News Release

Yosemite Conservancy Provides $15.3 Million in Support to Yosemite National Park for Priority Projects and Programs

Date: April 1, 2019

Media Contacts:
Yosemite Conservancy: Peter Bartelme 415-664-1503, [e-mail] and
Jennifer Miller 415-434-1782, [e-mail].

National Park Service: Scott Gediman 209-372-0248, Jamie Richards 209-372-0529

“The power and benefit of philanthropy is undeniable to nature and park visitors”

Yosemite National Park, April 1, 2019 – Yosemite Conservancy is providing $15.3 million in support to Yosemite National Park to protect the rare Sierra Nevada red fox, revitalize wetlands and fund volunteer programs, among nearly 50 programs and grants it is backing in 2019.

“With four million visitors each year, Yosemite needs to be nurtured to remain a national treasure. Restoring trails and habitat, protecting vulnerable wildlife and inspiring people to take care of the natural world are a few examples of how donor support protects the park and enriches lives,” said Yosemite Conservancy President Frank Dean. “Our efforts help to address impacts and connect people to the park in ways that change their lives and their thinking about conservation.”

In 2019, Conservancy donors will support projects to protect wildlife, restore habitat and improve visitor experiences. Grants will allow park wildlife experts to study and protect peregrine falcons, bats and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Crews will rehabilitate wetlands in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows that are an essential part of the region’s ecosystem. Visitors will benefit from educational and cultural grants supporting the popular Ask a Climber program, Junior Rangers and variety of youth programs.

“The power and benefit of philanthropy is undeniable to nature and park visitors,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael Reynolds. “Projects we’ve partnered on with the Conservancy, such as the amazing restoration of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias completed last year, are essential to our ability to preserve park natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.”

Yosemite Conservancy also supports volunteer programs involving providing visitors with park information at popular locations and helping backpackers to rent bear-proof food canisters and reserve backcountry hiking permits. Conservancy support also goes to helping people connect with Yosemite in every season through guided Outdoor Adventures; art, theater and volunteer programs; and the rustic Ostrander Ski Hut. The organization’s webcams show El Capitan, Half Dome, the High Sierra and Yosemite Falls. The organization’s bookstores online and in the park offer top-quality products, including maps, guides, unique apparel, and a variety of books, including many produced by our long-running publishing program, with proceeds funding essential work in Yosemite. Yosemite Conservancy has provided $125 million in grants to the park for more than 640 completed projects.

Editor's Note: For photos, please contact Peter Bartelme at 415-664-1503, [e-mail]