A partnership of the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.

Field Notes

Volunteer Spotlight

  • Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers
  • jul 27, 2011

The Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers received the 2011 National Wilderness Aldo Leopold Award for Overall Wilderness Stewardship Program from Chief of the Forest Service. Learn more of their story and how you can help your favorite Wilderness.

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Sierra Nevada Snow Survey

  • Lincoln Else
  • jan 6, 2010

That water from your tap may have started as snow falling on a granite peak somewhere high in the Sierra Nevada. Ever wonder "how much" water is stored in that snow each year? Answering that question starts with a pair of backcountry skis and a heavy pack...

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Cross Cut: Clearing a Wilderness Trail

  • John Muir
  • dec 16, 2009

Ever wonder who cuts those logs that fall across the trail deep in the back country? Using a cross cut saw is a traditional (and challenging) skill mastered by many backcountry rangers throughout the Sierra.

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Featured

Curious about the Sierra's Black Bears?

What's the difference between a black bear and a brown bear? Where can I rent a bear canister for my next backcountry trip? Get all your bear answers in our bear section.

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Wilderness in the News

jan 23

Inyo National Forest: A wind storm blew through California on November 30 causing widespread damage to several areas of the Inyo National Forest, Devil's Post Pile N. M. and Yosemite N. P. From Mount Whitney to Tioga Pass, thousands of trees were downed by the storm.

sep 27

ModestoBee.com: Three-day Yosemite trek introduces Turlock, Pitman students to nature through the WildLink program.

sep 21

NatGeo.com: "What can we do for Ansel?" the senator asked. Turnage was ready with an answer: create a new Ansel Adams Wilderness area.