Category Archives: California

National Parks

Yosemite National Park to Waive Entrance Fees for President’s Day Weekend

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Yosemite National Park will waive entrance fees from Saturday, February 15 to Monday, February 17, 2014 in commemoration of President’s Day.

President’s Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, President’s Day is viewed as a day to celebrate all United States presidents, past and present.

Fees being waived for President’s Day weekend include the park entrance only. All other fees associated with camping, lodging, or activities within the park are not waived. The fee waiver is good for Saturday, February 15 through Monday, February 17, 2014 only.

For more information, and to plan your trip, visit www.nps.gov/yose 

State Parks

California’s state parks are great places to …

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Today the California State Parks Foundation launched a new campaign: “California State Parks are Great Places to …” This week the focus is on great places to walk among giants!

How would you fill in the blank? The possibilities are endless! Share your own “Great Places” photos and stories on the CSPF website HERE.

You can visit, join, and support the California State Parks Foundation HERE.

National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

U.S. Forest Service offers new digital maps for mobile devices

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Avenza Systems has developed a mobile app for iOS and Android.  The app itself is free … the maps are a reasonable $.99 for a national forest atlas, or $4.99 for a forest visitor map.

From the press release:

The U.S. Forest Service now offers access to a variety of visitor maps for people using Android and iOS devices.

“This mobile app makes it easier than ever to plan your visit to a national forest or grassland,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “By putting important forest information right at your fingertips, it will encourage more Americans to get outside and explore their forests.”

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Big Bear Lake, National Forests

A Benefit for the Big Bear Discovery Center

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Keep your calendars open on February 8, 2014!

From the Southern California Mountains Foundation:

Join the Southern California Mountains Foundation to help fund raise for the Big Bear Discovery Center and our San Bernardino Mountains at our benefit event on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Discovery Center; 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

We need your support to help continue the programming and services we provide at and through the Discovery Center to continue our mission of conservation, environmental education and responsible recreation programming focused on the health, stewardship and sustainability of our mountains, communities and our own lifestyles. Please see our personal note to you below. Continue reading →

Adventures, National Parks

Snowshoe Yosemite: Mariposa Grove

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Even though we’re experiencing a kinda dry winter, Yosemite Conservancy is hosting a shoeshoe event early in February, and it seems like a fun (if exhausting) event.  From the event page:

See giant sequoias in a way few visitors have on this fun and informative day of snowshoeing into the Mariposa Grove. Winter offers the rare opportunity to feel as if you have this ancient grove all to yourself. Naturalist Shirley Spencer will enhance this trip with her creativity and extensive knowledge. You’ll learn about the natural history of the grove, as well as the plant and wildlife species that call it home. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Yosemite experience, don’t pass this one up. This excursion is recommended for adults and mature teens. This trek will begin Saturday morning at Yosemite’s south entrance gate on Hwy. 41.

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