Last week Wilson’s Phalaropes, the small shorebirds that rely on saline lakes like Mono Lake, inched toward protection under the Endangered Species Act. The US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) released a “positive 90-day finding,” which advances the birds to…
This post was written by Caelen McQuilkin, Project Specialist, and Teri Tracy, Eastern Sierra Policy Coordinator. After months of wet weather, Californians are embracing some welcome news. According to the US Drought Monitor’s five-level scale, there are no areas of drought in the state for the first time in 25…
The list of 2026 Mono Basin Field Seminars and their itineraries will be posted online on Sunday, February 1. In addition to some familiar favorites, keep an eye out for new itineraries—you might find yourself tracking wildlife, wading through waterways, or keying plants this summer! We will…
Come join our awesome team in the Eastern Sierra’s beautiful Mono Basin! We are seeking two people who are excited to spend a season learning about the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of Mono Lake and sharing its importance with many thousands of visitors. Working in the Information Center &…
This month, the Inyo National Forest rescued 24 wild horses trapped in the snow, far from reliable forage and water, east of Highway 395 in the Bald Mountain area. The horses are from the Montgomery Pass herd. This herd has expanded in size…
If you are inspired by the uniqueness of the Mono Basin and want to help protect Mono Lake in your free time, then the Mono Lake Volunteer program is for you. The program contributes to important work in the Mono…
The Mono Lake Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 16, 2025. This was the 46th Mono Lake CBC and the 126th year of the event overall. Twenty volunteer birders counted every bird they could see or hear in the 15-mile diameter CBC circle centered on…
It all starts with a sign. No really, a sign! Just to the north of the West Portal Scenic Viewpoint is an “Adopt-A-Highway” road sign proudly displaying the Mono Lake Committee logo. This is the start of our commitment to…
This essay, written by Marc Del Piero, appears in the 2026 Mono Lake Calendar. “The price for the protection of water rights is vigilance.” —Attributed to Henry Miller of the Miller-Lux Ranch Now is the time that all residents of…
We still have a few spots available in our upcoming Winter Photography field seminar this January 17-19, 2026! Winter in the Mono Basin offers a quiet solitude for those who seek it out, as well as stunning photographic opportunities. Snow…
