It’s that time of year again, when the migratory birds are returning to the Mono Basin. They are singing their hearts out, defending territories, forming pairs, and making nests.

California Gulls build nests on Mono Lake's islands each spring. Photo by Russ Taylor.

We hope that you will be able to join us this season to witness all of this and more on one of our free weekly bird walks. In conjunction with Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve rangers, Mono Lake Committee staff will be leading walks on Friday and Sunday mornings at 8:00am at Mono Lake County Park. Meet us there in the parking lot, and bring your binoculars! You never know what we might see in our leisurely two-hour walk as we explore the willows and poplar trees, and view the lakeshore from the boardwalk. No reservations necessary—come one and all!

A week ago Saturday an unusual event took place on the Dana Glacier at the Sierra Crest. As part of Climate Impacts Day, a project organized by 350.org, a group of climbers unfurled an 80-foot-square banner that read “I’m melting” across the glacier. And it’s true.

Dana Glacier's "I'm melting" banner. Photo courtesy of 350.org.

The article includes a quote about the Sierra’s dramatically-shrinking glaciers from Yosemite National Park’s geologist Greg Stock: “Given the amount of change we’ve seen even over the past few decades, I think it’s safe to say that those glaciers will be gone in 100 years. They may even be gone in 50 years and there’s a chance that some of them will be gone in 20 years.”

This year’s Andrea Lawrence Award Dinner had a slightly different feel from last year’s, despite being in the same location (Mammoth Mountain’s Parallax Restaurant dining room) and honoring the same remarkable woman. Perhaps it was the warm spring evening that made the gondola ride to the top of the mountain a little bit more pleasant. Or maybe it was the relaxed laughter of Andrea’s family and friends as they shared happy memories of her constant determination and resolution.

Andrea Lawrence's family at the award dinner.

Regardless, the setting was perfect for recognizing not only Andrea Lawrence, but also the Bodie Foundation for its dedication (more…)

After almost the shortest winter closure in history, Tioga Pass (Highway 120) opened through Yosemite National Park at noon. The road closed for the winter on January 17, 2012 just before the first substantial snowstorms finally arrived. After such a dry winter summertime will come quickly to Yosemite’s high country. As you drive through, make sure to watch for wildlife and visitors near the road. Enjoy your trip to Yosemite!

The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore remains open through the construction out front, and we appreciate everyone following signs to the back entrance. Stop by and check out the progress—it is coming along….

The Information Center & Bookstore is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week. However, this Wednesday, May 9, it will open at 10:00am so the entire Mono Lake Committee staff can tour the Lee Vining rockfall area. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is open during construction.

Check The Mono-logue for construction updates and the remodel cam to see what’s happening!

From the May 2, 2012 Yosemite News Release:

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that the Tioga Road will open for the season on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 12:00pm for all vehicle traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada (more…)