The Naturalist Department of Yosemite National Park published Yosemite Nature Notes for more than 60 years. Through publications including trail guides, interpretive brochures, maps and podcasts, the National Park Service continues to fulfill its mission, set by Congress, to promote tourism and public enjoyment of designated natural and historical sites.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Department of Interior/National Park Service pamphlet, Birds of Yosemite. Yosemite Nature Notes, January 1938
Protecting Natural Resources
The development of the West brought an ever-increasing number of settlers. When resources became depleted or despoiled, voices were raised to preserve the West’s scenic lands and their fragile environments. In 1864, Congress acted. Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias became the first parklands set aside by the federal government. They were initially granted to the state of California and later became a National Park in 1890. Yosemite was made part of the National Park Service when it was established by Congress in 1916.
The Naturalist Department of Yosemite National Park published Yosemite Nature Notes for more than 60 years. Through publications including trail guides, interpretive brochures, maps and podcasts, the National Park Service continues to fulfill its mission, set by Congress, to promote tourism and public enjoyment of designated natural and historical sites.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
