Get to Know Local Author Kendra Atleework . Supporter of Friends of the Inyo and talented writer Kendra Atleework recently recently published her book, “Miracle Country.” We’ve partnered with her to give away copies of her book in our #DontTrashTheTrails giveaway. But we wanted to get to know Kendra even better, so we connected (virtually) and she answered some burning questions that we tossed her way: What inspired you to write this book? Miracle Country is about our relationship to home. I was born and raised in the Eastern Sierra. My dad was a hot air balloon pilot and a…
Exploration
In collaboration with the Mono Lake Committee, Friends of the Inyo created a video to highlight the plants and wildlife in the Bodie Hills. Although we can’t plan an in-person outing like we usually would, this video highlights some of the wonderful values we are seeking to protect in the Bodie Hills. This video features Friends of the Inyo’s Jora Fogg and Mono Lake Committee’s Nora Livingston.
Eastern Sierra Webcams Bring the Views to You! In this time of sheltering in place and social distancing, you may be pining for the stunning views the Eastern Sierra known for. But wait, you also want to be a good citizen, and observe those governmental directives for the sake of your fellow citizens and the world at large and not spread this virus. What a conundrum you find yourself in. How to balance your desire for stunning vistas and a moral obligation to stay home? Luckily for you, there is a deep collection of webcams from around the Eastern…
Our Trail Ambassadors have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on their interpretive hikes for the season, and they’re ready for the world to see! We’re starting things out with a bang, with Robin leading not one, but TWO Botany Hikes in Rock Creek on the same day. He’ll be leading hikes at 9 AM & 1 PM, out of Rock Creek Lakes Resort (across the street from the Rock Creek Lake). The rest of the hike schedule will be as follows: Botany in Rock Creek with Robin – Saturdays 7/6 (9 AM & 1 PM), 7/20 (1…
Spring has officially sprung in the Owens Valley The Tungsten Hills have blooming wildflowers, the daytime temperature high in Bishop reached the upper-eighties last week, and the snow line is creeping up the mountains. All of these factors may conspire to create a false sense that snow-free high alpine days are right around the corner. But the fact of the matter is quite a bit different. As of May 1, there is still over 10-20 feet along the Sierra Crest, meaning that there is still a good deal of thawing that needs to be done before the high country is…
On February 23rd, Friends of the Inyo staff and 21 eager guests set out for an adventure in the Bodie Hills. We convened at the bustling Virginia Creek Settlement for a hearty breakfast and great company. Nearly too full to function, our entourage of adventure seekers piled into cars and set out for the Bodie Hills. We soon arrived at the trailhead in Aurora Canyon and prepared ourselves for a trek in untouched snow. Snowshoers buckled up and skiers locked themselves in. Our Executive Director, Wendy Schnieder, quickly briefed the group on safety and best practices for a Bodie Hills…
I’ve been on several trips to Conglomerate Mesa in the spring, but never in the winter. In Fact, this was the first winter trip to Conglomerate Mesa for all of us. Since we had just hired Bryan Hatchell as Friends of the Inyo’s Desert Lands Organizer, we planned a trip to the Mesa with the goal of further familiarizing ourselves with the area and to scope for a potential outing in the near future. Conglomerate Mesa is an approximate 7,000 acre area between the Malpais Mesa Wilderness to the south and the Cerro Gordo Mine to the north. Read on…
August 21 was the annual fall migration Big Day at Owens Lake. Big Days” are known in the birding world as days where we count as many individual birds as possible in one day. Our own board member Mike Prather organizes observers to assist Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) with these counts each spring and fall. This acts as a snapshot of peak migration numbers that help inform DWP’s management of the lake. While I’ve participated in many a spring Big Day, this year I decided to join the August event as well. The shorebirds and waterfowl…
Exploration outings are safer than ever… …after Friends of the Inyo’s road trip to our nearest Wilderness First Aid course! Join us on this photo voyage through a weekend that prepared us for a summer of Stewardship and Exploration events. I was initially hesitant about another First Aid course filled with rounds of CPR demonstrations on a rubber torso, and lots of sitting and listening to an instructor. But the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) took a different approach with simulated patients acting out real scenarios (one was even an overzealous birder, perfect for our bird festival!) The course touched…
On Friday, April 20, the Horton Creek Campground was alive with archaeological artefacts, bighorn sheep skulls, stream macroinvertebrates, interesting rocks, Leave No Trace flash cards, Paiute words, and sixty-two children from Round Valley Elementary School. Led by Friends of the Inyo and the Bishop BLM, Round Valley Earth Day is a chance for the elementary school students to learn about many different aspects of the place where they live, from its indigenous history, to its plants and animals, to its recreational opportunities. The students arrived at the campground at 8:30am, and the clock began ticking. Eight educational stations were set…