Sunday, December 23rd, 2012 by Elin, Communications CoordinatorcloseAuthor: Elin, Communications CoordinatorName: Elin Ljung Title: Communications Coordinator About: Elin's job consists of some of her favorite things: finding typos, experimenting with layouts, and figuring out how best to communicate the Committee's work to the world. She also oversees the Field Seminar program. Elin is an EMT on the Lee Vining Fire Department, loves sitting at Latte Da Coffee Cafe immersed in a good book, and watches English Premier League football (soccer) at any opportunity.See All Posts by Elin (133) Contact Elin
Number 9 on our Top Ten highlight list is the outpouring of feedback about Caltrans’ Lee Vining Rockfall Safety Project, the most recent Caltrans project proposed for the Mono Basin.
One of the Rockfall Project slopes, in a view from Old Marina. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.
This project will address six roadcuts on the west side of Highway 395 near Old Marina, increasing safety by preventing rocks from falling onto the road. When we put out a call for comment letters to Mono Lake Committee members about Caltrans’ draft initial study document, you responded in force (more…)
Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 by Elin, Communications CoordinatorcloseAuthor: Elin, Communications CoordinatorName: Elin Ljung Title: Communications Coordinator About: Elin's job consists of some of her favorite things: finding typos, experimenting with layouts, and figuring out how best to communicate the Committee's work to the world. She also oversees the Field Seminar program. Elin is an EMT on the Lee Vining Fire Department, loves sitting at Latte Da Coffee Cafe immersed in a good book, and watches English Premier League football (soccer) at any opportunity.See All Posts by Elin (133) Contact Elin
Photo by Jessica Ashley.
Number 10 on our Top Ten highlight list happened on a Thursday back in July, when we got a surprise visit from a young man named Jasper, who played his violin in the doorway of the bookstore to raise money for Mono Lake.
He delighted visitors, passersby, and Committee staff with his musical talent, and his donation cup filled right up.
Months later, we’re still smiling about his very thoughtful donation to Mono Lake. Thank you, Jasper!
Friday, December 21st, 2012 by Elin, Communications CoordinatorcloseAuthor: Elin, Communications CoordinatorName: Elin Ljung Title: Communications Coordinator About: Elin's job consists of some of her favorite things: finding typos, experimenting with layouts, and figuring out how best to communicate the Committee's work to the world. She also oversees the Field Seminar program. Elin is an EMT on the Lee Vining Fire Department, loves sitting at Latte Da Coffee Cafe immersed in a good book, and watches English Premier League football (soccer) at any opportunity.See All Posts by Elin (133) Contact Elin
Andrea Mead Lawrence, 1932--2009. Photo courtesy of the Lawrence family.
Good news from Congress this Winter Solstice: Legislation naming Peak 12,240 in the Eastern Sierra in honor of Andrea Mead Lawrence, has passed! The bill now goes to President Obama’s desk for signature into law.
Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon hailed the passage of the legislation, saying, “Mr. Speaker, it is very fitting to name Peak 12,240 ‘Mt. Andrea Lawrence;’ both in her honor, and as a visible point of inspiration for future generations.”
The first step toward a Mt. Andrea Lawrence took place in September 2010, with a measure that Congressman McKeon sponsored. Later that year Information & Restoration Specialist Greg Reis traveled to the peak on foot for a good look during a very full day trip. Executive Director Geoff McQuilkin and family visited the peak the following summer on a multi-day trip. We’re happy to see such permanent recognition of a truly inspirational woman!
An apropos flower, "Alpine Gold," blooming on the top of Mt. Andrea Lawrence, summer 2011. Photo by Geoff McQuilkin.
Thursday, December 20th, 2012 by Arya, Communications DirectorcloseAuthor: Arya, Communications DirectorName: Arya Degenhardt Title: Communications Director About: Arya oversees the Committee's communications program, which includes the Mono Lake Newsletter. She loves her job because she gets to share the inspiring work of the Mono Lake Committee with members and visitors alike. When she's not in the office you might find her running with her dogs Dublin and Poco, volunteering with the Lee Vining Fire Department, listening to any music with a banjo in it, or willing the plants in her garden to grow. Her favorite things to do in the Mono Basin include ice skating on nearby lakes, skiing the Mono Craters, and getting to smell the sagebrush when it rains.See All Posts by Arya (91) Contact Arya
If you’ve been in the Information Center & Bookstore in the past few years you’ve seen the brine shrimp tank in the hallway. Directly on the other side of that tank is the hallway that leads to the room that Geoff McQuilkin and I call our office. In the summer we get used to the din of people checking out the brine shrimp, and in the winter it’s pretty quiet. So, yesterday my ears perked up at the sound of a small herd of snow-boot-wearing kids. It was the Lee Vining Elementary Kindergarten class paying us a visit.
I think I probably don’t need to say much more than, especially right now, it was a really heartwarming moment that I thought Mono Lake Committee members and friends would enjoy too.
For over 30 years, visitors to Lee Vining have been lured off of Highway 395 and into the Mono Lake Committee by the iconic storefront and mural—and for many the colorful front with its deep steps has become the lasting image of the Mono Lake Committee and the town of Lee Vining.
Left to right: The Mono Lake Committee storefront in 1978, 1982, and 1990. Archive photos.
But visitors this past summer arrived to find a sight not seen since the Committee first moved into the building more than three decades ago: a complete renovation of the building-front and (more…)
Monday, December 17th, 2012 by Elin, Communications CoordinatorcloseAuthor: Elin, Communications CoordinatorName: Elin Ljung Title: Communications Coordinator About: Elin's job consists of some of her favorite things: finding typos, experimenting with layouts, and figuring out how best to communicate the Committee's work to the world. She also oversees the Field Seminar program. Elin is an EMT on the Lee Vining Fire Department, loves sitting at Latte Da Coffee Cafe immersed in a good book, and watches English Premier League football (soccer) at any opportunity.See All Posts by Elin (133) Contact Elin
Looking back at 2012, it was a very good year at Mono Lake. Starting on December 22, each day we’ll count down our top ten favorites of the great things that happened this past year, so keep an eye on the Mono-logue while you’re visiting with family and nibbling on holiday cookies. It’s the season to celebrate, so raise a glass for Mono Lake!
Saturday, December 15th, 2012 by Angie, Project SpecialistcloseAuthor: Angie, Project SpecialistName: Angie Glaser Title: Project Specialist About: Originally from coastal Southern California, Angie answered the call of the mountains and has spent the past three summers in the Sierra, including one as the Mono Lake Committee's Canoe Coordinator. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara she worked in outdoor education and interned for the National Park Service. When she’s not paddling through swarms of brine shrimp, you can find her backpacking, climbing, or cooking really spicy Thai curry.See All Posts by Angie (18) Contact Angie
Lee Vining is covered in a blanket of snow, making the approaching holidays seem all the more present. As you’re finishing up your shopping lists this week, consider handmade gifts from Eastern Sierra local artisans. Miniature Sierra wildflower notecard sets are the perfect gifts for those on your list with an appreciation for nature and art. Each set features a beautiful painting of a wildflower native to the Sierra sure to be recognized and well-loved by anyone who has spent time exploring these mountains and meadows. Shooting stars, corn lilies, penstemon, lupine—Susan Greenleaf of Bishop has done a beautiful (more…)
Friday, December 14th, 2012 by Nick, Project SpecialistcloseAuthor: Nick, Project SpecialistName: Nick Holt Title: Project Specialist About: Originally from San Diego, Nick spent the summers of 2007, 2008, and 2012 with the Mono Lake Committee. Recently back from hiking the John Muir Trail, Nick works on IT problems, troubleshoots computer issues, and maintains the Committee's network, server, and computer systems. He spent four years at UC Berkeley making weekend trips to the Sierra as much as possible and earning a degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. When out of the office, you can probably find Nick somewhere in the mountains fishing, mountaineering, hiking, climbing, or back in Lee Vining working on his newest pursuit: gardening.See All Posts by Nick (3) Contact Nick
Can you identify these tracks? Photo by Nick Holt.
While waking up to fresh snow is a great treat (especially for those of us from Southern California), this most recent storm revealed some extra surprises. Winter may be upon us here in the Mono Basin, but a multitude of animals are still enjoying the spectacular scenery. On my walk to work this morning I spotted fresh tracks from bears, raccoons, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and other furry woodland critters. Clark’s Nutcrackers, Stellar’s Jays, and Mountain Chickadees had the air to themselves as they traded calls (more…)
Tuesday, December 11th, 2012 by Angie, Project SpecialistcloseAuthor: Angie, Project SpecialistName: Angie Glaser Title: Project Specialist About: Originally from coastal Southern California, Angie answered the call of the mountains and has spent the past three summers in the Sierra, including one as the Mono Lake Committee's Canoe Coordinator. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara she worked in outdoor education and interned for the National Park Service. When she’s not paddling through swarms of brine shrimp, you can find her backpacking, climbing, or cooking really spicy Thai curry.See All Posts by Angie (18) Contact Angie
With work, appointments, and errands, we live in an on-the-go society. Meals are often eaten in the office or the car with plastic utensils and containers that are used once and tossed in the name of convenience. Luckily, the Mono Lake Committee online store has gifts to help you and your busy loved ones break free from the use-and-toss lifestyle.
Saturday, December 8th, 2012 by Jessica, Information Center & Bookstore ManagercloseAuthor: Jessica, Information Center & Bookstore ManagerName: Jessica Ashley Title: Information Center & Bookstore Manager About: Jess stocks the store with educational, handmade, local, and ecologically friendly merchandise and keeps operations functioning efficiently. After working for a summer in the Committee bookstore, Jess joined the staff full-time in May of 2011. Jess' extensive retail experience and love of the Eastern Sierra make her perfectly suited for her role as Information Center & Bookstore Manager.See All Posts by Jessica (22) Contact Jessica
Jim Cokas’ Tuolumne Meadows Poetry Festival broadsides can now be found on the Mono Lake Committee online store! If you missed your chance to purchase one of the pieces currently hanging in our gallery while you were in the Mono Basin, shop online and we will ship the prints to your front door. These broadsides also make the perfect gift for that person who has everything. Curious about broadsides?
Jim explained the concept of a “broadside” while hanging his show in the Mono Lake Theater & Gallery this past fall. Broadsides were common in (more…)
