This past weekend my co-worker Lindsey and I ventured out of Leavitt Lake (just east of Sonora Pass) down into Kennedy Canyon for a three-day backpack trip into the new western addition of the Hoover Wilderness and the Emigrant Wilderness. During this adventure we were treated to expansive alpine views of granitic and volcanic mountains, [...]
This summer CSERC staff is especially busy with field work and much of their work time is spent in the beautiful surrounding mountains, as they conduct research and monitor resources. Below is a gallery of photos taken by staff members this year as they work and play in this amazing region – we hope you [...]
There is something truly special about seeing a woodpecker when you are out in the woods. Whenever I encounter one I can’t help but announce their presence to whoever happens to be listening, and I stop what I am doing to enjoy watching them for however long I can. Actually, there are many different species [...]
I have found that becoming familiar with the local flora, fauna, and natural history in our area truly enhances my outdoor experiences. For example, learning how to identify the different plant species that grow in this area, makes me start to notice more about their habitat: what other plants grow around them, if they prefer [...]
Ever since I “discovered” the Highway 49 wildflower bounty between Coulterville and Mariposa last Spring, I have been waiting eagerly for an opportunity to revist this glorious area. If you haven’t been yet, wait no more and get out there today! The variety of foothill wildflowers range from a multitude of chinese houses, poppies, popcorn [...]
It was tough leaving Yosemite Valley on Saturday where the waterfalls cascaded over the spectacular granite cliffs as the snow melted in the high country. As beautiful as it was, the descending spring break crowds spurred me back to the Groveland area to stay with friends for the night, leaving the Merced watershed and hoping [...]
This last week I let the warm weather get the better of me and I decided to head down to the foothills to Table Mountain, near Jamestown and New Melones Reservoir. Table Mountain is considered by some to be the world’s best example of an inverted stream, as approximately 9 million years ago a volcanic [...]
Recently I was surprised to learn that a friend of mine who I have always known to be an avid backcountry adventurer also happens to be an incredibly talented nature photographer. All of us here at CSERC are very excited to encounter his inspiring artistic interpretation of the natural landscape of this region- reminders of [...]
Love it or hate it, rain and snow can control our life in the Sierra Nevada during the winter. In the spirit of the season, here are some lightly educational and entertaining links to winter-related topics and activities for our readers to enjoy. Click on the titles of each section to visit sites that provide [...]
As we approach the coldest and wettest time of year in the Sierra Nevada, I notice that the shorter daylight hours and sometimes less than sunny weather makes it harder for me to get off of the sofa and into the fresh air after a day at work or school. I still find time to [...]