WawonaNews.com - July 2019
Celebrating Chinese History In Yosemite
This Friday, July 12th, join NPS Ranger Yenyen Chan on a historic tour of the Old Yosemite Village and learn about the history of the early Chinese who made significant contributions in the Yosemite region, including building the original Wawona and Tioga Roads and working in hotels, farms, mining, and lumber. Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center at 10am for a 2 hour walk.
Additional events celebrating the history of Chinese contributions in Yosemite include:
1) July 12, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm: Hike up to Inspiration Point. Starting at the Bridalveil Fall Parking Lot.
2) July 13, 9:00 am to 11:00 am: Walk along the old Wawona Grove Washburn Road. Meet at the South Entrance Parking, at the Shuttle Bus Welcome Plaza of the Mariposa Grove.
3) July 13, 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm: History of Chinese Americans in Wawona. Meet at the Old Grey Barn just east of the store and north of the Big Trees Hotel in Wawona.
4) July 13, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm: Potluck at the Wawona Community Center on Chilnualna Falls Road about a mile from Wawona Road (main highway 41).
5) July 15-17, Seventh Annual Backpack trip to Sing Peak. Contact Yenyen Chan at Yenyen_Chan@nps.gov, if interested. (Y. Chan)
This Friday, July 12th, join NPS Ranger Yenyen Chan on a historic tour of the Old Yosemite Village and learn about the history of the early Chinese who made significant contributions in the Yosemite region, including building the original Wawona and Tioga Roads and working in hotels, farms, mining, and lumber. Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center at 10am for a 2 hour walk.
Additional events celebrating the history of Chinese contributions in Yosemite include:
1) July 12, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm: Hike up to Inspiration Point. Starting at the Bridalveil Fall Parking Lot.
2) July 13, 9:00 am to 11:00 am: Walk along the old Wawona Grove Washburn Road. Meet at the South Entrance Parking, at the Shuttle Bus Welcome Plaza of the Mariposa Grove.
3) July 13, 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm: History of Chinese Americans in Wawona. Meet at the Old Grey Barn just east of the store and north of the Big Trees Hotel in Wawona.
4) July 13, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm: Potluck at the Wawona Community Center on Chilnualna Falls Road about a mile from Wawona Road (main highway 41).
5) July 15-17, Seventh Annual Backpack trip to Sing Peak. Contact Yenyen Chan at Yenyen_Chan@nps.gov, if interested. (Y. Chan)
THE HOOTING OWL
LECTURE SERIES
An Archaeological View:
Two Millennia of Native Use in Wawona
Kathleen Hull
Associate Professor of Anthropology, UC Merced
July 11
Location:
UC Merced Field Station
7799 Chilnualna Falls Rd
Come join UC Merced Associate Professor of Anthropology Kathleen Hull for a close look at archeological investigations undertaken in the Wawona area since the early 1980’s. Hull will summarize a substantial body of data on native use reaching back more than 2,000 years to present a picture of both change and continuity in cultural practices. Particular focus will be given to ground-stone tool technology, land use, and acquisition of obsidian for flaked stone tool manufacture.
Field Station doors will open at 6:00 PM.
The lecture will start at 6:30 PM.
LECTURE SERIES
An Archaeological View:
Two Millennia of Native Use in Wawona
Kathleen Hull
Associate Professor of Anthropology, UC Merced
July 11
Location:
UC Merced Field Station
7799 Chilnualna Falls Rd
Come join UC Merced Associate Professor of Anthropology Kathleen Hull for a close look at archeological investigations undertaken in the Wawona area since the early 1980’s. Hull will summarize a substantial body of data on native use reaching back more than 2,000 years to present a picture of both change and continuity in cultural practices. Particular focus will be given to ground-stone tool technology, land use, and acquisition of obsidian for flaked stone tool manufacture.
Field Station doors will open at 6:00 PM.
The lecture will start at 6:30 PM.
Local named to president’s list at Gonzaga this spring
Local resident Georgina Royse of Yosemite National Park earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for spring semester 2019. Students must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.
Local resident Georgina Royse of Yosemite National Park earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for spring semester 2019. Students must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.
CHP Says Local Cattle Drive Expected This Weekend
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan July 3, 2019 -
MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s that time of year again (if perhaps a little later than usual) when local ranchers start moving their cattle up to the high country and summer pasture.
This weekend, crews will be driving about 350 head of cattle through the Ahwahnee area, on through Fish Camp and up to the Long Meadow area where they’ll enjoy the summer grasses for about three months.
You’ll want to know this for two reasons: first, if you’re traveling Highway 49 or 41 during these short windows of time, you may be delayed as the cattle drive crosses the roadway.
Secondly, it’s something you don’t see very often any more and you may want to “set a spell” and watch the cowboys and cowgirls at work.
Oakhurst CHP says they are expecting the cattle drive to cross our highways and — for what it’s worth — they’ve posted specific times.
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan July 3, 2019 -
MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s that time of year again (if perhaps a little later than usual) when local ranchers start moving their cattle up to the high country and summer pasture.
This weekend, crews will be driving about 350 head of cattle through the Ahwahnee area, on through Fish Camp and up to the Long Meadow area where they’ll enjoy the summer grasses for about three months.
You’ll want to know this for two reasons: first, if you’re traveling Highway 49 or 41 during these short windows of time, you may be delayed as the cattle drive crosses the roadway.
Secondly, it’s something you don’t see very often any more and you may want to “set a spell” and watch the cowboys and cowgirls at work.
Oakhurst CHP says they are expecting the cattle drive to cross our highways and — for what it’s worth — they’ve posted specific times.
- Saturday, July 6 between 6:30 – 7 a.m. cattle will be crossing Highway 49 as the drive moves up Road 619 in the early morning crosses around the Hitching Post before heading north on Road 628.
- Sunday, July 7 between 11 a.m. – noon they’ll arrive in the Fish Camp area and cross Highway 41 near the Tenaya Lodge.
New Home For Sale
$749,000 4 bd | 2 ba | 1,672 sqft - 8103 Loop Rd, Wawona, CA. Click here for more info.
$749,000 4 bd | 2 ba | 1,672 sqft - 8103 Loop Rd, Wawona, CA. Click here for more info.
Yosemite’s Tioga Road Will Open To Unrestricted Traffic
Kellie Flanagan June 27, 2019 - 2:02 pm
YOSEMITE — Officials in Yosemite National Park have announced that the Tioga Road will open to unrestricted vehicular traffic on Monday, July 1, at 8 a.m.
From now until the full opening Monday morning, vehicular access will continue to be available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will continue to be no stopping along the road and no overnight parking. Park rangers will sweep the road after each open and closed period to make sure visitors are utilizing the corridor only to cross the Sierra. Bicycles will be allowed during daylight hours throughout the weekend.
Tioga Road is a seasonal road through Yosemite National Park, typically open from late spring to early fall.
The park implemented the limited opening the past couple of weeks to allow crews to remove snow, set up utility systems to open restrooms and facilities and prepare for summer operations. This resulted in better protection of park resources with no day use of the area as operations were coming on line, say officials.
Areas along the Tioga Road, and specifically Tuolumne Meadows, are ecologically sensitive areas and the full opening with restrooms available for visitors will mitigate many resource issues that were seen in past openings where the road was opened with no facilities available for the public.
Visitor services such as general park information and restrooms will be available beginning Monday. Other visitor services such as campgrounds, lodging and the store and grill will be opened incrementally throughout the month of July.
Yosemite National Park extends its gratitude to the visiting public for complying with the limited opening and helping to protect the park’s precious resources.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round. All motorists should drive with caution and be aware of possible hazards in the roadway including rocks, debris and water. Tioga Road may be impacted by incoming storm activity, including snow and icy driving conditions, over the next several weeks. Tioga Road may temporarily close due to weather and unsafe driving conditions at any time.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
Kellie Flanagan June 27, 2019 - 2:02 pm
YOSEMITE — Officials in Yosemite National Park have announced that the Tioga Road will open to unrestricted vehicular traffic on Monday, July 1, at 8 a.m.
From now until the full opening Monday morning, vehicular access will continue to be available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will continue to be no stopping along the road and no overnight parking. Park rangers will sweep the road after each open and closed period to make sure visitors are utilizing the corridor only to cross the Sierra. Bicycles will be allowed during daylight hours throughout the weekend.
Tioga Road is a seasonal road through Yosemite National Park, typically open from late spring to early fall.
The park implemented the limited opening the past couple of weeks to allow crews to remove snow, set up utility systems to open restrooms and facilities and prepare for summer operations. This resulted in better protection of park resources with no day use of the area as operations were coming on line, say officials.
Areas along the Tioga Road, and specifically Tuolumne Meadows, are ecologically sensitive areas and the full opening with restrooms available for visitors will mitigate many resource issues that were seen in past openings where the road was opened with no facilities available for the public.
Visitor services such as general park information and restrooms will be available beginning Monday. Other visitor services such as campgrounds, lodging and the store and grill will be opened incrementally throughout the month of July.
Yosemite National Park extends its gratitude to the visiting public for complying with the limited opening and helping to protect the park’s precious resources.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round. All motorists should drive with caution and be aware of possible hazards in the roadway including rocks, debris and water. Tioga Road may be impacted by incoming storm activity, including snow and icy driving conditions, over the next several weeks. Tioga Road may temporarily close due to weather and unsafe driving conditions at any time.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of June 11
3.3 - Approve Warrants
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF THE 2019-20 LCAP FOR YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMETARY CHARTER SCHOOL
- APPROVAL OF THE 2019-20 BUDGET FOR YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMETARY CHARTER SCHOOL
INFORMATION ITEMS
- REPORT FROM THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON “SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL”
- STAFF REPORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- CLOSED SESSION: Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
- Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
- RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Announce Closed Session Actions
- ADJOURNMENT
Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School
2019-20 LCAP Highlights
Goal 1 - All students will participate in high quality instruction and learning opportunities that will prepare them for success in high school, college and the workplace.
Provide professional development for staff to deliver CCSS and create a 21st century classroom
Focus on the professional development of the teacher and support staff
Provide opportunities for professional development in utilizing technology
Provide support to staff for effective and coherent program implementation
Provide regular coaching and feedback to instructional staff
Provide an engaging and comprehensive project-based curriculum that is aligned with the most current state and/or national curriculum standards.
Continue to purchase new standards aligned core curriculum materials
Develop a curriculum map that outlines the key concepts and skills to be focused on at each grade level
Formally assess student progress regularly throughout the school year
Instruction in computer science, technology and digital citizenship for all students
Conduct Field Studies activities to enrich students’ educational experience
Goal 2 – All students will be taught by highly qualified professionals in a clean, caring and secure environment
Hire and retain qualified teachers and staff
Basic Student Needs
Perform regular safety and maintenance inspections.
Continue to provide a clean, safe and healthy school campus.
Update the School Safety Plan and practice disaster preparedness drills
Positive School Climate
Maintain positive reward programs for good attendance and academic achievement
Administer student surveys on school climate and connectedness
Continue extra and co-curricular activities
Student Attendance
Monitor and publically report quarterly attendance procedures and chronic absence rates
Goal 3 – All students will have access to quality intervention programs and enrichment activities with an emphasis on individualizing academic challenges and responsibilities.
Develop and implement strategies and support for students who are struggling
Implement software programs that challenge students at their individual level and allow them to progress at their own pace.
Goal 4 – All stakeholders will be engaged in the learning process by promoting opportunities that strengthen skills, competencies and abilities of students, parents, staff and community.
Home-school communication
Survey parents annually on conditions for learning, school climate, school safety and student supports in the Charter
Continue to update the school’s website and Facebook page to keep them current
Publish a Charter Accomplishments newsletter annually in the spring
Formal progress reports (report cards) will be sent home quarterly
Parent Conferences will be scheduled twice per year
New Regulations For Wawona Fire Defensible Space
In an effort to work with the Wawona community on hazard fuel reduction around residence, Yosemite National Park has authorized homeowners to clear up to 100’ defensible fire space around their residence or structure. This includes clearing brush or vegetation from adjoining park lands. Before clearing brush from NPS land adjacent to your property you must obtain a permit, please contact Wawona District Ranger Eric Scott at 209-375-9520 or emailyose_fire_prevention@nps.gov or call the Wawona Fire Station at 209-375-9515. We appreciate the relationship we have been able to maintain over the years to help protect the community of Wawona from the threat of wildfires.
See the attached document for a look at the full permit letter.
For information about the Mariposa County Fire Safe Council Call 209-966-7700 or go tohttps://www.mariposafiresafecouncil.org/ unfortunately they are out of funds for this fiscal year however they may have some great information for residence or projects for next year.
NPS fire staff will be continuing defensible space inspections through the month if you have questions please contactyose_fire_prev@nps.gov or contact the Wawona Fire Station at 209-375-9515. For more information about defensible space clearance go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Be prepared for wildfire or any emergency by pre-planning your family and home in case of an evacuation, for more information go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Ready-Set-Go-Campaign/
Sign up for Nixle alerts on your cellular device by texting the zip code 95389 to 888777. Or go to the web pagewww.mariposacounty.org .
For Yosemite Alerts sign up with Everbridge by going tohttps://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085619123/#/signup
Also be prepared for power outages. As part of our Community Wildfire Safety Program, PG&E is implementing additional precautionary measures to help reduce the risk of wildfires. If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving the community, it may be necessary for them to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. For more information go to https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/public-safety-power-shutoff-faq.page
Shanelle Saunders
Fire Communication and Education Specialist
Yosemite National Park
Office (209) 375-9515
Cell: (209) 347-6395
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/wildlandfire.htm
In an effort to work with the Wawona community on hazard fuel reduction around residence, Yosemite National Park has authorized homeowners to clear up to 100’ defensible fire space around their residence or structure. This includes clearing brush or vegetation from adjoining park lands. Before clearing brush from NPS land adjacent to your property you must obtain a permit, please contact Wawona District Ranger Eric Scott at 209-375-9520 or emailyose_fire_prevention@nps.gov or call the Wawona Fire Station at 209-375-9515. We appreciate the relationship we have been able to maintain over the years to help protect the community of Wawona from the threat of wildfires.
See the attached document for a look at the full permit letter.
For information about the Mariposa County Fire Safe Council Call 209-966-7700 or go tohttps://www.mariposafiresafecouncil.org/ unfortunately they are out of funds for this fiscal year however they may have some great information for residence or projects for next year.
NPS fire staff will be continuing defensible space inspections through the month if you have questions please contactyose_fire_prev@nps.gov or contact the Wawona Fire Station at 209-375-9515. For more information about defensible space clearance go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Be prepared for wildfire or any emergency by pre-planning your family and home in case of an evacuation, for more information go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Ready-Set-Go-Campaign/
Sign up for Nixle alerts on your cellular device by texting the zip code 95389 to 888777. Or go to the web pagewww.mariposacounty.org .
For Yosemite Alerts sign up with Everbridge by going tohttps://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085619123/#/signup
Also be prepared for power outages. As part of our Community Wildfire Safety Program, PG&E is implementing additional precautionary measures to help reduce the risk of wildfires. If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving the community, it may be necessary for them to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. For more information go to https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/public-safety-power-shutoff-faq.page
Shanelle Saunders
Fire Communication and Education Specialist
Yosemite National Park
Office (209) 375-9515
Cell: (209) 347-6395
Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/wildlandfire.htm
Tioga Road In Yosemite Will Open With Limited Access
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan June 19, 2019 -
YOSEMITE — For visitors interested in crossing the Sierra, just in time for the official start of summer, Yosemite National Park announces limited access to Tioga Road (Highway 120 East).
Tioga Road will be open to all vehicles, including bicycles, beginning on Friday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
No parking will be allowed on Tioga Road and day use recreation is not permitted. There is no visitor parking available at either end of the road closure.
There are no visitor services available along Tioga Road.
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Wilderness Center, and the Tuolumne Meadows Campground remain closed. Opening dates for the 2019 season have not been determined. Restroom facilities will be available 5 miles east of Crane Flat Junction and at Tioga Pass.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips over Tioga Road in advance and to prepare for the restricted access and no access to visitor services. The road will remain closed outside of these times to allow for continued roadwork and snow clearing.
Cyclists traveling over Tioga Road will need to be prepared to cross over the full length of Tioga Road during daylight hours. Tioga Road is closed to overnight camping.
Backpackers
Backpackers planning trips in the High Sierra will be able to be dropped off and picked up at trailheads along Tioga Road. All backpackers will need to pick up their wilderness permits in advance and have a bear canister in hand. It is strongly recommended for all backpackers to be aware of the timing that the road is open and closed and to plan their trip logistics accordingly. Any backpacker who misses the road open period will need to be prepared to spend an additional night in the wilderness. All wilderness regulations will remain in effect.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round. All motorists should drive with caution and be aware of possible hazards in the roadway, including rocks, debris, and water. Tioga Road may be impacted by incoming storm activity, including snow and icy driving conditions, over the next several weeks. Tioga Road may temporarily close due to weather and unsafe driving conditions at any time. Tioga Road is a seasonal road through Yosemite National Park, typically open from late spring to early fall.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan June 19, 2019 -
YOSEMITE — For visitors interested in crossing the Sierra, just in time for the official start of summer, Yosemite National Park announces limited access to Tioga Road (Highway 120 East).
Tioga Road will be open to all vehicles, including bicycles, beginning on Friday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
No parking will be allowed on Tioga Road and day use recreation is not permitted. There is no visitor parking available at either end of the road closure.
There are no visitor services available along Tioga Road.
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Wilderness Center, and the Tuolumne Meadows Campground remain closed. Opening dates for the 2019 season have not been determined. Restroom facilities will be available 5 miles east of Crane Flat Junction and at Tioga Pass.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips over Tioga Road in advance and to prepare for the restricted access and no access to visitor services. The road will remain closed outside of these times to allow for continued roadwork and snow clearing.
Cyclists traveling over Tioga Road will need to be prepared to cross over the full length of Tioga Road during daylight hours. Tioga Road is closed to overnight camping.
Backpackers
Backpackers planning trips in the High Sierra will be able to be dropped off and picked up at trailheads along Tioga Road. All backpackers will need to pick up their wilderness permits in advance and have a bear canister in hand. It is strongly recommended for all backpackers to be aware of the timing that the road is open and closed and to plan their trip logistics accordingly. Any backpacker who misses the road open period will need to be prepared to spend an additional night in the wilderness. All wilderness regulations will remain in effect.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round. All motorists should drive with caution and be aware of possible hazards in the roadway, including rocks, debris, and water. Tioga Road may be impacted by incoming storm activity, including snow and icy driving conditions, over the next several weeks. Tioga Road may temporarily close due to weather and unsafe driving conditions at any time. Tioga Road is a seasonal road through Yosemite National Park, typically open from late spring to early fall.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200.
TIOGA PASS UPDATE, JUNE 17
BRADFORD
Road crews are patching potholes, cleaning ditches and road side debris and forestry is wrapping up immediate hazard tree work that needs to be done. The Avalanche Team performed one final blast on Olmsted to primarily charcoal the upper section.
Yesterday we were able to work each end of Olmsted to narrow this area down to about 100 yards wide and you can now see each vehicle pass through the zone from each end. The west bound lane is still acting as the toe of the snow remaining on the slope so we are not able to remove at this time. The area is finally beginning to melt out but it needs to reduce in volume/depth before we can change to just a no stopping zone. We are hoping that by early next week we will see dramatic difference in snow levels with the water running off the slope.
Though it has been reduced in size it is still unstable due to the heat and water running under the snowpack and could result in a wet slab release that will impact the road.
Tony with Mono County will be coming up tomorrow afternoon and Bob Brantley will be showing him Olmsted and what efforts we have been doing to reduce snow in this area.
B&G and Utilities has been working daily this week in TM and sounds like they are making good progress.
We are hoping next week is the big push of melt and we can get the avalanche areas safe to get full opening crews up there to push facilities open. I also have a draft of a vehicle access-shuttle plan in the Supt office in case we can get the road safe but the snow is preventing us from stationing our emergency services people or getting water or services turned on…we could try to use this to at least let cars through on a limited hours basis if possible.
I would guess we are still looking at melting out all next week but the warmer temps are improving things.
--
Michael Reynolds
Superintendent
Yosemite National Park
What can I do to prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
It is important to prepare an emergency plan in advance in the event your family is affected by a power shutoff – or any other emergency.
It is important to prepare an emergency plan in advance in the event your family is affected by a power shutoff – or any other emergency.
- Have a personal safety plan in place for every member of your household (including pets).
- Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require power.
- Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.
- Identify backup charging methods for phones.
- Learn how to manually open your garage door.
- If you own a backup generator, ensure it is ready to safely operate.
- To learn more ways to prepare, download our fact sheet.
What DNA can tell us about critters and conservation: eDNA and Species Identification of fish, amphibians, and turtles
Prof. Joshua Reece, Fresno State University
Thursday, June 20 at location TBD (Wawona Community Center or The Redwoods)
Doors at 6:00pm, Lecture at 6:30pm
The ability to collect, sequence, and analyze DNA sequences has become incredibly affordable and feasible for conservation biologists in the 21st Century. Dr. Joshua Reece from Fresno State University will share his work on two projects incorporating DNA and conservation biology: biodiversity of river-associated fish, amphibians and reptiles in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and identifying subspecies of Western Pond Turtles throughout California. You will learn about how DNA can help conserve wildlife and about resident biodiversity in the Sierras.
Prof. Joshua Reece, Fresno State University
Thursday, June 20 at location TBD (Wawona Community Center or The Redwoods)
Doors at 6:00pm, Lecture at 6:30pm
The ability to collect, sequence, and analyze DNA sequences has become incredibly affordable and feasible for conservation biologists in the 21st Century. Dr. Joshua Reece from Fresno State University will share his work on two projects incorporating DNA and conservation biology: biodiversity of river-associated fish, amphibians and reptiles in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and identifying subspecies of Western Pond Turtles throughout California. You will learn about how DNA can help conserve wildlife and about resident biodiversity in the Sierras.
Annual "Spectacular" Concert in a Spectacular Setting
June 3, 2019 - The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's 2019 "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert will enjoy a new, yet venerable venue this year. The orchestra will perform outdoors on the Great Lawn of the Big Trees Lodge (formerly, the Wawona Hotel) in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, June 29 at 7:00 P.M. This concert is offered through the MSO's partnership with the National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality, a division of Aramark. The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra is a program of the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc. The initial, main building of the Big Trees Lodge was built in 1876, the year of America's Centennial.
MSO Founder/Conductor Les Marsden has programmed an all-American concert featuring works from some of this country's greatest composers, well-known and little-known. In that latter category, two of Louis Moreau Gottschalk's complex piano works have been orchestrated into orchestral showpieces by Marsden: "The Union" and "Marche des Gibaros - Souvenir de Porto Rico." The MSO concert commemorates two of that composer's anniversary years: the 190th of his birth and 150th of his death. New Orleans-born Gottschalk (1829 - 1869) was America's first great piano virtuoso - considered by many to be the superior of Liszt, Chopin and Thalberg. European-trained, at a young age he was proclaimed "The King of Pianists" by Chopin himself and became an international rock star of his time, the toast of crowned heads and the common man alike. In his brief lifetime, he performed a grueling number of concerts extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, including a remarkable number of concerts during the American Civil War in patriotic support of the Union.
He created the concept of "monster concerts" in which as many as 700 musicians would be massed on a stage; he composed well over 300 works, many today lost. An alleged incident in San Francisco involving an underage girl from an influential family led to his fleeing the US in late 1865, spending his final few years in South and Central America. "The Union" is a clever potboiler of well-known tunes including "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle" and "Columbia." "Marche des Gibaros" is a ground-breaking work in which Gottschalk quotes a Puerto Rican Christmas tune as well as several distinct and irresistible Caribbean/African rhythms including the Spanish-Cuban Habanera, a half-century before those influences would form the inspiration for jazz. The piece is included on the MSO concert in observation of 2017's Hurricane Maria, which devastated the American territory of Puerto Rico.
Far more familiar music will include a pair of American icons: 1942's "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) and a piece not necessarily recognizable by name, but familiar through its effective use in the 1979 space thriller film "Alien": the Second ("Romantic") Symphony by Howard Hanson (1896-1981) composed in 1930. An astonishing, beautiful, haunting and ultimately thrilling work, John Williams has acknowledged that Hanson's "Romantic" Symphony inspired the film composer's score for the 1982 film "E.T." and at times, the resemblance (especially in E.T.'s "flying" music) is remarkable. The concert will also feature traditional patriotic music and more.
The MSO's 2019 "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert outdoors at the Big Trees Lodge (Wawona Hotel) in Yosemite National Park will be free of charge and attendees are advised to bring blankets to spread on the lawn for seating. The Big Trees Lodge is located on Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 inside Yosemite) approximately five miles north of the South (41) Entrance. This concert is made possible by the generous cooperation and assistance of Michael Reynolds – Superintendent of Yosemite National Park, the National Park Service, Yosemite Hospitality – a division of Aramark and the musicians of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to the free symphonic concert under the stars in Yosemite, the Big Trees Lodge will offer its Saturday BBQ just steps away from the performance area from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on the evening of the 7:00 P.M. concert. The all-inclusive price is $23 for adults and $13 for children (3-12) with the meal free for those under 3.
Full information about the Big Trees Lodge BBQ including menu may be found at: travelyosemite.com/lodging/dining/big-trees-lodge. Contact the Mariposa County Arts Council at (209) 966-3155 for more information; full detailed program notes will be posted on the Arts Council's website soon.
Source: MSO
June 3, 2019 - The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's 2019 "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert will enjoy a new, yet venerable venue this year. The orchestra will perform outdoors on the Great Lawn of the Big Trees Lodge (formerly, the Wawona Hotel) in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, June 29 at 7:00 P.M. This concert is offered through the MSO's partnership with the National Park Service and Yosemite Hospitality, a division of Aramark. The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra is a program of the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc. The initial, main building of the Big Trees Lodge was built in 1876, the year of America's Centennial.
MSO Founder/Conductor Les Marsden has programmed an all-American concert featuring works from some of this country's greatest composers, well-known and little-known. In that latter category, two of Louis Moreau Gottschalk's complex piano works have been orchestrated into orchestral showpieces by Marsden: "The Union" and "Marche des Gibaros - Souvenir de Porto Rico." The MSO concert commemorates two of that composer's anniversary years: the 190th of his birth and 150th of his death. New Orleans-born Gottschalk (1829 - 1869) was America's first great piano virtuoso - considered by many to be the superior of Liszt, Chopin and Thalberg. European-trained, at a young age he was proclaimed "The King of Pianists" by Chopin himself and became an international rock star of his time, the toast of crowned heads and the common man alike. In his brief lifetime, he performed a grueling number of concerts extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, including a remarkable number of concerts during the American Civil War in patriotic support of the Union.
He created the concept of "monster concerts" in which as many as 700 musicians would be massed on a stage; he composed well over 300 works, many today lost. An alleged incident in San Francisco involving an underage girl from an influential family led to his fleeing the US in late 1865, spending his final few years in South and Central America. "The Union" is a clever potboiler of well-known tunes including "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle" and "Columbia." "Marche des Gibaros" is a ground-breaking work in which Gottschalk quotes a Puerto Rican Christmas tune as well as several distinct and irresistible Caribbean/African rhythms including the Spanish-Cuban Habanera, a half-century before those influences would form the inspiration for jazz. The piece is included on the MSO concert in observation of 2017's Hurricane Maria, which devastated the American territory of Puerto Rico.
Far more familiar music will include a pair of American icons: 1942's "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) and a piece not necessarily recognizable by name, but familiar through its effective use in the 1979 space thriller film "Alien": the Second ("Romantic") Symphony by Howard Hanson (1896-1981) composed in 1930. An astonishing, beautiful, haunting and ultimately thrilling work, John Williams has acknowledged that Hanson's "Romantic" Symphony inspired the film composer's score for the 1982 film "E.T." and at times, the resemblance (especially in E.T.'s "flying" music) is remarkable. The concert will also feature traditional patriotic music and more.
The MSO's 2019 "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert outdoors at the Big Trees Lodge (Wawona Hotel) in Yosemite National Park will be free of charge and attendees are advised to bring blankets to spread on the lawn for seating. The Big Trees Lodge is located on Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 inside Yosemite) approximately five miles north of the South (41) Entrance. This concert is made possible by the generous cooperation and assistance of Michael Reynolds – Superintendent of Yosemite National Park, the National Park Service, Yosemite Hospitality – a division of Aramark and the musicians of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to the free symphonic concert under the stars in Yosemite, the Big Trees Lodge will offer its Saturday BBQ just steps away from the performance area from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on the evening of the 7:00 P.M. concert. The all-inclusive price is $23 for adults and $13 for children (3-12) with the meal free for those under 3.
Full information about the Big Trees Lodge BBQ including menu may be found at: travelyosemite.com/lodging/dining/big-trees-lodge. Contact the Mariposa County Arts Council at (209) 966-3155 for more information; full detailed program notes will be posted on the Arts Council's website soon.
Source: MSO
