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| Restoration Days have become a Labor Day weekend tradition here in the Mono Basin. 1997’s event was marked by four fun-filled days of meeting new and old friends, exploring familiar and unknown locations, and learning more about this glorious place. We plan to have even more fun during the next Restoration Days, September 4–7. |
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This year, we were fortunate to be able to host the premier of Stephen Fisher’s film "The Battle for Mono Lake" on the first night of Restoration Days. Not only was Steve there to talk about his fabulous new film highlighting Mono Lake’s political history, but many of the stars of the film—Dave Herbst, Sally Gaines, and Jessie Durant—were in attendance as well.
The real work started early the next morning. A hearty group gathered at the Mono Lake Committee’s Information Center and Bookstore at 8:00 a.m. to help plant and water over 100 pine trees. This hands-on effort to repair Mono Basin creeks for generations to come was so popular that many of the volunteers came back on Sunday and Monday too!
For those who wanted to start their day a bit more slowly, there were birdwatching tours each morning lead by expert Mono Basin naturalists. Another option was to dip a paddle into clouds of brine shrimp and experience Mono from a unique and unforgettable vantage point—a naturalist guided canoe!
On Saturday, the traditional Rehydration Ceremony was held at Old Marina and given a new twist by Executive Director Frances Spivy-Weber. Standing at the shore, there was talk of Tom Lyons, of first sights of Mono, of Bike-A-Thons past, and of friends who couldn’t make it over, such as Paul and Helen Green. Then we dipped our vials into Mono’s clear water, and Rich Howe (who had ridden his bike up from Mojave) chose the spot where he thought the shoreline would be next year. We then poured the water from our vials to mark the rising waters of Mono Lake.
After the ceremony, we headed to County Park for the Annual Meeting and Picnic. For 19 years Mono Lake Committee members, families and friends have gathered to discuss the fate of Mono and the role of the Committee.
Later that day, there was a tour of Mill Creek, a guided South Tufa Walk, and a Star Talk, where some of the myths and stories of the sky were shared.
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Sunday was another full day of activities:
planting and watering trees, canoe tours and
birdwatching outings. The highlight of the day,
though, was an exciting exploration of Lee Vining
Creek with entomologist Dave Herbst. Dr. Herbst
had over 40 people scrambling to get knee-deep in
the chilly creek water to look at invertebrates
… bugs! He excitedly shared the importance
of each one to monitoring the restoration of the
creeks. After drying off in the warm sun, there was a walk along the Lee Vining Creek Trail, and an exploration of Panum Crater. And the day wasn’t over yet! For those who wanted, there was another guided walk and Star Talk at South Tufa. Back at the MLC, Don Jackson was there to talk about his beautiful photo exhibit. |
Although Monday was a day for many to start home, others stayed for more tree planting, bird watching, or canoeing. For some, this was the last trip of the year; even for those who would return to see the vibrant colors of fall, or the quiet of snow-covered sage and desert, it was hard to say good-bye. Some of us are lucky enough to live here in the Mono Basin; we’ll keep an eye on things until you come back .…
Return to Winter 1998 Newsletter
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