Friends of the Inyo had its biggest year ever.
With apologies to the Christmas carol, here are just 12 of the gifts that Friends of the Inyo members, volunteers and partners have given back to the public lands, people and critters of the Eastern Sierra in 2008:
52,862 FEET of trail maintained by volunteers and Mammoth Basin Community Stewards
6,286 HOURS of volunteer service
2,148 VISITORS touched by the Mono Basin Resource Steward or the Mammoth Basin Community Stewards
1,200 LODGEPOLE PINES planted at Glass Creek campground by Mammoth High School biology students
100 PARTICIPANTS in wilderness stewardship and exploration programs
90 ACRES of fence completed at Cottonwood Creek in the White Mountains and in the Bodie Hills
47 WEEKS of Volunteer Fish Slough Patrol
38 ACRES of land restored by removing invasive plant species
23 SITES on local rivers and streams monitored by volunteer water watchers
10 HAPPY KIDS from the Santa Clarita YMCA who smiled and laughed their way through a couple of hours of trail maintenance
2 NIGHTS of entertainment and awareness at the second annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
1 PARTY in the trees and under the stars to celebrate Friends of the Inyo's wonderful members and volunteers
Heartfelt thanks to all the businesses and individuals who have volunteered, become members and made donations to Friends of the Inyo in 2008.
