Cultural & Historic in Yosemite

Ensuring a Reliable Source of Native Plants: A Partnership with the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians

Working together to ensure a reliable source of native plants.

Many visitors flock to Yosemite to admire the panoramic views from scenic overlooks or observe wildlife in their natural meadow habitat. These overlooks and meadows, along with wetland and trail restorations, would look much different without a reliable source of native plants to ensure the health of these natural landscapes.

Working with the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians and the Four Seasons Native Plant Nursery, this project is creating and maintaining a reliable source of native plant material for Yosemite. Tribal youth are encouraged to participate in revegetation projects in order to learn traditional plant-use information from older tribal members.

Your support is behind these vital partnerships to help ensure the restoration of Yosemite’s delicate habitats.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Band of Mewuk Indians and the Four Seasons Native Plant Nursery.

Preserving History: Restoring the Yosemite Cemetery

Reconnecting visitors to an important cultural landmark.

The Yosemite Cemetery is a tangible link to Yosemite's American Indians and iconic Yosemite stewards such as Galen Clark and James Mason Hutchings. In order to preserve this historic link to the past, the cemetery will undergo rehabilitation to reconnect visitors to this important cultural landmark in Yosemite Village.

In 2013, the historic headstones are being restored and repaired with assistance from a stone conservator. The historic-preservation crew and volunteers are cleaning headstones and repairing damaged wrought-iron fencing and walls. A new cemetery booklet is in development and will include updated imagery and cultural interpretation for park visitors.

Thanks to your support, millions of park visitors are connecting to the deep cultural legacy of Yosemite.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Photo: © Megan Rosenbloom

Preserving Ostrander Ski Hut

Improving visitor health and safety at a historic Yosemite landmark.

Ostrander Ski Hut, at the edge of Ostrander Lake, is a welcome sight for many backcountry snow enthusiasts who look forward to relaxing at this rustic hut at the end of the day. Built in 1941 and situated amid stunning views of Half Dome and the Clark Range, the hut is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Various upgrades and enhancements to the hut and the adjoining woodshed are under way in 2013 to safeguard visitor health and improve the quality of accommodations. Without ongoing preservation, these historic structures would fall into disrepair and no longer be available to park visitors.

Ostrander Ski Hut joins a unique list of historic Yosemite structures that, with your support, are being preserved and protected for the future.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Sharing Traditions Exhibit: History of Cultural Demonstrators in Yosemite

Sharing the legacy of cultural demonstrators.

Maggie Howard (ca. 1870-1947), Lucy Telles (1885-1955) and Julia Parker represent a long line of traditional cradle-basket weavers, and their work as cultural demonstrators has been central to Yosemite's cultural education programs. Julia Parker is Yosemite National Park’s longest-serving current employee and is often described as a “national treasure” for her contribution to cultural education. Julia leads regular workshops and demonstrations for park visitors.

A new exhibit planned for summer 2013 will showcase the 80-year history of cultural demonstrators in Yosemite by displaying their handiwork along with innovative audio and video materials designed to convey a greater depth of the park's cultural diversity. This project also engages an intern from local tribal communities to expand on the cultural demonstrations and provide additional opportunities for visitors to connect meaningfully with the “living history” of Yosemite’s native peoples.

Your support ensures these artists will continue to share their passion and skills.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Conservancy

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