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.

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…)

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!

#10: Jasper’s music for Mono Lake

#9: Letters for Caltrans’ latest project

#8: Greening the Mono Lake Committee

#7: Los Angeles Wild & Scenic Film Festival

#6: Local kids outdoors at Mono Lake

#5: Trail Chic rocks the runway for outdoor education

#4: The wild world around us

#3: Mono Lake’s open state park

#2:  Working towards healthy streamflows for the Mono Basin’s creeks

#1: The new Mono Lake Committee storefront

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…)

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.

The snack stack tiffin and To-Go Ware bamboo utensil set are popular items that are perfect for those on your shopping list who frequently eat meals away from home. The tiffin set is a great (more…)

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…)

California’s Eastern Sierra made Lonely Planet’s list of the “Top 10 US Destinations for 2013″ this week! We here at the Mono Lake Committee agree wholeheartedly.

South Tufa at Mono Lake. Photo by John Lemieux.

Lonely Planet recommends including Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, and Devils Postpile National Monument in your Eastern Sierra itinerary. If you are already dreaming about next summer’s vacation, read up on all the things to do at Mono Lake. You can also give us a call for our recommendations: (760) 647-6595.

Water is a subject near and dear to us here at the Mono Lake Committee. It is the source of all life on our planet and the cause of both success and struggle for human beings. Newly added to the Committee’s online store are two books that take a look at water and what a changing climate means for this precious resource. (more…)

Since May I have purchased four ceramic mugs handmade by Michael Cooke. Every coffee, tea, or hot chocolate drinker in my life has either been told of the beauty of these mugs or has received one as a gift. These mugs are not only unique works of art but are also extremely functional and structurally sound pieces of pottery. If you are looking for a practical, beautiful gift (more…)