Yosemite Outdoor Adventures offer interactive and enjoyable learning experiences that appeal to all interests in the scenic wonderland of Yosemite National Park. Guided naturalist hikes to lesser-known destinations, Half Dome treks, family camping programs, plein air art and backpack courses are just a sampling of the wide range of affordable learning adventures offered by the acclaimed nonprofit organization, Yosemite Association (YA) during 2010.

A total of 62 field courses designed to appeal to a range of ages, interests and abilities are outlined on YA’s Web site at www.yosemite.org. Held in the spectacular setting of Yosemite National Park, the one to seven-day programs address a diverse range of subjects including photography, geology, animal tracks, cultural history, outdoor skills, astronomy and botany. The 2010 Outdoor Adventures catalog is free and available online at www.yosemite.org or by calling 379-2321, extension 17.

YA expects continued growth in private guided trips offered to groups and organization, 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, the association’s resident naturalist. "This naturalist guide service is ideal for all types of groups, from friends and family vacations, to wedding parties or company meetings.”

For this year, several significant field seminars are scheduled based on past popular appeal. Notable offerings include:

Alpine Botany Backpack Trip: Co-sponsored by UC Berkeley’s Jepson Herbarium, this four-day course is taught by Steve Botti, the author of the landmark “Yosemite Flora.” Participants will backpack into the highest elevations of the Park’s wilderness to survey the burst of plant life in late summer.

Family Camping Jamborees: Two four-day sessions take place in the cool high country of Tuolumne Meadows. Naturalists will lead easy hikes for families and provide evening entertainment, while all the cooking is done for participants. People only need to bring a tent, sleeping bags and the kids.

A Park for All People: A series of three courses explores the little known history of African-American, Chinese and Latino people in Yosemite.

Photography courses that include backpacking and the “moonbow” backpack trips, including Backpacker magazine’s North Rim trek.

Two Indian basketry courses taught by the famed Parker women, a course in writing nature/ outdoor books for children and several art courses in Wawona, Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows will also be offered.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventure participant do not have to be a member of Yosemite Association/ Yosemite Fund to attend field courses. However, those who wish to become a steward of Yosemite can join the Yosemite Association with memberships starting at $25 per year.

For further information contact Pete Devine or Yosemite Association public information at 379-2321, extension 17.