A close up of yellow wildflowers overlooking the teal waters of Mono Lake on a cloudy day.

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Yellow fall colored aspen trees along a creek.

Fall 2021 Mono Lake Newsletter now online

All the dictionary definitions of “restoration” apply to the State Water Board’s new Order 2021-86, which you’ll read about in the pages of this Newsletter. My favorite definition is “restitution of something taken away or lost.” Restoration work began in…

Clear water flowing in a small creek with willows on the shore.

Finding hope in a changed world

After driving all day, I arrived at the Pumice Palace in Lee Vining just after sunset, and no one was home … in June 1995 … and in September 2021. In 1995, I was starting my summer internship with the…

Fall colors in the riparian coridor along Lee Vining Creek with Mono Lake in the distance.

State Water Board announces Order 2021-0086

The California State Water Resources Control Board has put out their official announcement of Order WR 2021-0086 EXEC. State Water Board approves new stream restoration measures for Mono Lake Basin New instream flow levels will benefit fish and wildlife SACRAMENTO…

Fall colors along Mill Creek looking toward the east side of the Sierra Nevada.

Mono Basin fall color update

The fall colors keep getting better and better! The Tioga Pass area and Conway Summit are at their peak color now—visit in the next few days to enjoy these spectacular spots. Lundy Canyon is looking beautiful, with green leaves closer…

A group of people looking toward a creek with rock formations on the opposite bank.

Mono Basin campgrounds closing for the season soon

As fall sets in, the campgrounds in the Mono Basin begin to close for the season. Campgrounds open, with estimated closing dates: Lundy Canyon (closing November 15) Aspen (no water after October 3) Lower Lee Vining (closing November 8) Big…

Ryan Garrett looking down toward Mono Lake through a spotting scope scanning for phalaropes.

Persistence, patience, and phalaropes

Relationships can be complicated. Sometimes, you fall for someone who is simply not into you. Sometimes it’s the other way around. We’ve all been there, and know that these complicated relationships are often formative and have enduring impacts. Before interning for the Mono Lake Committee, I presumed…