A trip to the aquarium — virtually

Woodland Elementary students make the best of learning in a pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed how students are educated. For now, field trips are only a dream and even the general educational experience is, in part at least, virtual. Students at Woodland Elementary are no exception to these changes, but a pair of teachers decided to find a way to teach some of the students about animals. Teachers Jennifer […]

Conserved lands vital in effort to help preserve local habitat


Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC) is the local land trust serving Mariposa, Madera, Eastern Merced and Fresno counties. SFC owns and manages nine nature preserves and works with 43 partnering landowners and a variety of organizations and agencies throughout SFC’s service region to conserve natural heritage for present and future generations. SFC engages the communities of the service region to assist […]

Yosemite officials making prescribed burning plans

Yosemite National Park has begun preparations for fall and winter prescribed fire and fuels projects. The fire program will send out formal announcements as ignition locations and dates are determined. Over 50 years of research has taught park managers that, in contrast to previous beliefs, total suppression of all fires does not prevent large severe wildfires. This tactic actually contributes […]

Conservancy will mark 25 years with celebration

Virtual event scheduled for Nov. 14

The Sierra Foothill Conservancy is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To celebrated, the SFC staff and its partners are asking people to attend SFC’s Virtual 25th Anniversary Fall Kickoff Party on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m., with an introduction 10 minutes prior by the Dry Creek String Band. This event will include expert presentations on geology, cultural archaeology, […]

Four wilderness fires continue to burn in park

Yosemite National Park is managing four wilderness fires burning in fire adapted ecosystems. There are trail closures in effect. All fires may be visible from Tioga Road (Highway 120 through Yosemite National Park), Glacier Point and high country vistas. Overall, smoke production is minimal, with columns rising around 1,000 feet from the ground and dispersing northeast. Smoke may be light […]

In spite of odds, setbacks, Harrington climbs El Cap



Determination lies at the core of any serious athlete and professional rock climber Emily Harrington is no different. It was that determination that enabled her to push past limitations, despite early indications to the contrary, when she climbed the granite face of Yosemite’s El Capitan last week in less than 24 hours. “I never believed I could actually free climb […]

NEWS BRIEFS

Little League See’s Candies Fundraiser Mariposa County Little League is fundraising with See’s Candies. Help raise money for Mariposa County Little League by simply shopping for candy online this year. From 20-50 percent of every order will go directly to the Mariposa County Little League and help them get a little closer to building their snack shack. All orders will […]