With June Comes…Summer! And Sierra Forever Has Lots of Fun Activities in Store!

—

An Update on Our Expanded Service Footprint on the East Side of the CA/NV State Line

In the December 2024 Issue of our Newsletter, Sierra Forever announced the growth to our service area thanks in part to our expanded partnership with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which includes several additional U.S. Forest Service locations where we will be providing education and interpretation programming, as well as assistance with stewardship efforts. One of these locations is Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, also known as Mr. Charleston (gomtcharleston.com, facebook.com/GoMtCharleston) near Las Vegas, which is visited by more than a million people each year.

This year is the first time for us to coordinate a huge trash cleanup event called “Paint the Mountain Green,” sponsored by Heineken USA and conducted in close partnership with Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. It is the Sixth Annual Paint the Mountain Green Cleanup, and hundreds of volunteers, many of them Heineken and Smith’s employees and their families, will fan out and help beautify and protect the national recreation area through a mass litter collection on Saturday morning, June 14. Following the cleanup, volunteers will be treated by our sponsors to a scenic chair ride and refreshments as part of a post-cleanup celebration at Lee Canyon Ski Resort.

Heineken will also generously donate $1 to Sierra Forever for every Heineken Family 12-pack of bottles and cans purchased at Smith’s retail outlets through July 6. We are excited to be participating in the “Paint the Mountain Green” effort and are most grateful for Heineken USA’s philanthropic support.

We will continue to use our newsletter to keep you informed about our service growth (in education, interpretation and stewardship) not just in the Sierra Nevada but also in the Great Basin so that you can rest assured that we are, indeed, helping to protect many regions of Eastern California and Nevada beyond the Sierra…Forever!

Below you will read about our:

• Bishop Climbing Rangers’ accomplishments during the 2024/2025 season;
• Upcoming Campfire Program talks, Interpretive Hikes and other events;
• 2025 Eastern Sierra History Conference and our call for papers from potential presenters (which could be you!);
• Membership and Recurring Donation opportunities;
• And more!

If you like what you read and would like to be a partner in our efforts, then come to our corner—as in our Member Corner! At the bottom of this newsletter, you can learn about how to support our work by becoming a member or a recurring donor. We hope you will!

Sincerely,

Jeff Gabriel
Executive Director

—

—

Bishop Climbing Rangers’ Successful 24/25 Season Doubled 23/24 Program Accomplishments!

In mid-May, we bid farewell to Bishop Climbing Rangers Casey Fellhoelter and Kara Flowers, who work seasonally from October through May. For their end-of-season wrap-up report, Casey and Kara recently presented an impressive accounting of the program’s accomplishments to a dozen representatives from the Bishop Paiute Tribe, County of Inyo, Bureau of Land Management – Bishop Office, Inyo National Forest, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Bishop Area Climbers Coalition, Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Inyo, and fellow Sierra Forever staff.

Both Kara and Casey are two-season veterans of the program, having started with Sierra Forever in 2023. Here is a by-the-numbers snapshot of what they did for much-loved climbing areas in public lands around Bishop in 2024/2025:

• Led 10 volunteer projects that engaged 230 volunteers who donated 517 volunteer hours that are valued at close to $21,000. (According to Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs in the United States that assigns a value to volunteer time, in California, a volunteer hour in 2024 was worth $40.14. Multiplied by 517, that equals $20,752.38.)
• Planted more than 300 native plants.
• Removed more than 900 lbs. of trash.
• Conducted more than 300 dispersed camping patrols in 17 locations.
• Made more than 2,300 contacts with climbers in the field, as well as more than 150 contacts with non-climbers (anglers, hikers, etc.).
• And so much more! Use the button below to get the whole report.

Job well done, Kara and Casey!

Click Here to Access a Downloadable PDF of the Full Report for 2024/2025

—

Updates & Events

Summer and the Mountains Are Calling! Join Us on an Interpretive Hike this Saturday thru Mid-Sept.!

It’s officially hiking season here in the Eastern Sierra, and we are excited to be lacing up our boots for a summer full of fun and educational guided interpretive hikes. From June through mid-September, join our naturalists as we explore the ecology, geology and history of some of the Eastern Sierra’s most spectacular places.

All ages are welcome on our hikes, but children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

We recommend dressing in weather-appropriate layers, having sun protection (think hats, hoodies, sunglasses and sunscreen), wearing comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and bringing a small pack with water and snacks.

Here Are Our May 31 and June Hikes:

Summer Interpretive Hike Series

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra as we explore some of our favorite trails. Hikes range from easy to moderate and 2 to 4 miles long.

• May 31, 9:00am – 11:00am – Convict Lake:Easy 2.5-mile loop around the lake – learn how the lake got its name, why Laurel Mountain looks the way it does, and maybe even spot a bald eagle. Meet at the Convict Lake trailhead parking lot at the south side of the lake.
• June 28, 8:00am – 11:00am – Crystal Lake: Easy-moderate 3-mile out-and-back with some elevation gain. Learn about Mammoth’s unique volcanic geography and catch wildflowers in full bloom.  Meet at the Crystal Lake trailhead at the Lake George day-use parking area.

Panum Crater Geology Tours

Did you know the Eastern Sierra is one of the most geologically active places in the United States? Join us on one of our Geology Walks this summer to hike into a young volcano and learn more about the wild forces that shaped the area. The Panum Crater loop trail is about a mile long with some elevation gain. There is no shade, so be sure to dress for sun protection. Hikes take place on the first and third Fridays from June 6 – September 19, excluding July 4.

•  June 6 & 20:Meet at 9:00am at Panum Crater Trailhead off Hwy 120E. The walk will take about 1.5 hours.

Little Lakes Valley Wildflower Walks

Do you love wildflowers? We sure do, and Little Lakes Valley is one of the best spots to see these beautiful displays all summer long. Join us on one of our Wildflower Walks this summer to learn more about the plants and animals found in the High Sierra and experience some of the most spectacular views in the whole range. Out-and-back hike is about 3 miles long with minimal elevation gain but be mindful that the trail does start at an altitude of 10,000 feet. These walks will happen on the second and fourth Fridays each month beginning June 27 through Sept. 12.

• June 27:Meet at 8:00am at Mosquito Flat Trailhead sign. The walk will take about 3 hours.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or trying a nature walk for the first time, we’d love to see you at one (or more!) of these hikes this summer. Grab your hat and your hiking shoes, bring your curiosity, and let’s explore the Eastern Sierra together!

Visit sierraforever.org/sierra-hikes for more information, to get the full schedule for the season, and to RSVP for any of our hikes. RSVP is not absolutely required, but it is appreciated so we know how many attendees to expect. You can also email education@sierraforever.org or call (760) 920-9224 with any questions. See you on the trail!

—

Sierra Forever’s Evening Campfire Program is Back from June thru October!

The campgrounds are open, which means our Campfire Talks are starting! From June through October, Sierra Forever naturalists will be giving Evening Campfire Program talks at campgrounds up and down the Eastern Sierra. Sierra Forever is partnering with Inyo Recreation (ExplorUS), the campground concessionaire, to offer these campfire programs in the campgrounds they manage for the Inyo National Forest.

These educational events are FREE and open to the surrounding community. You don’t need to be staying at any of the host campgrounds to attend. Just pull up a bench or set up a folding chair, bring a mug of coffee, tea or cocoa, and settle in to learn more about the amazing ecology and geology of the Eastern Sierra.

Programs begin at 6:30 pm and are about 45 minutes long, covering a wide range of topics.

Here’s the Schedule for June:

• Friday, June 6 @ New Shady Rest (Mammoth Lakes) | All About Bears
• Saturday, June 7 @ Robinson Creek (Bridgeport) | Animal Adaptations
• Friday, June 20 @ Oh! Ridge (June Lake) | All About Bears
• Saturday, June 21 @ New Shady Rest (Mammoth Lakes) | All About Bears
• Friday, June 27 @ Twin Lakes (Mammoth Lakes) | All About Bears
• Saturday, June 28 @ Whitney Portal (Lone Pine) | Mountain Lions & Coyotes

Check out sierraforever.org/campfire-programs for the full schedule for the season, including dates, topics, and campground locations.

—

Sierra Forever Board Member to Deliver ‘Science on Tap’

Char Miller to Discuss Documenting the History of Fire Suppression, which is Also the Topic of His Recently Published Book, Burn Scars.

What are the origins of fire suppression and how did this policy take hold? That is the topic of Whitebark Institute‘s next Science on Tap event on June 11th at T-Bar Social Club in June Lake (see flyer above).

This installment of the popular lecture series will feature Sierra Forever Board Member Char Miller, Pomona College Professor of Environmental Analysis and History, who will share a historical perspective on fire suppression—its colonial roots, early resistance to the practice, and the renewed support for traditional cultural burning.

Those who attended last year’s Eastern Sierra History Conference know that Char has written a book about this topic titled Burn Scars: A Documentary History of Fire Suppression, from Colonial Origins to the Resurgence of Cultural Burning. There will be copies of Char’s book available in exchange for a donation at the Science on Tap event, or you can purchase the book ahead of time at Sierra Forever’s Webstore by clicking on the button below, then bring it for Char to sign on June 11. See you then as we raise our glasses in a toast to wildfire education and safety!

Click Here to Buy ‘Burn Scars’

—

Eastern Sierra Land Trust & Sierra Forever to Offer Wildlife Tracking Workshop in Mammoth Lakes in July

Join professional wildlife tracker and mountain lion researcher Phil Johnston for a day in the mountains learning to read the stories of wild animals through tracking. Phil has over a decade of experience teaching tracking and is certified as Senior Tracker through Tracker Certification North America. Upcoming workshops will be in the Mammoth area. Exact meeting location will be emailed the Thursday before the workshop.

Please note: This workshop, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, will be from 9am till 3pm. You will be on your feet for the entire time, often walking over uneven terrain. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for supervising their children during this event. Dress in layers, wear sun protection, appropriate footwear, and bring water and lunch/snacks. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to [email protected] or michelle@sierraforever.org.

Phil’s workshops are popular and fill up fast, so you are encouraged to purchase your tickets early by using the button below or the QR code in the flyer above.

Purchase Tickets Here

—

Alabama Hills Ranger Programs on Pause for the Summer

We Will Pick Them Up Again in the Fall!

As you can see in the photo above, which was taken during our “Bugs and Blooms” nature walk in mid-April, our interpretive guides, whether staff or volunteers, always get creative in their presentations of nature to eager attendees. This means you have a lot of fun Alabama Hills hikes and events to look forward to in autumn! Please be sure to visit the Events page of our website, SierraForever.org/Events, to stay up to date with all of our other events throughout the Eastern Sierra. Questions about the Alabama Hills specifically can be addressed to Interpretive Specialist Ashley Anderson at [email protected].

—

REMINDER: Call for Papers from Potential Presenters for Sierra Forever’s 2025 Eastern Sierra History Conference!

Submit a Brief Abstract on a Proposed Topic by Friday, June 27!

The 10th Annual Eastern Sierra History Conference will be held from Friday, Oct. 31 – Sunday, Nov. 2, this year. Sierra Forever is excited to celebrate 10 years of enhancing awareness, enriching knowledge, and building recognition of the diverse and complex heritage of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin region.

The conference, which will be held at the Bishop Campus of Cerro Coso Community College, will feature two full days of dynamic presentations on Friday and Saturday, including morning keynotes on both days, and field trips to choose from on Sunday. Breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments at breaks will be provided on Friday and Saturday for all speakers and conference attendees. Sierra Forever will be selling relevant books, maps, and other items during the conference. Our History Conference registration announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

Calling All Potential Presenters!

At this time, we are seeking presentations on the history and culture of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin, along with research that may have taken place outside of our region but is related to the history of the area.

Morning session presenters will have 40 minutes to speak with 10 minutes for discussion and Q&A. Afternoon session presenters will have 30 minutes to present with 10 minutes for discussion/Q&A.

To get an idea of some of the topics presented in past conferences, please visit the Eastern Sierra History Journal, a digital publication that is a collaboration between Sierra Forever and the Claremont Colleges Library. History Conference presenters are given the opportunity to also submit an article about their topic to the History Journal.

If you are interested in presenting at the History Conference, please submit a maximum 250-word abstract along with a brief biographical statement to Michelle Kelly, Education & Events Manager, at [email protected] by Friday, June 27.

Questions? Please use the same email to contact Michelle or call her at (760) 920-9224.

—

Sierra Forever Making an Impact

The Month of May Was for the Birds…and the Birders:

Specifically, the Bi-State Sage-Grouse and Its Advocates!

Sierra Forever hosted its annual Bi-State Sage-Grouse Lek Viewing Field Trip on Saturday, May 3rd. Fifteen participants joined Sierra Forever’s Bi-State Sage-Grouse Coordinator, Tracy Misiewicz, in the wee hours of the morning for coffee and pastries, and to learn about the Bi-State sage-grouse and the local conservation effort that has been underway to protect it and its habitat.

Afterwards, the group headed to Long Valley where they were able to watch the spectacular breeding display that male sage-grouse put on every spring (top photo above). One of the participants was Sierra Forever Board Chair Don Chambers who captured the energy of the lek viewing experience in a panoramic shot (bottom photo above).

In addition to the sage-grouse, the group was able to observe their survival instinct response to predators: When a peregrine falcon flew over the lek, the birds took cover in nearby sagebrush. A group of coyotes also spent some time near the lek – but the birds were not perturbed. The Bi-State sage-grouse is a distinct population of the greater sage-grouse and has been the focus of a highly successful collaborative conservation effort for more than 20 years.

Hopefully, this will spark the interest of others who might want to join us for this magical experience in 2026.

—

And just a few days after the lek viewing trip, on May 6, Tracy rocked a full house at Whitebark Institute‘s May “Science on Tap” lecture held at Bishop’s popular Mountain Rambler Brewery. Tracy’s lecture with PowerPoint was titled “Wildlife Conservation in Non-Fire-Adapted Ecosystems,” and featured the Bi-State Sage-Grouse and its fragile habitat. The engagement from attendees was such that the Q&A following Tracy’s presentation was almost as long as the lecture itself! But Tracy had help with partners from the Bureau of Land Management and others who helped answer questions from lovers of the sage-grouse and its protection.

For more information about Sierra Forever and its partners’ work to protect the Bi-State Sage-Grouse, please visit sierraforever.org/bistatesagegrouse.

—

Día del Niño (Kid’s Day) a Family Fun Day Was a Success!

Interpretive Displays, Folklorico Dancing, Games and Prizes, Bear Safety, Wildfire Awareness, Hantavirus Prevention, Bike Rodeo: So…Much…Fun!

Family Fun Day made the best possible comeback as Día del Niño (Kid’s Day) in Bishop City Park on Saturday, May 3rd, with between 250 and 300 kids and their accompanying adults in attendance. Sierra Forever was proud to be a co-organizer of this event along with the City of Bishop and close to a dozen other exhibitors. Our best takeaway is that we now have an interpretive presentation on Bear Safety IN SPANISH to continue raising awareness at other events among members of the Eastern Sierra’s growing Hispanic community.

Can’t wait till Día del Niño 2026!

—

Sierra Forever Membership: Join or Renew!

Do you like what you’ve been seeing from Sierra Forever lately? Then, come to our corner–as in our Member Corner! Your membership helps support our work, allowing us to go on delivering high-quality interpretive programs, products, literature, exhibits, and events throughout the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin, while supporting our federal land management agency partners. New members are presented with a member gift; new and renewing members receive discounts on in-store Sierra Forever retail items and 10% off in-store purchases at over 400 public land stores.

Annual memberships start at just $35!

Renew or Purchase Your Sierra Forever Membership Here

Set Up a Recurring Donation!

Another great way to support our work is by setting up a recurring donation to benefit Sierra Forever. You can choose to make a weekly, monthly, or annual donation automatically using your credit card. One-time gifts are great, too, but recurring donations are fantastic in helping to sustain Sierra Forever’s activities long-term, as even small amounts given weekly or monthly help us maintain a steady cashflow and add up to substantial support over time. No gift is too small, and we appreciate every donation from fellow lovers of our public lands!

Ensuring the wellbeing of the Sierra…Forever, is an “All hands on deck!” effort. Won’t you be a part of it?

Set Up a Recurring Donation Here!