YOSEMITE ENDANGERED SPECIES EXPEDITION
We have safely completed this year's expedition and were wonderfully successful in achieving our objectives. We camped out in the field while on the search for endangered frogs, toads and other amphibians and reptiles. In one of the last search areas assigned to our team we found a healthy population of endangered Sierra Nevada Yellow Legged frogs. What an amazing thrill for both science teacher and student; middle and high school science students searching for, and finding a highly endangered species. And then being able to count and catalogue them for further study by the greater scientific community. A biology lesson has never been more real-world than that!
Way to go for everyone involved.
Here are photos from this year's successful endangered frog and toad expedition.
Way to go for everyone involved.
Here are photos from this year's successful endangered frog and toad expedition.
This summer we will return for a second year assisting Yosemite National Park, The Sierra Nevada Institute, and the US Geological Survey in a study of the endangered Yosemite Toad, Bufo canoris. Working and learning side-by-side with professional biologists on a real-world science mystery in the most beautiful place on Earth is the best imaginable summer service and leadership experience. Our focus with be on making measurable and memorable positive contributions to our environment.
Our backpacking journey will follow a loop along parts of the John Muir trail from Tuolumne Meadows through Lyell Canyon, and up to Vogelsang Pass. We will operate under a special permit from Yosemite National Park and the USGS.
Mr. Shargel will lead this trip along with highly qualified staff from his great summer science camps. Last year we were joined by Ellen, a Brown University junior and former Seven Hills family alum, Oscar, an EMT, and search and rescue colleague, and Tucker, a National Outdoor Leadership guide, Wilderness First Responder, and credentialed teacher. We joined a crew of professional Yosemite and USGS biologists.
The beautiful Yosemite toad was once one of the most common high-elevation Sierra amphibians. It survives the harsh winters of the Sierras and is active for only four to five months per year. During this time is must reproduce and eat enough to survive the long and cold hibernation season under the thick snow. For many reasons the number of Yosemite toads has declined dramatically, particularly in the Yosemite high country, for which the toad was named.
The clean granite spires will be our walls and inky black star-filled skies our ceiling as we backcountry camp throughout the Yosemite high-country.