Category Archives: Conservation

Conservation, National Parks, Wildlife

Yosemite Conservancy launches KeepBearsWild.org

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

In partnership with the National Park Service and Wharton Media, the Yosemite Conservancy has launched KeepBearsWild.org, a website designed to help educate Yosemite National Park visitors about the black bears that live in the park.

The website has an online bear tracker, information to educate the public on what to do when they encounter bears, how to view bears in the wild, how to properly store food, photography and videos on the parks iconic black bears.

“KeepBearsWild.org is an important way to raise awareness, appreciation and respect for Yosemite’s beloved black bears,” said Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Our message is simple: everyone can keep bears wild by driving slowly, storing food properly and staying at a safe distance when you see them.”

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Conservation

Be Gentle to the Lands After a Rain

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The “el Niño” weather pattern is being talked about more and more on the news. In Southern California, we’ve had a few days of not particularly heavy rains. This can lead to closure of our national, state, and local parks and recreation areas for a few days after a rain to allow the lands to dry out and become accessible to the public. This isn’t a bad thing; walking on muddy trails can cause damage that can last well for weeks or months afterwards.

Generally, public lands will open up after three days to hikers. Mountain bikers and equestrian trails may stay closed longer. Check at your local park entrance to see what is closed and what is open. From the Irvine Ranch Conservancy page:

“…The expected rain is a welcome change for flora and fauna, but California’s recent drought has left many trail surfaces so dry that even those constructed to direct runoff into surrounding habitat could be overwhelmed by an abundance of rain. Landowners and managers are prepared to evaluate potential storm damage and reduce long-term effects, but you too can minimize rain damage by understanding wet trail conditions and abiding by closures to the trail system.

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Activities, Adventures, Conservation

Courtright Base Camp – High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Family-friendly camping with multiple projects for people of all ages.

Event Date: 08/13/2015 – 08/16/2015
Cost: FREE

You are encouraged to stay over Thursday night to acclimate. Food will be provided Thursday night through Sunday lunch. Volunteers can work Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you do not have to be at the event for all three days. This event is family friendly, we will have volunteer work available for all ages. There are many attractions in the Sierra National Forest that you can easily visit before or after the event. Experienced crew leaders will train volunteers in general trail maintenance techniques and safe usage of hand tools. We will be removing brush and trees, repairing water bars, and installing water diversion structures on the trails in the Courtright Reservoir area within the John Muir Wilderness. A primitive solar shower setup will be provided. There is no charge for this event, base camp operations usually cost at least $3,000 with 30-50 people participating that equals $60 to $100 per person. Although we receive grant money for these trips it is often not enough to cover operating costs. Please consider making a tax deductible donation online or bringing a donation to the event. More detailed information will be sent to you after you sign up.
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Activities, Adventures, Conservation

Long Meadow Back Packing Trip – High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Back Packing trip, rock work.

Event Date: 07/19/2015 – 07/25/2015
Cost: FREE

This is not any easy trip, high altitude and 5-7 mile long hike into and out of base camp. You are encouraged to stay over Saturday night at the trail head to acclimate. Please provide you own food for Saturday night and Sunday breakfast. Food will be provided Sunday lunch thru Saturday lunch. Crew will hike in the morning and should come out to trail head Saturday afternoon the following Saturday. This event is located in the in the Golden Trout Wilderness. An experienced crew leaders will train volunteers in general trail maintenance techniques and safe usage of hand tools. We will be removing brush and trees, repairing water bars, and installing water diversion structures. This is a beautiful area high in the Sierra, at least 6,000-7,500 ft. The nature of the topography, the distance of the hike into the base camp usually 5-7 miles and the work performed will make this a strenuous trip. There is no charge for this event, week long back packing trips usually cost at least $5,000 with 15 people participating that equals $300 per person. Please consider making a donation online or bringing a donation to the event. More detailed information will be sent to you after you sign up. Continue reading →

Conservation

Big Meadows Base Camp – High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Family-friendly camping with multiple projects for people of all ages.

Event Date: 07/09/2015 – 07/12/2015
Event Type: Vital Trail Maintenance (VTM)
Trip Type: Car Camping Base
Cost: FREE

You are encouraged to stay over Thursday night to acclimate. Food will be provided Thursday night through Sunday lunch. Volunteers can work Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you do not have to be at the event for all three days. This event is family friendly, we will have volunteer work available for all ages. There are many attractions in the Sequoia National Park and Forest that you can easily visit before or after the event. Experienced crew leaders will train volunteers in general trail maintenance techniques and safe usage of hand tools. We will be removing brush and trees, repairing water bars, and installing water diversion structures on the Deer Meadow and Kanawyer Trails, along with The Rowell Meadow, Weaver Lake and Jennie Lake Trails within the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. A primitive solar shower setup will be provided. There is no charge for this event, base camp operations usually cost at least $3,000 with 30-50 people participating that equals $60 to $100 per person. Although we receive grant money for these trips it is often not enough to cover operating costs. Please consider making a tax deductible donation online or bringing a donation to the event. More detailed information will be sent to you after you sign up.
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