Habitat Restoration in Yosemite

Mariposa Grove Restoration

Preserving an ancient species for future generations.

Irreplaceable Trees

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, along with Yosemite Valley, was the first federally protected scenic area in the country in 1864.

Yosemite Conservancy continues to fund an ambitious multiyear project to protect these magnificent giants for the future. Restoring Mariposa Grove aims at reversing more than 148 years of development by balancing visitor needs with ecological protection. It identifies the best strategies for protecting the grove, while creating a peaceful and tranquil visitor experience.

Today, park scientists are closely monitoring wildlife populations that live within the grove’s special ecosystem. Scientists are collecting data on grove hydrology, as roads, trails and underground facilities have dramatically changed the water flow on which these trees depend. Scientists are also analyzing vehicle and pedestrian circulation patterns to help craft an improved model that will protect the fragile root systems of these trees and contribute to the resilience of the grove.

Learning from the Past

Yosemite’s Wawona Tree became a famous tourist attraction in 1881, when a tunnel was cut into it, allowing cars to drive through. The tunnel, among other factors, contributed to toppling this 2,100-year-old giant during the winter of 1968–1969.

Restoration Benefits Grove and Visitors

Both sequoias and visitors will benefit as a result of the project work:

Restoration efforts are focused on areas where giant sequoia habitat has been disturbed
Improved grove ecology is based on protecting the fragile root systems of these giant sequoias and restoring natural hydrology
Reinforcing the majesty, dignity and importance of these monarchs from the past will help visitors have a higher-quality experience in the grove

1,000 to 3,000 Years to Grow a Similar Tree

With your continued support, we can help prevent these trees from falling. It is hard to comprehend, but if one of these trees topples, it would take between 1,000 and 3,000 years to grow a similar tree in its place.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Nature Notes Video Series: “Big Trees”

Preserving the California Black Oak in Yosemite Valley

Vital species protected from population decline.

California’s black oaks are a vital part of Yosemite’s natural and cultural heritage. These trees and their acorns support a variety of animal species and were a vital food source for American Indians for thousands of years. Over time, the magnificent black oak stands in Yosemite Valley have declined due to rising deer populations and are in need of restoration.

Hundreds of black-oak acorns will be planted in existing stands throughout Yosemite Valley, while park scientists observe and record causes of low seedling survival rates during this two-year project. Gathering information about black-oak stands will lead to the development of a comprehensive restoration program that will return these trees to full magnificence.

Because of your support, black oaks in Yosemite Valley will continue to inspire generations of park visitors.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Photo: © Cliff Stone

Removing Invasive Plants from Yosemite

Giving native wildflowers a chance to thrive.

Invasive plants are the single largest threat to Yosemite’s beautiful native wildflowers. Invasive species use up valuable resources and can eventually replace native plant populations, throwing entire ecosystems out of balance.

By disrupting ecosystems, invasive plants can displace wildlife that are dependent on native plants for food and shelter. Every year brings new invaders, with more than 200 currently identified — 33 in the past three years alone.

This year’s efforts include expanding the park’s survey area with the help of volunteers and technology. A smartphone app is being developed that will allow professional and volunteer surveyors to collect information about invasive plants.

Using the survey data, scientists can quickly identify and eliminate invasive plants. Podcasts and videos are being developed to teach visitors about the negative impact of bringing outside firewood (and invasive weeds) into the park.

Working together, we can protect Yosemite’s beautiful native wildflowers.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park.

Staff Pick: “Buds, Blooms, Bliss”

Wilderness Restoration with SCA Crews

Youth crews restore wilderness areas.

In 2013, Student Conservation Association (SCA) crews will once again work alongside National Park Service teams during a 35-day program to remove non-native invasive plants, restore abandoned or “social” trails (informal trails created by hikers), and remove inappropriate campsites from Yosemite’s vast wilderness. Social trails encourage hikers to trample delicate ecosystems, while inappropriate campsites detract from the wilderness landscape and contribute to ecosystem damage.

Some 24,000 acres of wilderness area will be surveyed throughout the summer. Work crews plan to remove 12,000 non-native invasive plants from the park, rehabilitate more than 500 inappropriate campsites and restore at least 3,000 feet of social trails. These efforts will restore natural processes and preserve ecosystems, while returning wilderness character to the park and providing stewardship opportunities for youth.

Thank you for helping protect this magnificent landscape and keeping the “wild” in wilderness.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park and Student Conservation Association.

Nature Notes Video Series: “Wilderness”

Yosemite Conservancy

Our Work