Scientific Research in Yosemite

Protecting Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia Groves

Restoring Yosemite's precious giant sequoia groves.

Each year, Yosemite’s three giant sequoia groves — Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa — draw thousands of visitors who marvel at the iconic big trees. While the Mariposa Grove is the largest and most well-known, the Merced and Tuolumne groves both support their own diverse habitats and are in need of restoration.

This year, intensive surveys are being conducted to fill information gaps for all three groves. Park scientists are mapping and measuring giant sequoias to analyze their current status and health. Wildlife is being observed to determine how different species use the groves’ habitat, while fire history is being analyzed to determine current status and risk.

Environmental-education students are also helping to gather critical information about giant sequoias in Yosemite. With basic information about the status of these groves, better management decisions can be made, bringing the sequoia groves back into ecological balance.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park, Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School and NatureBridge.

Protecting Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia Groves

Yosemite Nature Notes Big Trees

Protecting Songbirds and Inspiring Visitors

Visitors and volunteers help protect songbirds in Yosemite.

Rare and sensitive species of songbirds such as Swainson’s thrush or yellow warbler are vulnerable to environmental changes, both within Yosemite and beyond. Early research shows that songbirds have declined in Yosemite by approximately 19 percent during the past 20 years.

This program builds on two decades of existing data collected through bird banding, much of which has been funded by Yosemite Conservancy. This information provides clues for scientists as to why some populations are declining; for example, is it due to reproductive failures or high death rates?

In 2013, visitors and volunteers can share their love for songbirds by participating in bird-banding demonstrations, where they experience firsthand the joys releasing a delicate thrush or warbler back into the wild. Student interns also learn bird-banding skills and the importance of songbird conservation. Attending a bird-banding demonstration requires advanced notice. Five demonstrations take place between June 1 - August 1. Please contact Sarah Stock, at sarah_stock@nps.gov for more information.

Working together, partners and supporters can keep Yosemite’s meadows alive with these birds’ vibrant colors and sweet songs.

Partnering with Yosemite National Park, Institute for Bird Populations, U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory, and NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program for the Sierra Nevada Network.

Yosemite Conservancy

Our Work