This post was written by Rosanne Catron, 2013 Office Director.
September has arrived, which means the summer is winding down. We had a busy season, with visitors from all over the world arriving at the shores of Mono Lake—some to see the tufa towers and brine shrimp for the first time, and some who knew Mono Lake like the back of their own hands, having visited year after year.
Our volunteers were there to greet all of them through the season, leading South Tufa and Panum Crater tours, pointing out the newly hatched Osprey chicks and whirling masses of Wilson’s Phalaropes, and giving visitors directions to their next destination. They also pulled white sweet clover and other invasive plants, picked up trash with our Adopt-a-Highway program, and assisted with events such as the Tioga Pass Run and High Sierra Fall Century bike ride.
Our volunteers’ passion for the Mono Basin is invaluable, and we could not fulfill our mission of protection, restoration, and education at Mono Lake without them. A huge thank you to our volunteers for their dedication and for the hours and hours of time they gave this season. An additional thank you to the partners who make the Mono Lake Volunteer program possible: the US Forest Service, the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association.
And finally, an extra big thank you to our volunteers of the year, Rich & Cathy Foye. Both Rich and Cathy help lead tours at the lake, volunteer with the Committee’s membership program, and have lent their support to the Adopt-a-Highway program for years. And Cathy is known as the “Refreshment Queen,” as she always makes sure our volunteer events are well-stocked with tasty goodies. Thanks so much for all you do, Rich and Cathy!
If you are interested in learning more about the Mono Lake Volunteer program, please email Rose Catron or call us at (760) 647-6595.