Visitors embarking on Yosemite’s iconic hikes to Half Dome, Nevada Fall or Vernal Fall on the John Muir Trail begin their journey through a boulder garden draped in dark green mosses. Unfortunately, the first half mile has been repeatedly vandalized with etchings of initials, words and symbols into the mosses, exposing the bare granite underneath.
This project is improving the visitor experience by restoring the boulder garden and allowing hikers to experience a more natural, undisturbed wilderness setting. Student groups are helping to identify techniques to encourage moss growth. This provides an opportunity for youth to learn about protecting natural resources. Temporary informational signs will be installed to discourage future vandals, and informative fact sheets are being created.
With your help, we are increasing wilderness value for visitors and restoring beautiful moss and lichen communities.
Partnering with Yosemite National Park and NatureBridge.