Media Contact: Pete Devine, pdevine@yosemite.org

Public Information: Yosemite Association, (209) 379-2321, www.yosemite.org

Yosemite Association Announces Winter/spring Roster of Outdoor Adventures for 2008

Affordable, interactive and fun-based learning experiences appeal to all ages and interests in spectacular Yosemite National Park

[NOTE: An Outdoor Outreach grant from OWAC helped pay for printing and distribution of YA's catalog. —ZT]

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, November 9, 2007 – Guided naturalist treks, moonlight snowshoeing, winter photography and a chance to assist park rangers with their snow studies are just a sampling of the wide range of affordable learning adventures offered by the acclaimed non-profit organization, Yosemite Association (YA) in early 2008.

Fifteen winter and spring courses designed to appeal to all ages, interests and abilities are outlined in YA’s newly published 2008 Outdoor Adventures winter catalog. Held in the spectacular setting of Yosemite National Park, courses span a diverse range of subjects including photography, astronomy, bird watching, cultural and natural history, and outdoor skills. The winter 2008 Outdoor Adventures catalog is free, and available online at www.yosemite.org or by calling (209) 379-2321.

YA has also been growing its capacity to offer custom guided trips to groups and organizations, tailored toward their specific interests. “If the dates for certain courses don’t fit with busy schedules or if a specific topic is appealing, we can customize a course exactly to your needs,” said Pete Devine, YA Education Program Coordinator. “This option is ideal for all types of groups, from friends and family reunions, to wedding parties or small companies.”

In addition to naturalist programs based at the park’s Badger Pass Ski Area, some special highlight programs include:

•Winter Landscape Photography  Photographer John Senser has years of  experience successfully capturing Yosemite during the season of uniquely cold light. On January 19, others will have a chance to learn from John’s expertise.

•Full Moon Equinox Snowshoe  Interpreter Emily Jacobs leads this excursion at the edge of day and night, and winter and spring, as the bright moon lights the   mountains and the sky shifts us into springtime on March 22.

•A Hard Road on Gold Mountain  This course is a rare look at the little-known contributions to Yosemite history made by Chinese immigrants. On March 28 Ranger Yenyen Chan leads a hike on the historic Wawona Road, which was built by Chinese work crews. 

•Leave No Trace Trainer Course   Naturalist Pete Devine trains people not only how to travel gently in the Sierra backcountry, but how to teach minimum impact practices to others. This April 13-14 short backpack trip is ideal for camp counselors, outdoor educators, scout leaders, and other outdoorspeople. 

In January, YA will release its main Outdoor Adventures catalog, filled with a diverse array of backpacking, natural history, art, and family programs. The popular Family Camping Jamborees, all-inclusive camping trips in the high country will be back in the summer.  Taught by park rangers, experienced naturalists, professional artists, and field scientists, both adult and young participants can learn about the great outdoors and experience Yosemite in an interactive, stimulating environment.

Since its inception in 1971, the award-winning Outdoor Adventures program has been connecting people to Yosemite with in-depth experiences.  The National Park Service has endorsed and supported this program, highlighting it as one of the many valuable contributions that YA makes to the park. 

Founded in 1923, the Yosemite Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of Yosemite National Park through its volunteer, publishing, outdoor education and other programs. Revenues from YA programs such as the Outdoor Adventures provide substantial annual funding to supplement the National Park Service’s interpretive services, museum and research programs.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventure participants do not have to be a member of Yosemite Association to attend field courses. However, those who wish to become a steward of Yosemite can join the Yosemite Association with memberships starting at $35 per year. Membership benefits include discounted room rates in and around Yosemite, a 15% discount on all outdoor adventures, subscription to “Yosemite,” the quarterly journal of the association, 15% discount on all books, maps, posters and calendars, and regular email newsletters.

For a free 2008 Outdoor Adventures course catalog, call (209) 379-2321 or look at the “Seminars” section online at www.yosemite.org.