: (FROM TOP LEFT & RIGHT) © CHARLES CRAMER. SCOT MILLER. © KEITH WALKLET. © KEITH WALKLET. © YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY.

BE A LeaveNoTrace ACE ACE

SIMPLE STEPS ANYONE CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT YOSEMITE

eave No Trace. These three little words capture a huge idea: We can — and should — minimize our impact in the outdoors. The concept, born in the 1960s in response to increased visitation at parks and other public lands, was formalized in 1994 as the nonprofit Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. PHOTOS: (FROM TOP LEFT & RIGHT) © CHARLES CRAMER. SCOT MILLER. © KEITH WALKLET. © KEITH WALKLET. © YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY. “Everyone can Here’s a simple guide to use LNT principles to make your mark in Yosemite — by not making a mark! participate in wilderness protection, TIPS and they should — SHORT VISITS & DAY HIKES it’s their land, too!”

— ELISSA KRETSCH Respect signs. Wilderness Education Coordinator Way-finding and safety signs help you stick to designated trails and viewing areas, protecting you and the surrounding habitat.

Many projects you support in Yosemite Keep wildlife wild. Observe animals from a distance. Don’t feed wild animals! Use bear- help erase and prevent human “traces” proof lockers to store food at campgrounds and parking areas. in the park’s wilderness, by removing social trails, restoring sensitive habitats Indulge in eco-friendly self-expression. and more. Park professionals lead these Memorialize your nature experience in a poem, sketch or photograph, rather than by carving into a tree trunk or mossy rock. projects, but they aren’t the only ones with a part to play. With a few simple Leave what you find. steps, each of us can become an active Pocketing a pinecone may seem innocuous, but trees rely on cones to ambassador for the wild places we love. reproduce and grow, providing shelter and food for animals. Removing one cone, flower or rock might seem small to you, but imagine if each of Yosemite’s 4 million annual visitors did the same thing. As an official Leave No Trace (LNT) partner, Yosemite Conservancy urges Don’t leave anything else. people to do their part to protect the Use receptacles to dispose of litter — including crumbs, apple cores and orange peels. Even better: Bring your own bags, park. Our donors support programs and carry out your trash. that encourage young people to appreciate and care for their natural surroundings. Wilderness team members TIPS promote LNT principles while helping backpackers reserve permits and rent BACKCOUNTRY BASICS bear-proof food canisters, and Outdoor Adventure guides incorporate LNT Plan ahead. practices into every experience. Talk to rangers about your route, get permits and bear-proof food canisters, and respect wilderness quotas to help minimize Check out our no-trace tips at right, impact on backcountry trails and campsites. and don’t forget to use a whisk Stay on durable surfaces. broom or brush to wipe any plant Use existing trails and campsites. If you need to chart your own seeds off your boots, clothes and course, step and camp lightly: One study found that sites camped tent before and after your trip. on for four nights take eight years to recover fully. When heading off-trail, spread out to avoid creating social paths, and pitch your tent on a durable surface, such as rock, dry grass or snow. LNT encourages you to leave everything you find in the wilderness, Pack everything out. but here’s one thing we hope Yes, everything — that includes food scraps and toilet paper. Plan meals to avoid leftovers, and bring only what you need to stay fed, warm and safe. you always take home from your Yosemite visits: A sense of wonder Respect the 200-foot rule. and appreciation for an incredible Wash dishes, pitch tents and dispose all waste at least 200 feet natural place you help protect. By from streams and lakes to avoid contaminating water. supporting wilderness restoration and Practice clean cooking. practicing LNT principles, you’re Stick to stoves and lanterns. If you need to build a fire, keep it small, making a difference in Yosemite. douse it with water when finished, and scatter the cool ashes.

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 09 Upper Cathedral Meadow

Restoring Wild Lands A STORY IN PICTURES

Keep it Wild

tep into Yosemite’s Wilderness, and you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Sierra, from rugged granite mountains to rushing waterfalls. Each year, more than 15,000 people explore wilderness areas, sometimes inadvertently leaving their mark on the landscape. Conservancy donors frequently support the park’s hardworking wilderness restoration crews tasked with protecting sensitive habitat and restoring wilderness character. These workers do such a great job, Gaylor Lakes you’d never know they were there! These images from Conservancy-supported restoration projects highlight the dramatic changes made by crews who restore the “wild” to Yosemite’s Wilderness.

PHOTOS: (UPPER CATHEDRAL: LEFT TO RIGHT) © NANCY ROBBINS. © YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY. © COURTESY OF NPS. (KEEP IT WILD: LEFT TO RIGHT) © CHARLES CRAMER. © COURTESY OF NPS. (GAYLOR LAKES: LEFT TO RIGHT) © APRIL JOHNSON. © COURTESY OF NPS.

10 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG UPPER CATHEDRAL MEADOW is a flourishing natural ecosystem that supports Yosemite’s plants and animals. To protect this resource, more than a half-mile of networked trail ruts were restored to natural conditions, and the trail was rerouted from sensitive meadowland to resilient upland forest.

BEFORE DURING AFTER

KEEP IT WILD programs connect youth conservation groups with Yosemite park rangers to restore wilderness. This inappropriately located campsite and fire circle is less than 100 feet from a water source. Removing and disguising the site prevents future campers from using it and helps keep the water clean.

BEFORE DURING AFTER

GAYLOR LAKES and the surrounding meadows provide stunning scenery and prime habitat for the Yosemite toad. In 2013, restoration crews and youth volunteers restored deep trail ruts (formerly 5–13 inches in depth) to create a single hiking trail through dry ground.

BEFORE DURING AFTER EXPERT INSIGHTS

ACKERSON MEADOW

EXPANDING YOSEMITE’S ECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

BY LINDA MAZZU, RESOURCE MANAGER, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

tanding on a large rock within Ackerson Meadow, I marveled in the lovely LEFT The special-status pansy monkeyflower(Mimulus pulchellus) spring day. In every direction, I saw meadow and forest edge, while a pink, blooms in abundance in the meadow. yellow and purple carpet of the rare pansy monkeyflower lay at my feet. MIDDLE Ackerson Meadow’s 400 acres of mid-elevation habitat support diverse plant and animal This year, Yosemite National Park will “grow” by about 400 acres on species. RIGHT Many songbird its western border to encompass the Ackerson Meadow complex. This species, including endangered willow flycatchers, make their year-round or formerly private property will be protected for the public and for the seasonal homes in this natural haven wildlife that live here. Mid-elevation meadows, such as Ackerson Meadow, and in the western Sierra Nevada. their surrounding forests are the ecological gems of the Sierra Nevada. These meadows retain snowmelt in their wet soils, which grow lush patches of willows and numerous species of plants and shrubs, often bounded by mature forest. This combination of habitats is where we find the highest number of plant and animal species anywhere in Yosemite.

12 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG EXPERT INSIGHTS

PROJECT SUMMARY In 2016, the 400-acre Ackerson Meadow will be purchased and made part of Yosemite National Park. This acquisition is made possible through collaboration among The Trust for Public Land, the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, the National

PHOTOS: (LEFT) © COURTESY OF NPS. (MIDDLE) © ROBB HIRSCH, COURTESY OF THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND. (RIGHT) © YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY. (BELOW) © COURTESY OF LINDA MAZZU. Park Trust, American Rivers and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. The meadow was homesteaded in the 1880s and included in Studies in Ackerson Meadow reveal a flourishing food web. Numerous plant the original 1890 Yosemite National Park boundary. Adjustments in 1905 excluded the species attract an equally impressive number of pollinating insects, which in property from the park. In 1937, the meadow’s turn, attract small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The forest edge southern edge was added back to the park. With this partnership, the remaining portions provides ample perching opportunities for raptors, such as northern harriers will again be part of Yosemite National Park. and American kestrels, and cover for larger mammals. To me, there is no more perfect example of an ecosystem in motion than Ackerson Meadow.

Ackerson Meadow does not exist in isolation; it is part of a sprawling network of meadow systems. Protecting this area as part of an intact meadow system helps the numerous rare and unique species that use the meadow complex in its entirety. Such species include western pond turtles, great gray owls, grasshopper sparrows, pallid bats and other rare bat species. In addition, Ackerson Meadow is one of the few mid-elevation meadows reliably used by the endangered willow flycatcher.

As I stood there on that rock in Ackerson Meadow, stories to be told about the LINDA MAZZU leads Yosemite’s resource management and science teams as the unique natural and cultural history of this area were already forming in my division chief. She has worked for the National head. As a resource manager for the National Park Service, there is no greater Park Service for most of her 34-year career. Though Mazzu has had the pleasure to work in accomplishment than enhancing the protection of ecological diversity and a variety of landscapes, she finds the greatest wildlife connectivity. Through projects such as this one, Yosemite Conservancy inspiration from the scenery of Yosemite contributes to the history of landscape conservation for Yosemite National and the Sierra Nevada. Mazzu works with an amazing group of scientists and resource Park. We should all be very proud of this amazing effort. managers to protect the future of Yosemite’s natural and cultural heritage through science, scholarship and informed stewardship.

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 13 “Native plants feed pollinators: PHOTOS: (LEFT & RIGHT BOTTOM) © COURTESY OF NPS. (RIGHT TOP) © YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES. insects and animals looking for sweet nectar or fatty protein- rich pollen from flowers.”

— GARRETT DICKMAN Botanist & Resource Management Park Ranger

WITH A YOSEMITE Q&A INSIDER Garrett Dickman has been weeding out non-native plants from Yosemite since 2010.

ark ranger and botanist Garrett Q :: Yosemite Conservancy is supporting a Dickman has surveyed land across the project to replant native species to save pollinators. Why is this important? West, searching out invasive plants.

He joined Yosemite National Park as a ranger A :: Native plants feed pollinators: insects and animals in the wake of the Big Meadow Fire, which looking for sweet nectar or fatty protein-rich pollen from burned 7,425 acres on the west side of the flowers. In their search for food, they disperse pollen and park. As part of the fire-recovery efforts, inadvertently help plants reproduce. Pollinators include insects, such as bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths and Yosemite needed biologists to survey plant beetles; as well as birds, bats and mammals. Yosemite life. With a recent graduate degree in ecology provides a protected haven for migrating pollinators, such from Montana State University, Dickman as the monarch butterfly and various hummingbird species. found the timing was perfect to put his years Yosemite’s migratory birds and insects may also pollinate the food growing in California’s Central Valley. As pollinator of knowledge and experience to service for populations across the nation are crashing, it is important to Yosemite. He says accepting this position protect their wild food sources. was like “finding love.” Q :: How do youth volunteers contribute to the Q :: Your specialty is invasive plants. Why are health of Yosemite’s native plants? invasive plants disruptive to Yosemite? A :: Youth groups provide key support for this project to A :: Invasive or non-native plants are species that have replant native species. Students from NatureBridge, a youth serious potential to displace native plants. From an environmental science program, spent the fall collecting ecological perspective, the staggering immensity of sequoias, seeds and removing non-native plants. This summer, a the improbable blue sky pilot flowers, the blinding yellow group of students will plant pollinator-friendly species as of spring poppies and the gracefully arched black oaks are part of a youth symposium celebrating the centennial of critically important. If we lose these native plants, we lose the national park system. Students will take away a sense of part of the identity of this place. Our work helps maintain accomplishment and a connection to Yosemite, as well as the that sense of place for years to come. knowledge they can make an impact to protect wildlife in parks or at home.

14 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG YOSEMITE INSIDER PHOTOS: (LEFT & RIGHT BOTTOM) © COURTESY OF NPS. (RIGHT TOP) © YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES.

Q :: What do you love about your work in Yosemite?

A :: I never have to remind myself how lucky I am to live and work here. Thanks to the work we do, Yosemite visitors will see areas previously taken over by non-native grasses covered once again with wildflowers.

Q :: How important is the Conservancy’s role in supporting your work?

A :: True protection takes much more than a “national parks” label; it takes a public that believes in preserving our shared heritage. Many of the projects I work on would not ABOVE The monarch butterfly is completely dependent on be possible without the support of Conservancy donors. milkweed for its survival, and places such as Yosemite offer protection for this often-overlooked plant. RIGHT Before digging up Thank you to Jack and Sheri Overall for generously invasive thistle with shovels, providing significant funds in support of this project. youth volunteers remove flower heads so plants won’t spread seeds.

Bring Yosemite Home From books to apparel, the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore has great finds for the Yosemite-lover in your life.

Each purchase benefits the park — just one more way for you to show your support for Yosemite.

Shop now at yosemiteconservancy.org

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 15 GRANT UPDATES

New Grants for 2016*

CULTURAL & HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Create an Online Yosemite Museum Gallery $29,904 Modernize the Yosemite Research Library $30,200 RESTORING Preserve the Pioneer Yosemite History Center $55,000 Preserve Yosemite’s Horse & Mule Tradition $20,000 Special Exhibit: 90 Years of the Yosemite Museum $123,664 TREASURED HABITAT RESTORATION Improve John Muir Trail & Meadow Habitat in Lyell Canyon $143,540 TRAILS Keep It Wild: Restore Yosemite’s Wilderness $199,980 Plant Flowers to Save Pollinators $95,650 Protect Ackerson Meadow $500,000 Restore Alpine Meadows: Remove Invasive Plants $52,548 CARING FOR YOSEMITE VALLEY’S

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH MOST POPULAR TRAILS Every Drop Counts: Monitor Yosemite’s Snowpack & Water Resources $51,008 Protect Songbirds & Inspire Visitors $51,628 Rare Flora Research: Yosemite’s “Fire-Followers” $87,496 Save Our Sequoias: Protect Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia Groves $82,200

TRAIL REHABILITATION & ACCESS

CCC Crews Restore Trails: Merced Watershed $233,500 CCC Crews Restore Trails: Matterhorn Canyon $234,072 Restore Legendary Valley Trails $365,000 Restore Popular Climber-Access Trails $80,000

VISITOR SERVICES & EDUCATION

Adventure Risk Challenge: Youth Build Skills in Yosemite $95,000 Ask a Climber $45,750 Connect the Class of 2016 to Yosemite $35,000 Inspire Kids: Junior Ranger Program $125,000 Keep Visitors Safe with Preventive Search and Rescue $50,000 Parks in Focus: Youth Experience Yosemite through Photography $24,000 Parsons Memorial Lodge Summer Series $45,000 ick a trail to hike in or around Yosemite Valley, Replace Search and Rescue Tent Housing $13,774 WildLink: Teens Explore Yosemite & and before long, you’ll be enjoying a tranquil Conservation Careers $49,271 walk in the woods, marveling at a thunderous Yosemite Leadership Program: waterfall or taking in jaw-dropping views. Those Shaping New Stewards at UC Merced $100,000 Yosemite Leadership Program: timeless Valley trails provide access to some of the Summer Internships in the Park $120,298 park’s most iconic landmarks — and thanks to

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT your support, Yosemite’s crews are making sure Keep Bears Wild with Advanced Technology $79,000 those trails match their high-caliber settings. Protect the Sierra Nevada Red Fox $62,100 Protect Yosemite’s Owls $97,310 You’ve probably spotted trail restoration work without Restore Rare Frogs & Turtles $185,064 Return Bighorn Sheep to the Heart knowing it: in stone steps, nonasphalt surfaces and helpful of Yosemite’s Wilderness $83,100 signs. This year is a special one for the trail crew: The TOTAL $3,645,057 restoration of Yosemite’s legendary Valley trails was identified as one of 106 projects selected in 2016 for the National Park *Color represents 2016 Youth in Yosemite Programs.

16 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG GRANT UPDATES

Your support ensures trails, such as the popular John Muir Trail, offer safe, enjoyable and environmentally sound experiences for visitors as they explore the park’s natural wonders.

PHOTOS: (ABOVE) © KEITH WALKLET. (RIGHT) © COURTESY OF NPS.

Service’s Centennial Challenge, which aims to ensure parks are prepared to preserve natural resources and provide top-notch visitor experiences for centuries to come.

LEFT Backpackers enjoy a view To meet that challenge, crews are focusing on completing major renovations of Nevada Fall as they head at the heavily used trailhead near Happy Isles, which provides access to Vernal back from the high country along the John Muir Trail. RIGHT Fall, Nevada Fall and Half Dome via the Mist and John Muir trails. The next Crews install a semi-porous time you’re in that area, note the fresh fencing, way-finding and safety signs, material on a section of the and sustainable trail tread. Later in the season, the crews will head toward Clark trail below Vernal Fall, creating a smooth surface and allowing ® Point to install StaLok , a self-healing, smooth, environmentally sound surface for healthier water flow than material, on a 1,000-foot section of the John Muir Trail. With your support, asphalt tread. these projects are transforming some of Yosemite’s most beloved trails, and improving access to waterfalls and other natural wonders for visitors today and in the future.

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 17 GRANT UPDATES PHOTOS: (TOP & MIDDLE) © COURTESY OF NPS. (BOTTOM) © KQED. CREATIVE COMMONS. PHOTOS: (TOP) © COURTESY OF NPS. (BOTTOM) © NICK DEAN.

SAVING RARE FROGS & TURTLES

BIOLOGISTS AID POPULATIONS OF

SEMI-AQUATIC SPECIES

Today, thanks to support from donors, the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog’s once-declining numbers are increasing at 10 percent annually.

nce plentiful in Yosemite’s wilderness, frog and turtle populations have Western pond turtles will be restored to Yosemite Valley. greatly decreased due to habitat degradation and disease. Though small in scale, these creatures play an important role in the Sierra ecosystem, filling a niche as predators, prey and indicators of environmental stresses.

In the past, Conservancy donors have supported the recovery of Yosemite’s endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs through projects that have honed techniques for identifying suitable habitat and relocating amphibians. This year, while continuing to introduce yellow-legged frogs to mountain lakes, biologists are expanding their focus to two other special-status species. At least 1,500 California red-legged frogs and 10 western pond turtles will be released in Yosemite Valley. Scientists are rearing frog eggs and turtle hatchlings at the San Francisco Zoo for this release.

Thanks to your support, these mini-but-mighty animals are receiving the best California red-legged frogs are being reared at the San Francisco Zoo for possible protection. With this project, scientists are demonstrating the potential release in Yosemite. for species recovery in both wilderness and more developed areas.

18 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG GRANT UPDATES PHOTOS: (TOP) © COURTESY OF NPS. (BOTTOM) © NICK DEAN.

BLOOMING IN FIRE’S WAKE

SCIENTISTS FIND RARE FLOWERS IN FOOTPRINTS OF WILDFIRES

osemite, which lies within one of the world’s 35 biodiversity “hot spots,” is home to about 1,800 plant species. A small subset of the park’s flora stand out for their unique habitat requirements: They sprout only in the wake of fire. Recent wildfires have created a fleeting window for scientists to study these “fire-following” species before they subside.

In 2015, with support from Conservancy donors, scientists discovered TOP A botanist maps Small’s southern new populations of fire-germinated flowers, including slenderstem monkeyflower, clarkia (Clarkia australis), a mottled purple an endangered species that grows only in the Yosemite area. This year, your gifts are flower endemic to the Sierra Nevada. BOTTOM Slenderstem monkeyflower allowing scientists to expand their search for ephemeral fire-following plants across (Mimulus filicaulis) is found only in the a broader range of elevations and habitats. As Student Conservation Association mountains of Mariposa, Tuolumne and Madera counties. interns gain valuable research experience, visitors are learning about fire’s role in healthy ecosystems through activities including a late May “BloomBlitz.” This event is part of the National Park Service Centennial BioBlitz, a rapid biological survey to inventory diverse species at parks across the country.

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 19 GRANT UPDATES

RESTORING A TRAIL TO SAVE A MEADOW

THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL & MEADOW HABITAT IN LYELL CANYON

“When crew members point out the old trail location to visitors, they are often amazed and grateful.”

— VICTORIA HARTMAN Wilderness Restoration Coordinator

ust south of Tioga Road, the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River winds through a sub-alpine meadow, a haven for diverse plants and animals. This idyllic patch of park is also home to a 9-mile section of the John Muir Trail, which attracts a wide variety of visitors, from Tuolumne day-trippers to thru-hikers tackling the 211-mile trek that connects Yosemite Valley and Mt. Whitney.

Throughout the years, the trail’s popularity has started to threaten surrounding habitat. A 2011 study mapped 2.5 miles of ruts created by hikers, horses and mules walking off-trail to avoid water and mud. Ruts disrupt natural hydrology, which can, in turn, alter plant communities and damage habitat for threatened species such as the Yosemite toad and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. A crew member gathers plants that will be used to repair social trails and ruts, restoring the meadow’s natural vegetation and water flow.

20 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG GRANT UPDATES

BEFORE: July 2014

AFTER: September 2015

PHOTOS: (LEFT) © COURTESY OF NPS. (MIDDLE) © KAITYMH. CREATIVE COMMONS. (RIGHT BEFORE & AFTER) © COURTESY OF NPS. LEFT The Lyell Canyon section of the 211-mile John Muir Trail follows a fork of Through a series of Conservancy-supported projects, including one this year, the Tuolumne River through a serene Sierra meadow, which is being restored restoration crews have rerouted sections of the trail onto more durable ground, with support from Conservancy donors. erasing traces of the old trail and restoring meadow habitat by loosening compacted ABOVE Crews shifted this stretch of the John Muir Trail in Lyell Canyon, seen soil and replanting native vegetation. above in July 2014, out of the sensitive wet meadow and onto more durable “Thanks to effective restoration techniques, visitors rarely notice the former trail ground. By September 2015, as autumn hues crept into the canyon, the formerly through the meadow,” notes Victoria Hartman, Yosemite’s wilderness restoration heavily compacted route had been coordinator. “When crew members point out the old trail location to visitors, they restored to healthy habitat. are often amazed and grateful.”

Learn more about this year’s By the end of 2016, donor-funded projects will have rerouted 8,900 feet of trail work in Lyell Canyon — and and restored 13.5 acres of wetland. Along the way, crews are surveying for rare other restoration projects you plants, educating visitors, enhancing habitat for native amphibians and creating support in the park — online: yosemiteconservancy.org/ more enjoyable hiking experiences. your-gifts-work

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 21 PROGRAM UPDATES PHOTOS: © KEITH WALKLET. PHOTO: (RIGHT) © GLEN DENNY.

HONORING THE CENTENNIAL

CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

ABOVE Ranger Shelton Johnson as Buffalo Soldier Sgt. Elizy Boman. LEFT Lee Stetson starred in the Conservancy’s first theater show, which opened on John Muir’s birthday in 1983. He is an official NPS centennial ambassador.

2015 YOSEMITE hen Lee Stetson takes the Yosemite Theater stage, with his long beard THEATER SCHEDULE and walking stick, it’s easy to imagine you’re back in the late 1800s, gazing up at John Muir. Since 1983, Stetson has brought Muir, the SUNDAYS : June 26–August 28 “father of the national parks,” to life for Yosemite audiences. Yosemite through the Eyes of a Buffalo Soldier

TUESDAYS : April 12–October 25 Yosemite Search and Rescue This season, Stetson stars in The Spirit of John Muir, one of three performances in the Conservancy’s 2016 theater lineup WEDNESDAYS : May 25–October 26 John Muir Series: Conversation with a Tramp that honor the NPS centennial by connecting visitors with people and events that

THURSDAYS : May 26–October 27 shaped Yosemite and the broader movement to preserve public lands. In the spring, John Muir Series: The Spirit of John Muir audiences “met” Galen Clark, Yosemite’s first guardian; this summer, ranger Shelton

FRIDAYS : April 8–October 28 Johnson will introduce visitors to Buffalo Soldiers, the African-American cavalrymen Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey who served as the park’s early rangers. SATURDAYS : April 9–June 18 & September 3–October 29 Celebrate the centennial by spending an evening with some of the incredible figures Return to Balance: A Climber’s Journey who made Yosemite and the park system a reality. See you at the theater!

22 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG PROGRAM UPDATES PHOTO: (RIGHT) © GLEN DENNY.

FROM CAMP 4 TO VALLEY WALLS

GLEN DENNY’S NEW MEMOIR CELEBRATES

YOSEMITE’S CLIMBING CULTURE

ock-climbers flock to Yosemite to challenge themselves on glacier- carved cliffs, following in the rubber- soled steps of countless wall-scaling adventurers. Records of visitors tackling Half Dome date back to the 1870s. But the “golden age” of Yosemite climbing arrived in the 1960s, when pioneering athletes pursued big dreams on some of the world’s biggest walls, shattering ideas about what climbers could achieve.

Photographer and climber Glen Denny, a well- known figure in Yosemite’s Camp 4, captured the ’60s era in striking black-and-white images. His new Conservancy-published memoir, available in May 2016, recounts challenging climbs, stormy nights on El Capitan, and adventures in and above Camp 4. Through 224 pages of anecdotes and photos, Denny paints a powerful portrait of Yosemite’s vertical landscapes. Thanks to your support for climber-access trails and educational programs, explorers and caretakers of this granite environment are ushering in a new age of world-class climbing and stewardship.

Get a copy of Glen Denny’s memoir for the rock-climber in your life! “Ed Cooper on the first ascent of the Dihedral Wall (1962), the third route done on Visit yosemiteconservancy.org/store El Capitan. This was the smoothest, most resistant part of El Cap yet attempted. There was only one small bivouac ledge in the first 2,000 feet.” — Glen Denny

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 23 PROGRAM UPDATES

EXPAND YOUR YOSEMITE HORIZONS

BEYOND BEST-KNOWN EXPERIENCES, ADVENTURE AWAITS

ave you snapped a Tunnel View panorama? Strolled through Cook’s Meadow? Hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls? Such classic spots have earned their places at the head of most Yosemite LEFT Cultural demonstrator Julia Parker itineraries. Beyond the park’s most popular locales, leads Outdoor Adventure workshops on Miwok-Paiute basketry and American-Indian however, you’ll find thousands of exploration- food preparation. RIGHT The Conservancy’s worthy acres alive with biodiversity, history and, naturalist-led backpacking trips provide opportunities for beginning and advanced of course, breathtaking scenery. adventurers to explore less-frequented trails and discover Yosemite’s rugged beauty. Yosemite Conservancy’s expert-led Outdoor Adventures provide plenty of ways to discover new facets of the park’s natural and cultural landscapes. Start in Yosemite Valley, where you can spend the weekend learning to spot rare songbirds. Or spend

24 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG PROGRAM UPDATES

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Explore the best of Yosemite with a park insider on one of this year’s popular Outdoor Adventures.

2016 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES HIGHLIGHTS

JUNE 3–5 Yosemite Birding: Insiders’ Look

JUNE 18–19 & SEPTEMBER 23–25 Yosemite Miwok-Paiute Basketry

JUNE 25–26 Learning to Listen: Birding by Ear & Beginning Birding

JULY 16–19 & AUGUST 18–21 High Country Campout for Grown-Ups

AUGUST 5–7 Yosemite Day Hikes: Sierra Nevada Expert Series

AUGUST 6 PHOTOS: (LEFT) © KEITH WALKLET. (MIDDLE) © YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY. Survival Scavenger Hunt (great for families) an enjoyable afternoon exploring the park’s American-Indian past through AUGUST 18–21 workshops in basket-weaving or native food preparation, led by Julia Parker, a Backpack to Lyell Glacier: cultural demonstrator often referred to as a “national treasure.” Last of its Kind

SEPTEMBER 1–4 Summer abounds with opportunities to explore the Yosemite Wilderness. Backpack to Mono Pass: Tuolumne Meadows serves as a starting point for day hikes to little-visited Peak Bagger locations, such as Gaylor Lakes, where you might spot American pikas, and SEPTEMBER 16–17 Bennettville, a historic mining town amid mountain meadows. For an extended Yosemite Evening Experiences: experience, backpack the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, visit the vanishing Taft Point & Bat Science

Lyell Glacier, or “bag” an impressive peak on Yosemite’s eastern edge. OCTOBER 1–2 American-Indian Food Preparation Ready to find your adventure? & Acorns Visit yosemiteconservancy.org/outdoor-adventures

THANK YOU

YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY SUPPORTERS Yosemite Conservancy is extremely grateful to acknowledge the John Muir Heritage Society and Joseph Le Conte Legacy Society individual donors, foundations, businesses and volunteers who supported our work at a leadership level from Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2015, below. Donors of $25 and more are listed in the Honor Register or on the Honor Wall at the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite National Park. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to fulfill our mission to preserve and protect Yosemite National Park and enrich the visitor experience — today and for future generations.

JOHN MUIR Dianne & Daniel Vapnek Philip & Nancy Naecker Donald & Susan Fuhrer Steven & Kim Rizzuto HERITAGE SOCIETY Clifford James Walker Andy & Maria Pecota Sam & Ann Ginn Elizabeth Ross Bill, Alan, Jack & Don Weeden Paul A. Peterson Lauren Giometti Dave Rossetti & Jan Avent The John Muir Heritage Society Paul, Andy, Jay & Matt Peterson Burton & Maud Carol Goldfield Anthony & Cindi Ruggiero is composed of individuals with a BENEFACTORS Sharon & Philip L. Pillsbury Mr. & Mrs. John Goldman Ruth Sasaki strong commitment to preserving and Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999 Jeremy Roschelle Jeannette & Jerry Goldstone Robert & Catherine Saxton protecting Yosemite for the future by Jim & Emily Scheinman James H. Greene Jr. Family Steve & Terri Saxton giving $1,000 and more each year. Anonymous (3) Greg & Lisa Stanger Schuyler Greenleaf & Jean & Barry Schuyler Robert & Angela Amarante James & Kay Stiles Brian Ketron Donald A. Shepherd RANGERS Susan & William H. Baribault Malcolm Swift Rusty Gregory Josephine Shuman Gifts of $100,000 & more Bob & Suzy Bennitt Peter & Virginia Van Kuran Janet W. & D. Wylie Greig Tod & Cathy Spieker Steve & Gayle Brugler Steve & Beth Bangert Bud & Nancy Wakeland Cornelia Haag-Molkenteller Thomas & Virginia Steuber Mrs. Laura W. Bush Walter R. Wallner Jr. & Ginnie & Peter Haas Jr. The George Sundby Family Marilyn & Allan Brown Polly & Randy Cherner Gregory D. & Jill Appenzeller Steve, Karen, Melanie & Michael & Patricia Thalhamer Bob & Sandy Comstock & Family Leonard & Jeanne Ware Dylan Hanson Charles Thornton III Jennifer Walston Johnson Aileen & Elmer Connett Claire & Eugene Kopp Judith F. Wilbur Eliza Hart Andrea & Charles Thurber Richard & Bonnie Cook Kirby & Amy Wilcox Laura Haworth John & Catherine Townsley Sara Miller McCune Harold D. Cranston Mark Pigott Family Bill & Janne Wissel Susan Lynne Heeley Traci Troxell Beth & Richard DeAtley Richard Bryan Younce Christy & Chuck Holloway Diana Valle Allen & Marilyn Puckett Dominic & Margaret Ned & Carol Spieker E. Alan Holroyde Eugene Van Dyk DeCristofaro SENTINELS Joseph C. Howard Jr. & Gwendolyn Walsh Gary & Katherine Dei Rossi Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Wesley Halbruner John & Connie Wesley PIONEERS The Diaz Family Gifts of $50,000 to $99,999 Cecelia Hurwich & Don Ross Marilyn & Howard Whelan Bill & Nancy Doolittle Anonymous (2) Gregory & Roberta Isaeff Gabrielle Wirth & Luke Torres Anonymous (2) Dana & David Dornsife Doug & Judy Adams Katharine Hotchkis Johnson William Anderson Lisa & Craig Elliott Matthew & Hollis Adams Vernon & MaryJane Johnson GUARDIANS Gretchen Augustyn James J. & Sue Femino Robert & Margaret Beck William & Lynne Johnstone Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999 Eloise C. Goodhew Barnett Sandra & Bernard Fischbach Tracy & Linwood Boomer Robert & Ranelle Kain Peggy Moore & Les Chow James B. Freedman Robert & Victoria Brant AJ & Diane Kallet Anonymous (5) Leslie & John Dorman John & Carole Garand Steven J. Brenner Leila Kazemi-Carlton Keith & Jill Alley James A. Frank Ted Goldstein & Ralph Britton Jr. Timothy & Marlena Keenan Valerie & Bill Anders Paul & Heather Haaga Jessica Bernhardt Cherie Campbell & John & Diana Keith Susan & Matt Andros Peter Hilf John W. Houghton Jr. David Goldschmidt The Kennedy Family Patricia Angell Jack & Sheri Overall Franklin & Cathie Johnson Xander Carlson Sarah Korda Jeff & Debi Augustyn William E. Reller Bruce Karatz Michael & Kathleen Casey William Kumpf Jennifer Augustyn & Ali Meghdadi Marjorie Rossi Rick Kingsland Stephen & Diane Ciesinski Robert & Melody Lind Lawrence & Ida Baker Len Shustek & Donna Dubinsky Joyce Klein & Gerald Breslauer Leonard & Brenda Cipriano Sam & Cindy Livermore Shirley Crawford Balch & Thomas & Janet Lacey Barbara Coulter The Mackenzie Family Sherman L. Balch PATRONS The Landreth Family John & Pam Craig Diane Mahony Gary Barbano Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999 Walt Lemmermann Marilyn Crane Tim & Patsy Marshall Jim & Nanci Bauchiero Joanne Lester Theresa Daly Victor Martino Ronald W. & Ann C. Berg Kevin G. Clifford Linda Lee Lester Lynette & Michael Davis Karen & Russell Merritt Bill & Betsie Berrien Joan Egrie Gene & Genevieve Lew Frank & Diane Dean Janet Napolitano Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bessieres Robert & Susan Flint Jim & Anahita Lovelace William Denty The Nikolai Family Mark Biersack Cynthia & Bill Floyd Lillian Lovelace Sterling & Chester Dorman Bonnie Nishkian-Clark & Tom Bissell Ben & Ruth Hammett Carol C. Luckhardt Tom & Sally Edsall John Clark The Booth Family Bob Johnson Mark Marion & Fredrick & Freda Ekstein Priscilla Nutt Daniel & Jane Bosch Don & Dorothy Lewis Sheila Grether-Marion Bob & Jewell Engstrom Peter & Rozell Overmire Susan & Timothy Bottoms Tom & Barbara Mazzetti William & Muriel McGee Craig & Sally Falkenhagen Larry & Nancy Pasquali David A. Bowman & Gloria Miller Skip & Frankie Rhodes Gary Miller Walli Finch Joan Pauloo Edward R. & Patricia Brands Gene Underwood John & Nadine Mills Elizabeth W. Frost Lawson A. & Gisele L. Rankin Paul & Ann Schuyler Brenner

HONORING OUR DONORS PHOTO: © AL GOLUB. GUARDIANS CONT. Erwin Ordeman Mrs. Henry Ordeman Bruce & Teresa Caldwell Darryl D. Ott Tim & Sylvia Carter Richard C. Otter Gabriella R. Casares David & Nicole Pincek Kevin Caudill Thomas Plumb & Maria Reyes Susan Clark Marylou & Burton Powell Anne & Tracey Coats April Ramos Steve & Carolyn Conner Mrs. John D. Relfe Robert & Kim Corrao Ellen Richey Kim & Tom Coull Beverly Riddle Bruce Davie & Christy Bonstelle George & Edyth Roberts Dave & Teri Dayton James Robinson & Kathy Kohrman Jonnie V. Denise Toby & Sally Rosenblatt Monica DePalmo Phil Seab James & Julie Devine Pearl Anne Seipp Silas Dilworth & Karyn Kohl Peter & Joanne Slusser Catherine Dolton Jennifer & Russ Stanton Gerald & Anne Down Stephen Steinhauser Eleanor & Joseph Dunn Stewart Family Foundation Patti Johns Eisenberg Ted Surber Paul & Patti Eisenberg Stan Tabler & Teresa Eggemeyer Jeff Elfont & Laurelle Swan Todd & Karen Tanberg Dan & Rae Emmett Richard & Danessa Techmanski “As a young boy, I made occasional visits to Kathy Fairbanks Anne & Michael Towbes Nick Fedrick Stephanie & Andrew Towell the park. Now, having the wisdom that comes Dottie Fern Frank J. Tsai & Robert & Michelle Friend Frances Reynolds-Tsai with age, I have grown to cherish Yosemite. Stephen & Pam Gifford Jerry & Ilona Ulrich Lucille Glassman Sloan & Priscilla B. Upton I am happy to do what I can through the Karen & Raymond Gordon Susan & Bill Urick Bonnie Gregory Jeff Vadasz Conservancy to protect this special place.” Joyce & Johnnie Gregory Valerie Vanaman Carl Grunsky & Joan Parker Jack H. Walston & Susan M. Estes — JOHN HOUGHTON John Gunn Phyllis Weber & Art Baggett John Muir Heritage Society Donor & Ellen Halter Clare R. Wheeler Joseph Le Conte Legacy Society Member Bob & Betsy Hansen Donna Wills Douglas & Debra Highsmith John M. Winslow David & Chun Hua Hoffman Witbeck Charitable Lead Brian & Susan Holcomb Annuity Trust Debra Holcomb & Dale Ashlock Ward & Polly Wolff Barbara L. Holloway John Wulf & Anjali Shenoy Burnett & Florence Barto Marilyn & Allan Brown John & Pam Craig Karen & Ralph Hulbert Jo Anne Yanagisawa Adrienne Bass Jonathan & Ayse Brown Lawrence Crane Mark & Linda Hurst Gary & Christine Younger Earl Bates Robert & Susan Brown Robert & Marguerite Cranford Lawrence Janss Herb & Barbara Yuki Linda & Peter Baumhefner Steve & Gayle Brugler Harold D. Cranston Thorro & Joan Jones Jaz Zaitlin & Mark Nienberg Daryl & Jill Bauza Faith M. Burgard Erica Crawford Charles & JoAnn Kaplan Nancy & Mel Ziontz Robert & Margaret Beck Ellen Burmester Mary Beth Crittendon Seymour Kaufman George & Randy Beckwith Audrey Steele Burnand Alan Croft & Colleen Kent Bruce, Candis & Matthew Kerns JOSEPH LE CONTE Darlene Bellucci & William Burt Russell & Lynne Crosby Marvin & Mary Kilgo LEGACY SOCIETY Tonino Drovandi Candace & Donald Butwill Cynthia F. Cross Robert D. Kline & Jack R. Benjamin Linda Caldwell Linda G. Crowthers Yosemite Conservancy thanks Denise Wang Kline Edward & Mildred Bennett Melanie & Daniel Callaway Glen & Ginny Cureton members of the Joseph Le Conte Margie & Ralph Koldinger Bob & Suzy Bennitt Patricia J. Campbell Pierre & Judy d’Albert Legacy Society, who have provided for Anne & Gregg Korbin Ronald W. & Ann C. Berg Susan Campbell Theresa Daly Yosemite’s future in their estate plans. Sherill Ladwig & Charlene Kramer Sylvia Berke-Forster R. David Cantu & Lillian Dangott Dean Leonard Anonymous (10) Laurel Best-Linton Helen Laurie Button-Cantu Peter J. Davis Nancy Schwarm Livesay Denis J. Adair Steve Biddle Mimi M. Carroll Scott Randolph Davis John & Lori Loftus Patricia Adams The Bingham Kearns Michael & Kathleen Casey George Henry De Backer Mark & Nancy Logan Alan Ahlstrand & Mary Donahue Charitable Fund Donald & Susan Caskey Joe & Sally DeAngelo Park Loughlin Carl & Su Anne Alessandro Judith Bingman Eunice M. Childs Beth & Richard DeAtley Bill & Carolyn Lowman Carol Allen Margaret Blankley Lan Chin Dominic & Margaret DeCristofaro Matt & Betsy Matteson Douglas J. & Carole T. Allen Roberta Bleiweiss Donald & Lucye Christiansen Catharine B. Deely Mary Ann Matthews John Alt & Rachel Makool Kari Blinn Mary E.F. Rachel Church Don DeFever Rosalie F. Maxeiner Andy & Carole Amstutz Elizabeth L. Boineau Stephen & Diane Ciesinski Ellen M. deLalla Marvin & Evelyn McCauley Irene & Eilif Andersen John Boles Delbert B. & Andrea Cinnamond John DeNatale David & Susan McCormick Roy A. & Betty B. Anderson Thomas & Diane Bopp Leonard & Brenda Cipriano Jonnie V. Denise Dave & Lindsay McMenamin Mona Anderson Marianne Borselle Tobin Clarke & Linda Turkatte John & Kathleen Dewes Anne Giannini McWilliams Richard & Kevyn Andrews Beate Boultinghouse Vahl P. Clemensen Charles T. DeWoody Kirsten & Dan Miks Anthony Angellotti Charles E. Bradbury III Bette Jean Clute Christine Dickey Joseph & Robyn Miller Robert L. Ankrum & Debra Jones Peter P. Bradley Mary Cody-Limacher Charles Dillingham & Susan Clines Robert Miller & Michael & Heidi Ausman Robert & Victoria Brant Sue Coffman Leslie & John Dorman Candice Sommer-Miller Joan C. Bacci Doug Bray Larry & Eleanor Cohen Jacqueline & Raymond Doumanian Janet Mohle-Boetani & Jo Bacon Paul & Ann Schuyler Brenner Sam & Carol Cohen Margaret Drugay Mark Manasse Russ & Peggy Bair Edward & Mindy Breslin James A. Collier Jerry Edelbrock & Jeri Howland Diane & Gordon Myers Patrick & Elaine Baird Roger & Korki Brett Jessie Collier Bruce & Carol Edmundson Paul & Antje Newhagen Glenn D. Baker Richard & Demi Briscoe Richard & Rosita Conness Frances Edson Sharon & Dan Niedringhaus Thomas Banahan Stephanie Brito Matthew & Elneda Connors Michael Ellerby Barbara Nissen Steve & Beth Bangert Ralph Britton Jr. Laurie Cooper Dale N. Elliott & Chris Mengarelli Mary Novak Carole Barnes Robert & Prudence Broadwell Kim & Tom Coull Lisa & Craig Elliott Stephen & Elizabeth O’Brien Marie Schoppe Bartee Beverly Boekel Broughton Barbara Coulter Albert Emery Vance O’Neill Laura Bartlett-Armstrong Charles Brousse Carolyn Cox Greg Erwin

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 27 HONORING OUR DONORS PHOTO: © AL GOLUB. Thomas & Caroline Maddock Skip Rhodes James Maller Jan J. Richardson Stuart & Wendy Malmid Beverly J. Riddle Bill & Angeli Maney Steven & Kim Rizzuto William & Leslie Marcus Jennifer A. Roberts Victor Martino Judith K. Robinson Eleanor Masar Susan L. Robinson Patricia Mason Mary Rogers-Jones Steven Matros Cheryl Rollings Diane W. Mayfield Jack Rosenstein Edgar McCanless James Ross Richard McCausland Dave Rossetti & Jan Avent Judy McConnell Maynard & Olga Rotermund Hugh & Deborah McDevitt Brent Rowett James McGee Peter Ruenitz Lynne McHugh Robert Ryon Mary Tinley McKinnon John Salvarezza Michael McLane Geoffrey W. Scammell Kate McMichael & Diane B. Scarritt Theresa Hausser Laverne Schnare Stephen Meier Stephen & Sharon Schroeder Kathryn Meiklejohn Terrence & Deborah Schuhrke Marsha & John Mekisich Penny Schultz “We love being in Yosemite. It is our retreat, Herbert & Juanita Mercer David Sears Thomas Page & Pearl Anne Seipp providing physical and spiritual renewal. Louise Watson Mericle Thomas Shannon Carla Mertins Robert & Judy Sheets We enjoy supporting Yosemite Conservancy, Anthony Miller Irene & Thomas Shephard Sr. Julie Miller & Sylvan Eidelman Linda Sheppard where we can be with friends who share John & Nadine Mills Susan Silvestri Rebecca Mincarelli Don Simmons our passion for the park.” Lillian Musso Molzan & Jean & Brian Slavin George Robert Musso Daniel, Marjorie & Pat Smith — HOWARD AND MARILYN WHELAN Caroline Monaco Ellen Smith James R. Moon Mollie Smith John Muir Heritage Society Donors & H. Thomas Moore Carol Snell & Mindy Rauch Joseph Le Conte Legacy Society Members Richard Moore Margo Sonderleiter William Murray Thomas & Lillian Souers Paul & Candace Nauman Don A. Spalding Lynn Nebus Peter & Joan Stafford Dennis & Darlene Neeley Greg & Lisa Stanger LE CONTE CONT. Harold & Esther Hayman Margo Kaufman & Boris Kaufman Jennifer Nelson Terrell & Carol Stanley David & Anne Hedge Matthias E. Kayhoe Claudia Kellam Newbold Susan R. Stehn Judy S. Esteban Susan Lynne Heeley & Jill Bill & Lisa Kelly Tony Everts Nikki Nichols Cynthia Stephenson Sherry Heider Ann R. Kempees John & Leslie Niemand Glenn Stocki Lola Felix Bernard F. Heimos John & Lynne Kennedy Dottie Fern David & Debra Niemira Linda Stokely E. Kenneth & Marjorie Heist Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr Larry Noble Samuel & Helga Strong Sharon Ferris Susan Henderson Mohammad Yasin & Vernita Khosti Father Larry Finegan Ana E. Noles & Warren S. Levin Karen & Don Sudnikoff Skip & Carol Herbert Mary Ann Kiely Patricia Nugent George & Ann Sundby Gary Flashner David E. Hernandez David & Barbara King John & Joann Flynn Catherine O’Brien Christopher & Cathy Swanson Douglas & Debra Highsmith Linda Kingsley & Sharon Liberatore Kathleen J. O’Hara Skye Swanson John Ford Stephen & Linda Hinkle Roland Knapp & Sally Miller Elizabeth Frost Shanna O’Hare & John Davis Hubert & Edda Sydow Paul E. Hoag Elizabeth P. Knowles David J. Olsen Stan Tabler Donald & Susan Fuhrer John D. Hoddy Claire & Eugene Kopp Gerald A. Fulk & Carol M. Fulk Christine Orians & James Emery Laura Tenner Robert & Karen Hoexter Laurence & Martha Kopp Richard C. Otter Robert & Anne Thull Jim & Mary Anne Fullerton Debra Holcomb & Dale Ashlock Randy Kromas & Tina Clarke Michael J. Gannon Michael Pacicca Sandra P. Tichenor Gary Holland Donna & Joseph Krueger Lorraine Y. Parmer Henry O. Timnick Mary Gaston Chuck & Christy Holloway Dianne & Ron Kurtz Douglas C. Giancoli Donna Pattillo Michael Tollefson & Joseph & Michelle Horejsi Sherill Ladwig Gail D. Paulin Patricia Megason Marston Girard, Ed.D & Peter T. Hoss Claire E. LaFleur Judith Girard Pamela Pederson Elena V. Torre John W. Houghton Jr. Maureen Lahiff Allan W. Perry Karen Tracy George A. Gissendaner Carolee Grace Houser Deborah Lallas Henry & Jane Goichman David & Linda Perry Frank J. Tsai & David & Linda Hughes F. William Lampton Bonnie Peterson Frances Reynolds-Tsai Seth Goldsmith Mark & Mary Ann Hutcherson John & Carolyn Landgrebe Ted Goldstein & Jessica Bernhardt Blair & Jan Phillips Gerald Tucker Charlotte Irons Bill & Jean Lane Sharon & Philip L. Pillsbury Wendy Turkatte James Goss James & Elizabeth Isenman Jim Laser Richard Wayne & Barbara K. Grant Phil D. Pitchford Joyce & Craig Turner Ellen & Paul Jagger Janice Irene Levet Le Pouvoir Marie Pitruzzello Mari Tustin E. Howard Green James & Mina Jenner Janie G. & W. D. Bill Leifhelm Janet & Wylie Greig Nicola Place Bill & Susan Urick Jagdish & Rosalyn Jirge Walt Lemmermann Roger & Deborah Potash Peter & Virginia Van Kuran Nancy Grover Gregory D. & Craig & Jean Leventon Charles & Ginger Guthrie David & Katherine Poteet Laurie Van Ruiten Jennifer Walston Johnson Don & Dorothy Lewis Paul Povey Darrell & Deborah Vandover George Gutierrez & Janet & Glenn Johnson Joan Liljegren Laura S. Thompson Bernadette Powell Jacqueline Vaughn & Bob Easton Jean Johnson & Jim Bennight Mary L. Lingo Michael & Rosemarie Pozzi Larry & Karen Veysada Peter & Harriet Hanauer Katharine Hotchkis Johnson Christopher Lirely Terilyn Hanko Franklin & Barbara Propst Judith Villablanca Jack Jonas Gordon & Frances Lockett Kathie Ramazzotti Diane Vincent David C. Hanna Susan & David Jonas Herlinda Lopez Bob & Betsy Hansen Dwain & Barbara Raney Jim L. Vironda Cynthia Jones John D. & Carol C. Luckhardt Lawson A. & Gisele L. Rankin Sylvia M. Volkman Karen & Steve Hanson Stanley R. Kamin Karl & Sue Luft Nancy Hargiss Liza Rasmussen Sue Volpe Sandra E. Kane Larry Lundberg Roy Rausch David Hart Wagner Roger Harmon Susan Kanfer Michael Lussier Kathryn Harris Shelby D. Rector John & Bella Wagner Michael & Jane Katyryniuk Catherine Ma & Richard Hathorn Marion Reid Ronald & Karen Wagner

28 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG HONORING OUR DONORS

LE CONTE CONT. GIFTS IN MEMORY CORPORATIONS, PATRONS Wells Fargo Bank Foundation FOUNDATIONS Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999 The Wollenberg Foundation Judy L. Walker Memorial gifts of $1,000 and more are listed below; memorial & OTHER Sharron L. Walker ORGANIZATIONS The Bear Gulch Foundation SENTINELS Gary & Deborah Wallace gifts of $25 and more are included Cooley, LLP Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Jill Appenzeller on the Honor Wall or in the Honor Yosemite Conservancy is grateful Dorrance Family Foundation Carolyn R. Walsh Register in Yosemite. to have the support of corporations Flora L. Thornton Foundation Ansel Adams Gallery Lorraine L. Walsh and foundations through grants Erin Anders Floyd Family Foundation The Dirk and Charlene Jeanne A. Walt and matching gifts. Additional gifts Joseph P. Augustyn Mel & Geri Hoven Foundation Kabcenell Foundation Vicki Warner-Huggins are listed in the Honor Register in The North Face DiVittorio & Associates James L. Washburn II Alice Quan Baldwin Yosemite Valley. REI The Dorsey & Lynne Wasserman - Jim Benedict Adam M. Berger Whitney Foundation The Wasserman Foundation RANGERS BENEFACTORS FremantleMedia North America Chelly & George Wathen Don D. Brake Gifts of $100,000 & more Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999 Ginn Family Foundation Robin & Kathryn Weber Anna D. & Darrell E. Burch IBM Corporation Ms. Toni K. Weingarten Joan Heeley Miller Burnett Capital Group Companies Arkay Foundation Innovate Foundation Barbara Weitz Karen Louise Chin Charitable Foundation Brayton Wilbur Foundation John & Marcia Goldman Patricia F. Welch Timothy James Cleere JL Foundation The Bruce Karatz Family Foundation Foundation Daphne & Stuart Wells Dianne H. Davino Joseph & Vera Long Foundation Chevron Kenneth Glenn Family Foundation Herb & Jan West Theodore A. Dolton Mericos Foundation The Diskant Family Foundation The MBK Foundation Julie & Dave West Carmen & Ronald Duhme Morgan Family Foundation Fenton Wurtz Family Fund Janet Gerhart Westbrook Norma Embree National Park Foundation Microsoft Google Dick & Michelle Westrum Ian W. Flanders National Parks & Orr Family Foundation The Heller Foundation of San Diego Marilyn & Howard Whelan Susan Bostick Conservation Association Pace Marketing Communications Ira A. Roschelle MD Billie Jean & Richard Wiebe Leland F. & Paige D. Gerber SAGE Publications Inc. The Pipkin Charitable Family Foundation Lynn & John Wiese John Arthur Gregory Save the Redwoods League Foundation James J. & Sue Femino Foundation Jack & Jan Willey Robert Eugene Hand Subaru Planet Granite Johnson & Johnson Family Caroline Williams Edward Hansen Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation The Ralph M. Parsons of Companies Paul Williams Ron Hedman Foundation Luckingham Foundation Stefan Williams Frank Hewitt PIONEERS The Redwoods in Yosemite Morningstar Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Milton Wilson Jr. James Hickey Gifts of $50,000 to $99,999 Royal Robbins, LLC Negley Flinn Charitable Kathleen E. Winkelman Thomas Robert Higelin Seaver Institute Foundation Patricia F. Winter Susan Stull Houghton Bell-Carter Foods, Inc. Shared Vision Charitable Pease Family Fund Bill & Janne Wissel Nobi Ishibashi Herrick Corporation Foundation Peet’s Coffee & Tea Witbeck Charitable Lead Marilyn Kazemi & The Jacobs Family & Solberg Manufacturing, Inc. The SahanDaywi Foundation Annuity Trust Oleg Sherby Delaware North Yosemite The Tenaya Lodge San Francisco Foundation Barry Wolf Ruth Kingsland MacDonald Family Foundation Verizon Foundation Sony Pictures Entertainment David & Holly Wolff Ruth & Wally Kwic Raintree Foundation Walt Disney Company The Rose Hills Foundation Fern J. Wollrich Scott Allan Lehmann Rossi Family Foundation Foundation Wallis Foundation Kenton Wong Wayne E. Makie Sterling-Dorman Foundation Weyman & Yvonne Wong Milton R. Marson Yvonne Wood Michelle Labelle Larry & Diane Wren Nancy Mitchell Mary R. Wright Richard Moore Kenneth & Suzanne Wurtemberg Joanne Moore Laurence P Wydro “Yosemite is our birthplace, where [founders] Royal John Joseph Murphy Susan & Don Yap Kenneth Olivier F. Chandler & Ann Young and Liz claimed first ascents across the Valley. Sara O’Malley Gary & Christine Younger Jane Chloé Lafontaine Oman Debra Zaleschuk It imbues us with a spirit of adventure and of the Linda P. Zazzara Manuel “Mike” Orozco Kristine Zeigler Mark J. Osterink outdoors that pulls us back again and again.” Joan Zimmerman Theodore Petersen Laura & Aaron Zoerner Burton Powell — ROYAL ROBBINS, LLC Linda Zukowski Virginia M. Robertson Yosemite Conservancy Corporate Donor Jane Robinson ESTATE GIFTS Jean B. Sanders

Tomiko & Shigeru Sasaki PHOTO: © COURTESY ROYAL ROBBINS. Yosemite Conservancy gratefully Judith Seligman remembers these thoughtful donors John Robert Shuman whose legacy gifts ensure Yosemite Michael F. Silberstein will be preserved and protected for Steven Robert Simons future generations. Lee Sims Patricia J. Asbury Charles Warren Smith Belvia G. Campbell Virginia Springer John & Carol Cazier Elizabeth Ann Stuve Norma L. Embree Robert J. Taylor Jr. Harriet J. Evans Timothy Thalhamer Paula Jean Friedrich-Lucchesi Aaron Vapnek Frances A. Gittinger Robert Wiiken Dorothy & Freeman Gosden Douglas Witt James A. Grillo Joy Wolff Tas & Gwen Hofer Pauline Lee Yu Bulent & Gladys Jajuli Donald Knight Claire & Eugene Kopp T.Y. Chinnie Kwan William J. & Juanita W. Oakes Velda Schuh Hazel Simon Nancy P. Weston

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 29 HONORING OUR DONORS PHOTO: © COURTESY OF THE RIZZUTO FAMILY. Robert Jansen Nicholas Petterson Sonia Jimenez Abby Pfeiffer Rosalyn Jirge Blair & Jan Philips Judy Johnson Daniel Phillips Vern & MaryJane Johnson Susan Phillips Cheryl Jones Jeremy Pivnick Kendra Jones Silke Planert Adrienne Kalmick Steven Pugh Jennifer Kearns Nicolas Rabbat Kathleen Keller Liz Randolph Allan Keown & Gwen Stephens Vicki Randolph Gabe Klick Ken Rands Marcia Klingensmith James Raveret Mona Knight Stephanie Realsen Lannie Koch Sharon Resendez Janice Kolberg Natalya Reynov Tricia Kolp Matt Riegsecker Laurie Kozisek Steven & Jeryl (Kim) Rizzuto Ann Krabach Lawrence Robinson Brajesh Kumar Justin Rogers Ilona Kupecz Tim Roney Stacey Lambirth Dick Rudloff Gisela Landavazo Justin Rupert Thomas Laria George Sakelarios Jeanette Larsen Dean Sampson “Our giving is motivated by Yosemite’s spirit, Jeff & Chris Lashmet Noel Sanborn Amber Lawrence Joan Sanderson by the Conservancy’s inspired leadership, Chilton Lee Allison Schneider Janie Leifhelm Paul & Peggy Schubert by our family’s first experiences and by our David Lewis Paul Schwartz Robert Lewis Tammy Shelar volunteering with the Conservancy.” Scott Lewis Alan Sherman James Lin Daniel Shondeff Kerry Little Jeannette Skaff — STEVEN AND KIM RIZZUTO Weiwei Liu Eileen Slobodzien pictured with daughter, Adrionna (far left), and granddaughter, Alyssa Jim & Betty Mae Locke Douglas Smith Yosemite Conservancy Volunteers, John Muir Heritage Society Donors David Lohse Norma Solarz Rodger Lopez Julie Sornberger & Joseph Le Conte Legacy Society Members Catherine Ly Kevin Stafford Rich Macias Susan Steach Jerry Mahoney Jerel Steckling Rakhi Malik Gewn Stephens Carole Mall Cassi Stoll VOLUNTEERS Gary and Elese Childs Emily Gallagher Joanne Mandel Piers & Faith Strailey Geoff and Patty Chin Donald Endicott Jackie Marcus Lloyd Strong Aravindh Subash Yosemite Conservancy relies on Ann Chmielewski Donna Engelman Patrice Marien Andy Sui individual volunteers who assist Don Christiansen Alice Ensley Nancy Marriner Charles Martin Patti Summers with visitor services, habitat Darren Chung Jennifer Evans Maria Massetti Michael & Nancy Svehla restoration, office administration, Clarence Cook Susan Evans Nick Matalone Christine Swanson event support and many other areas Shelley Clayton Alfonso Favila-Hernandez Steven Matros Hannah Swanson to help us further our mission. Cheryl Cleeves Ricki Fehr Paula Maurano Stan Tabler Mike Clifford Carol Feinberg Stephanie Abel Kate Mawdsley Joycelynn Tan Richard & Alice Cocke Margreet Fledderus Joellen Ademski James May Cria Taylor Angela Contreras Jolen Flores Vittal Agirishetti Amanda McCarthy Adrian Thompson Clarence Cook Jose Flores Ashley Aguilar James Coughlin Steven McClary Lisa Tran Rachel Ailworth Jill Foley Claire McLean Randy Trimble Barbara Coulter Sandy Follett Alan Bernikoff Colin Coyne Lissa Mendoza Diana Valle David Alexander Jeri Fontaine Jillian Metz Pete Van Kuran Judy Craig Randy Freeman Andrew Anchell Randal Crawford Marina Michel Sarah Vanek Richard Andrews Charley Fullerton Colleen Milani Jackie Wagoner Karen Crowe Barbara Fumagalli Linda Angle Stephen & Rena Cutright Joanne Miles Daniel Wang Emily Gallagher Christopher Aquino Cyndi Cavanagh Marcie Miller Sharon Weber Clare Gallardo George Artemoff Bruce Davidson William Milliken Limin Wei Frank Gallardo Denice Azevedo Evan Davis Cassandra Mondragon David Weinberg Russell Garner Lorin Bacon Matthew De Cesare Ann Mori Dave Weller Andrew Baker Jan De Vocht Jennifer Gates Russell Morimoto John West David Beatty & Mary Blackburn Anthony Demaio Karen Gierlach Louise Morris Wais Whab Victoria Bedord Denice Azevedo Joe & Kathy Giraud Tonja Moss Phyllis Wheaton Kenn Bennett Samuel Devore Richard Gliszinski John Mullen Diana Wilde Elva Bermudez Diana Valle Carey Godwin Katy Munroe Traci Wilson Arlene Bernholtz Brenda Diaz Claire Gorfinkel Dolores Murillo Julice Winter Stephen Bicknese Connor Dolan John Gowans Sheri Noormand Joanne Wolf Asal Bidokhti Nancy Donahoe Kenneth Grebel Kris Nuyten Russell Wong Mary Blackburn Corey Doolin Brigitte Hallier Hunter Ochs Jim Wood Helen Brohm Paul Doyle & Kendra Jones Ann Hardeman Janis O’Connor Susan Wood Madeline Bryant Wendy Drey Carol Harris Robert O’Connor Michael Woodlee John Buckley Lucy DuPertuis Kathleen Harris Randy Oh Carolyn Workman Eric Burk Karan Duron Laura Haworth Johanna Olson Frances Wright Alyssa Burns Lee Eaton Xiaodong He Nancy Ornee John Yang Diana Butcher Teresa Eggemeyer Judy Helstrom Jonathan Oulton Billy Yeh Justin Byrd Philip and Anne Ehret Philip Holt Curtis Palm Cindy Yu Lebbeus & Claudia Case David Eichorn & Jeannette Larson Kathy Hopkins Doreen Paschal Diana Zappel Kevin Caudill Christopher & Candace Elder Jim Horstman Amit Patel Alexandra Zburova Cyndi Cavanagh Thomas Elder Ken Izzo Venus Paxton Rong Zhang Teresa Cesear Carolyn Elkins Dyane Jackson John Penir Song Zhong Arthur Chen Brett Emard John Jackson Julie Persons Scott Ziegler

30 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG DONOR EVENTS

Fall Colors Donor Events & Activities

THE JOHN MUIR HERITAGE SOCIETY is a community of generous Yosemite Conservancy supporters who have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and preserving Yosemite for future generations. With your annual gift of $1,000 or more, you join the influential group of Conservancy donors responsible for the completion of many critical projects in the park each year. Support at this level has tremendous Frank Tsai & Frances Reynolds-Tsai impact, and your leadership gifts enable Yosemite Fall Colors Fall Colors Conservancy to truly make a difference in the park. Join now, and enjoy benefits such as invitations to exclusive events with park staff, an insider’s view of the park, special recognition, and a community of like-minded individuals.

For more information about the John Muir Heritage Society or events, please contact Kim Coull at [email protected] or 415-434-8446 x324 Denise Wang-Kline Laurel Linton & Nathan Kline & Don Rogers

Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne Meadows

Jim & Nanci Bauchiero

Tuolumne Meadows

Lyell Canyon hike led by resident naturalist Pete Devine Jill Appenzeller & Wally Wallner

Bracebridge Bracebridge Bracebridge

Patricia & Ed Brands Jim, Rhonda, Charlene & Derry Kabcenell Denise Mohle & Janet Mohle-Boetani

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 31 WHY I GIVE

LEFT Longtime Conservancy donors Dave and Dana Dornsife — and their family — are deeply committed to preserving Yosemite for future generations. MIDDLE Dave, on one of his many treks in Yosemite’s backcountry, with a view of the Minarets (within the Ansel Adams Wilderness) in the background. Creative Giving & Personal Commitment The Dornsife family gives their all for Yosemite

hen Dave and Dana Dornsife commit to a cause, they prefer to take an active role to ensure it is fruitful. As donors, campaign chairs and Board members, the Dornsife family has been intimately involved in helping to preserve and protect Yosemite and its wildlife through the Conservancy. Dave explains: “I like the idea of participating actively, to help The Dornsifes’ generosity is visible throughout the park, including in the raise funds, to be good stewards of Yosemite. We only support organizations that nearly 2,000 bear-proof food lockers accomplish a great deal with the resources available.” made possible with in-kind donations from Dave’s steel company, Herrick Corp. PHOTO: © BECKY LINDSTROM. In 1978, Dave moved from Arizona to California, and soon thereafter began a 25-year tradition of weeklong backpacking trips in Yosemite’s high country. During these trips, Dave followed the recommended guidance of hoisting his food into trees — until clever mother bears starting tossing their cubs up to take

32 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG WHY I GIVE

“I like the idea of participating actively, to help raise funds, to be good stewards of Yosemite.”

— DAVE DORNSIFE Yosemite Conservancy Donor

For the Dornsifes, giving spans generations. Their daughter, Kirsten Miks, and her husband, Dan (right), pictured here with the Dornsifes (middle) and Dana’s sister, Karen Ambrogi (far left), are following the family’s

Backcountry ranger Ron Mackie accompanied Dave on this hike in the southern region of Yosemite. RIGHT Dave (second from right) and his friends in 1992, ready to hit the trail on another weeklong Yosemite adventure. PHOTOS: © DORNSIFE FAMILY. down the food! Dave says, “It was clear we needed a better solution.”

As president and CEO of Herrick Corp., a steel-fabrication company, Dave saw an opportunity to combine his work and personal passion with the creation of new and improved bear- proof food lockers in Yosemite. Coordinating with Yosemite company’s nearly 400 steel workers. He says, “We hear back Conservancy and Yosemite National Park, Herrick Corp. from them when they visit Yosemite with their families and donated the labor and a substantial amount of the materials can proudly point to walkways, bridges or bear-proof food to supply nearly 2,000 bear-proof food lockers for Yosemite lockers and say, ‘I helped make that happen.’” Valley and at many trailheads leading into the backcountry. Dave’s and Dana’s devotion to Yosemite extends through the The Dornsifes’ creative giving makes it possible to involve family tree. Their daughter and her husband, Kirsten and Dan many hands in preserving Yosemite. Over the years, Herrick Miks, are also members of Yosemite Conservancy’s Council. Corp. has given steel for several restoration projects, The Dornsifes explain: “Yosemite needs our help to keep it including bridges at Yosemite Falls, and boardwalks that an icon within our national parks. Soon, its stewardship will protect sensitive habitat, including Tenaya Lake and be in the hands of this generation, to continue preserving the Mariposa Grove. Dave is humbled by the pride of the park for our grandkids, and on to the future.”

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 33 READER PHOTOS

YOSEMITE THROUGH YOUR LENS

YOSEMITE’S MAJESTY AS CAPTURED BY OUR SUPPORTERS

01 03

Do you have a special memory you would like to share?

We love to see photos from your first or 100th visit to Yosemite. Our staff will select a few for printing in each issue of . Visit Yosemite Conservancy on Facebook, Flickr or Pinterest, and Yosemite Conservancy share any photos of a special place you like in Yosemite, or email your photo submission to [email protected]

34 SPRING.SUMMER 2016 :: YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG DONOR GUIDE

YOSEMITE CONSERVANCY Magazine of Yosemite Conservancy, published twice a year. Ways to Give EDITORIAL DIRECTOR THERE ARE MANY WAYS you and your organization Jennifer Miller can support the meaningful work of Yosemite ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire F. Meyler Conservancy. We look forward to exploring these CONTRIBUTING WRITERS philanthropic opportunities with you. Frank Dean Linda Mazzu Claire F. Meyler Gretchen Roecker DESIGN PRINT PRODUCTION CONTACT US Eric Ball Design TradeMark Graphics, Inc.

STAFF :: San Francisco Visit Mail Frank Dean, President & CEO yosemiteconservancy.org Yosemite Conservancy Jerry Edelbrock, Vice President, CFO & COO Email 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 1700 Kim Coull, Development Director San Francisco, CA 94104 Edin Draper-Beard, Executive Affairs Manager [email protected] Jamie Henion, Events Manager Phone Fax Debra Holcomb, Planned Giving Director 415-434-0745 Sara Jones, Institutional Giving Officer 415-434-1782 Holly Kuehn, Development & Donor Services Assistant Isabelle Luebbers, Annual Giving Director Claire F. Meyler, Communications Manager INDIVIDUAL GIVING HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS & Webmaster Jennifer Miller, Marketing & Communications Director Development Director Isabelle Luebbers Eryn Roberts, Data Entry Assistant Kim Coull [email protected] Gretchen Roecker, Communications & [email protected] 415-434-8446 x313 Social Media Manager Amanda Roque, Data Services Assistant 415-434-8446 x324 Jonathan Roybal, Major Gifts Officer Annual Giving GIFTS OF STOCK Kit Thomas, Controller Isabelle Luebbers Amanda Roque STAFF :: Yosemite [email protected] [email protected] Adonia Ripple, General Manager of Yosemite Operations 415-434-8446 x313 415-434-8446 x330 Aline Allen, Art Center Coordinator Greg Archer, Valley Sales Supervisor Major Gifts – Northern California SEQUOIA SOCIETY Nicole Brocchini, Museum Store Supervisor Jonathan Roybal Kylie Chappell, Outdoor Adventures Coordinator MONTHLY GIVING Melissa Cosgrove, Lead Wilderness [email protected] 03 Reservation Assistant 415-434-8446 x318 Isabelle Luebbers Pete Devine, Resident Naturalist Major Gifts – Southern California [email protected] Teresa Ellis, Sales Information Assistant 415-434-8446 x313 Schuyler Greenleaf, Projects Director Patti Johns Eisenberg Suzy Hasty, Volunteer Program Manager [email protected] MATCHING GIFTS Cory Jacobs, Inventory Coordinator 626-792-9626 Ryan Kelly, Projects Coordinator Isabelle Luebbers Michelle Kuchta, Accounting Assistant FOUNDATIONS & [email protected] Olotumi Laizer, Valley Complex Supervisor Katie Manion, Retail Operations Manager CORPORATIONS 415-434-8446 x313 Cassie May, Outreach & Wholesale Coordinator Sara Jones Michael Ross, Naturalist [email protected] Angela Sberna, Accounting Director VOLUNTEER 415-434-8446 x328 Mark Scrimenti, Wilderness Reservation Assistant OPPORTUNITIES Shelly Stephens, Inventory Manager Laurie Stowe, Wilderness Programs Manager PLANNED GIVING & Suzy Hasty STAFF :: Southern California & National BEQUESTS [email protected] Patti Johns Eisenberg, Major Gifts Officer Debra Holcomb 209-379-2317 yosemiteconservancy.org/volunteer Spring.Summer 2016 :: Volume 07. Issue 01 © 2016 [email protected] Federal Tax Identification No. 94-3058041 415-434-8446 x319

YOSEMITECONSERVANCY.ORG :: SPRING.SUMMER 2016 35 Yosemite Conservancy 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 1700 San Francisco, CA 94104

Your Yosemite Legacy

Yosemite’s natural wonders are not only our inheritance, but also our responsibility. Your legacy gift to Yosemite Conservancy makes a lasting impact beyond your lifetime, commemorating your special connection to Yosemite while ensuring the park remains a beloved treasure for future generations to enjoy.

To find out how you can leave your legacy to Yosemite, contact Debra Holcomb at [email protected] or 415-434-8446 x319.

yosemiteconservancy.org