Fossil Discovery Center celebrates National Fossil Day

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

Fossil Discovery Center to celebrate National Fossil Day

Chowchila, CA. – The Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla has some big plans in store to celebrate National Fossil Day Saturday, Oct. 15. 

The museum features the fossilized remains of California’s State Fossil the sabretoothed cat, as well as Colombian mammoths, shortfaced bears and other Pleistocene era animals. All of these animals were found adjacent to where the museum now sits. 

In addition to those fossils, the museum has arranged the display of some very special items, including a cluster of 65 million hadrosaur and raptor eggs found in China and a collection of oreodont bones.

The Fresno Chafee Zoo will also have live specimens on display at the Fossil Discovery Center from 10 until 12 as well, including a burrowing owl and a king snake. 

A professional “flintknapper” will be demonstrating how ancient residents of the San Joaquin Valley made arrowheads and spear points from the stones found here. 

The Fossil Discovery Center will also be holding mock digs where kids can practice paleontology techniques as they uncover replica fossils and learn how to identify what they find.

Also on display will be the FDC’s latest addition, the Pleistocene Pond, landscaped with native vegetation from the period. 

Entrance in to the museum is $8 for adults, $6 for military or seniors, students get in for $4 and children under 3 are free. To learn more, visit www.maderamammoths.org. 

About Fossil Discovery Center
The Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla opened its doors last year after nearly 20 years of work. Crews at the landfill next door made the first discovery; a fossil that turned out to be the tusk of a Colombian mammoth. When scientists first arrived, they expected to only find the one fossil. However they soon uncovered many more; nearly 20,000 more in fact over the past 20 years. More than 40 species have been found as well, making it the largest fossil bed from the Pleistocene era in the western United States. The museum is open Tuesday’s through Sundays from 10-4.

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Yosemite Conservancy donates funds

Media Contacts:

Scott Gediman and Kari Cobb (NPS) 209-372-0248 Peter Bartelme (Yosemite Conservancy) 415-664-1503 Jennifer Miller (Yosemite Conservancy) 415-434-1782

                Yosemite Conservancy Provides $9.3 Million

                   in Support to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Conservancy provided $9.3 million in support to Yosemite National Park during the last year to fund projects and programs ranging from trail restoration and wildlife protection to art, youth, and educational programming.

“People are incredibly passionate about providing for Yosemite’s future.

Their support for the park makes a lasting difference in improving people’s experiences and protecting it for future generations,” said Mike Tollefson, Yosemite Conservancy President.

Speaking at the Yosemite Conservancy’s Fall Gathering at the historic Wawona Hotel in Yosemite on Saturday, October 1, 2011, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher recognized the importance of the Yosemite Conservancy’s role. “This generous support is essential to making possible projects that preserve, protect and enhance the park’s natural condition and the visitor experience,” said Neubacher.

More than 50 projects and programs received support during the last year throughout the park. For example, $1.3 million went to 11 Youth in Yosemite programs on education, mentoring, wilderness exploration and park restoration. At Tenaya Lake, one of Yosemite National Park’s most popular summer destinations, $850,000 in contributions is restoring wetlands and improving beach access. The 90-year-old fountain in front of the Wawona Hotel was rehabilitated thanks in part to Conservancy supporters.

Tollefson said that outdoor, arts and theater programs “forge deeper connections with park visitors of all ages to create lasting memories and encourage stewardship of the park.” Dozens of accomplished artists reach more than 2,000 park visitors annually through Yosemite Conservancy’s Art in the Park programs. Yosemite Theater performances at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center entertain and educate more than 10,000 visitors each year.

Sales from Yosemite Conservancy bookstores, which sell items like trail maps and education books and videos, are poured back into Yosemite. At park Wilderness Centers, Yosemite Conservancy staff members also provide bear canister rentals and backcountry permits. Outdoor Adventure programs and Yosemite Conservancy volunteers reach nearly a half million visitors annually.

                                   -NPS-

Editor’s Note: For photos of Yosemite Conservancy projects, please email Kari_Cobb@nps.gov

About Yosemite Conservancy

Yosemite Conservancy is the only philanthropic organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and preservation of Yosemite National Park and enhancement of the visitor experience. The Conservancy works to restore trails, protect wildlife through scientific research and habitat restoration, and offers outdoor programs that provide visitors with unique ways to connect with the park. It has funded projects in areas including trail and habitat restoration, wildlife protection, education, volunteering, and the production of award-winning books and DVDs. Learn more at www.yosemiteconservancy.org or call 1-800-469-7275.

Prescribed burn in Yosemite

Prescribed Burn Scheduled in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in the southern portion of the park near Bishop Creek along the Wawona Road, on Friday, September 30, 2011.  Ignition of the prescribed fire is dependent on weather conditions.  The total prescribed burn area will include 5,224 acres.  The burn area will be broken up into segments, with Segment A being ignited on Friday, and will include 1,400 acres.  Fire engines, water tenders, and fire crews from Yosemite National Park will be present during all fire activity.

It is estimated that the burn will take approximately four to five days to complete.  Temperatures over the scheduled burn dates are predicted to be in the mid 60’s to low 70’s.

Smoke from the burn may be visible throughout the park, but may be more evident in Yosemite West, Wawona, Yosemite Valley, El Portal and Foresta.

There is a possibility of nighttime smoke impacts along the Wawona Road.

The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce fire fuels near the communities of Yosemite West, Wawona, Glacier Point, and El Portal.  This prescribed fire will help to reduce over-accumulation of fuels near these communities, thereby reducing the chances of wildfires.

Historically, fire has burned as frequently as every four to twelve years in this particular area.  However, there have been no fires in the vicinity for the past 25 years.  This project is another step in restoring fire depending forest ecosystems in Yosemite National Park’s lower mixed conifer pine forest.

                                   -NPS-

Pomegranate Festival to include recipe contest

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636 

Recipe contest unveiled for Madera Pomegranate Celebration and Festival

Madera, CA. – The presenting sponsor of the Madera Pomegranate Celebration and Festival is holding a national recipe contest, looking for dishes and drinks inspired by the heart-healthy fruit.

The contest is separated in to three categories, Best Recipe by a Food Professional, Best Recipe by a Home Cook and Pomegranate Beverage/Cocktail. The recipes can use pomegranate arils (seeds), pomegranate juice or pomegranate concentrate. 

The best entry in each category will win $500.

“There are a lot of possible applications to use pomegranates in recipes,” said K.C. Pomering with Stiebs and a member of the Pomegranate Celebration committee. “Many chefs are rediscovering uses for this fruit and incorporating them in new and exciting ways. We’re looking forward to seeing what both professionals and the home cooks come up with for this contest.”

Original recipes must be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 25 using the submission form available at http://www.stiebs.com/contest.html. Images of the finished dish are also welcome, as are videos of the preparation process.

Winners will be announced at the first ever Pomegranate Festival to be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Appellation California. Winners do not need to be present when the announcements are made.  

About the Pomegranate Celebration and Festival

Madera is known as the Heart of Pomegranate Country. More and more of the fruit is being grown in and around Madera. Plus, almost all of the fruit grown in California comes to Madera for processing in the name brand products seen on store shelves at grocery stores throughout the country.

The inaugural Madera Pomegranate Celebration and Festival is being put on by the Madera Chamber of Commerce’s Tourism Alliance committee. The week-long series of events will highlight Madera’s central role in the production of the fruit, its health benefits, culinary versatility and history at events throughout Madera and Madera County Oct. 29 – Nov. 5. The Festival will wrap up the celebration, taking place Nov. 5 at Appellation California. There will be live music, cooking demonstrations, vendors, and games for kids and more. To learn more, visit www.PomegranateFestival.com.

9th Annual Sierra Art Trails open house tour set for Sept. 30 - Oct. 2

Jarrod Lyman
Director of Media
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
(559) 683-4636

Sierra Art Trail gearing up for annual show

Oakhurst, CA. – The many artists located throughout the foothills will be showcasing their work at the annual Sierra Art Trails next weekend.

“The Sierra Art Trails Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour is the largest and most anticipated annual arts event in the area,” said Jon Bock with Stellar Art Gallery and head of the committee that put the event together each year. 

“The show gives art enthusiasts the chance to see fine art and fine crafts in the making, and to get a firsthand view of how artists live and work.”

Artwork from dozens of artists will be on display at galleries and other locations throughout Oakhurst and the surrounding area. The types of media used are also diverse, with everything from painting, sculpting, photography and more will all be shown.

“The artwork on display is truly stunning,” said Jarrod Lyman with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, one of the sponsors for the event and also a display site. “The beauty of Yosemite and the surrounding Sierra Nevada area in which we live serves as inspiration for the many artists who call the region home, and that shows in the amazing works of art they create.”

The event takes place Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 am to 6 pm. The cost is $18 for two adults. The Sierra Art Trails catalog, which contains extensive information on each artist highlighted, also acts an admission ticket. Numerous locations have the catalogs for sale, including the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau at 40637 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA.

For a full list of locations and other information regarding the tour, visit the Sierra Art Trails website at  http://www.sierraarttrails.org.

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