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

Category: Stories

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…

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…

People working on the roof of an old decaying farm house under a clear blue sky.

Restoring DeChambeau Ranch’s main house

Throughout July and August, HistoriCorps is partnering with the Inyo National Forest to replace the cedar shingles on the roof of the main house at DeChambeau Ranch. I was able to volunteer during a locals’ day in late June and…

Eight students stand in a line looking out at a very green Mono Lake with waves on it and with a tufa island and the Mono Craters in the distance, and they are all wearing cool-weather outdoor gear.

Recipients of the 2021 Mono Lake Committee Scholarship

Last Thursday at graduation, the 2021 Mono Lake Committee Scholarship was awarded to Lee Vining High School seniors Chyann Andrews and Leonel Galindo. The scholarship application asked Mono County students to write essays that answered the question “Why do places…

A white haired woman sits in a chair next to a fireplace.

Remembering Andrea Lawrence on her birthday

Today, April 19th, is Andrea Mead Lawrence’s birthday. Andrea was a force of nature—an Olympic double gold medalist in skiing, mother of five, visionary environmental leader, 16-year Mono County Supervisor, and a steadfast advocate for Mono Lake’s protection. Before COVID-19…

A view across an open snow-covered mountain valley spotted with pine trees to three alpine peaks above the tree line with rocky crags and the bright light and blue shadows of a sunset under a bright blue sky, with the middle peak being Mount Andrea Lawrence.

We want to hear your Andrea Lawrence stories

In a typical year at this time we would be reminding you to buy your tickets for the Andrea Lawrence Award Dinner. However, this is not a typical year, and due to COVID-19 we will be moving our celebration of…