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Yosemite Field School: Hetch Hetchy Springtime Flora and Meadows
Your guide: Dan Webster
Program dates: Friday, May 17 - Saturday, May 18
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day
Program location: Hetch Hetchy
Spend two days learning about plant life and the meadow/wetland ecosystems they depend on in Hetch Hetchy and lesser-known Ackerson Meadow.
Program Overview: Dive into the botanical beauty of northwestern Yosemite during this two-day guided program. In this lesser known (and underrated!) area of the park, you’ll learn about wildflowers and wetlands, AKA meadow hydrology and ecology.
Your guide, Dan Webster, will point out spring blooms of Hetch Hetchy along the way to towering Wapama Falls, and help you sharpen your identification skills of diverse plants (trees, wildflowers, bushes) as well as learn their ecological and cultural significance. Also expect to see and learn to identify butterflies and other pollinators as you find yourself immersed in the verdant and diverse web of life around you. You’ll explore the important role wetlands play in natural landscapes and hear from Yosemite National Park Hydrologist Catherine Fong who will join the group on Friday, May 17 in Ackerson Meadow. Fong is leading efforts to restore the area to its former glory as a healthy meadow ecosystem and biodiversity hotspot. She will share the latest research and conservation efforts amid the ongoing restoration of this important meadow habitat.
Hiking is an integral part of practically every course, so you must be in good physical condition to attend. For any outing, if you are unprepared or appear physically unable to complete the required activities, trip leaders have the right to ask you to leave the course to ensure the safety of the group.
If you have questions regarding the demands of any course, please call the office 209-379-2647 — we’ll be happy to help you decide whether the course is a good fit.
Know Before You Go:
What’s included: Two full days of guided instruction by a Yosemite Naturalist and NPS Hydrologist, one free day to explore on your own, park entry (as needed), and shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
Camping dates: Participants can arrive on May 16 after 12pm and must depart May 20 by 11am. This is a walk in Group Site, parking is a short walk away. We guarantee tent camping only. Sleeping in recreational vehicles is not permited. Please be prepared to tent camp. Multiple picnic tables, bear lockers and fire pits are available.
Lodging: Upgrade to Evergreen Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Details on using our Group Code to book lodging will be emailed to you immediately after you register.
Campground Location: Hetch Hetchy Group Sites (walk-in campground)
Experience level: All levels welcome.
*This two-day program includes four nights to camp. Make the most your trip by enjoying an extra free day, May 19th, to explore on your own.
What’s not included:
Gear or meals during your program.
Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
Transportation.
