The discovery of gold in 1849 changed California forever. In their quest for wealth, gold miners left a legacy of lasting impacts on the environment. The Upper Merced River Watershed Council, a project of the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District, invites community members to come and learn about the history of gold mining in California. Randy Bolt, park interpretive specialist with the California Mining and Mineral Museum, will present a look at mining methods from the early days as well as some used in modern times. Participants will see the various kinds of waste each method creates, where chemicals have been introduced, and why they are still here. They will come away with a factual foundation of knowledge about the effects of mining in the watersheds of the Golden State.

The program is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bodie Room, at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, 6979A Highway 140 in Midpines. The program is free.

For directions, call or email the watershed office at 966-2221 or watershed@sti.net.