MARIPOSA – The Yosemite Area Audubon Society (YAAS) will present a program entitled “Bean Meadow Restoration: Trials, Triumphs, and Turtles,” on Thursday, Apr. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Mariposa.
Join Melissa Odell of Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC) to learn about the trials and tribulations of a large-scale Sierra meadow restoration.
Located in northern Mariposa County, Bean Creek Preserve and its restoration has been made a priority by SFC since the property was donated to the organization over eight years ago.
Turtles – photo by Joseph Bullock
Odell will highlight the progress thus far and share about the ongoing research on special meadow wildlife such as great gray owl, willow flycatcher and western pond turtle. The talk will also provide some insight to how SFC incorporates climate change research and planned grazing into their management strategy.
Odell is a wildlife biologist and conservation project manager for Sierra Foothill Conservancy, a local non-profit land trust. Sierra Foothill Conservancy honors our natural and cultural heritage by protecting these resources and ensuring that present and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the land in this region.
Odell grew up in Madera County and serves on the Board of Directors for both the Yosemite Area Audubon Society and the Upper Merced River Watershed Council. She takes pride in working with her neighbors, local ranchers and other landowners to make sure their legacy is kept intact in perpetuity.
SFC will be offering a field trip to the Bean Meadow restoration site in June – stay tuned for more details on their website www.sierrafoothill.org.
Like all Yosemite Area Audubon programs, this presentation is open and free to the public, although donations to defray program costs and to support the chapter’s local activities are welcome.
Red tailed Hawk – photo Joseph Bullock
The YAAS monthly field trip will be at Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park on Saturday, Apr. 13, from 8 to 11 a.m. It will be an easy 1-2 mile loop through the oak woodlands via the creek and the pond. Meet at the main parking lot.
For more information about the program and the free field trips also offered by YAAS call (209) 742-5579 or visit www.yosemiteaudubon.org.
