5. The ecosystem marches on
There’s no doubt about it, a long path lies ahead for the restoration of the Mono Basin. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate the steps as we go.
The once-severely threatened California Gulls continue to return to their breeding grounds on the islets in Mono Lake. The endangered Willow Flycatcher, found recently in the thickets of Wild Rose on Rush Creek returned again this year in an effort to breed there. Alkali flies in numbers beyond estimation coated Mono’s shoreline, pleasing birds, scientists, and visitors alike. Brine shrimp were plentiful, and certainly seemed to be doing their best to continue the population’s success in the future.
There are challenges that we face-unknown and little-understood phenomenon that need attention, habitat and population trends that mystify even the best scientists-as we move towards a restored Mono Basin. We are keeping tabs on these, but in the meantime let’s take a moment to celebrate what is not lost. For this, we give the number five spot in the Mono Lake Top Ten for 2008 to the amazing and resilient plants and animals that make the Mono Basin their home.
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The Mono Lake Top Ten from 2008
5. The ecosystem marches on
6. Mono Lake Committee members paid the entire mortgage on the Committee’s Mono Basin Field Station and Annex properties
7. The Mono Lake Trail and David Gaines Boardwalk project
8. The Committee’s Outdoor Experiences Program turns 15
9. Mono Lake travels across the country with the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit: H20 = Life.
10. The Mono Lake Committee turns 30
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