September 1972

YOSEMITE VOLUME FORTY-TWO, NUMBER 2

New Association Chief As we reported in a recent letter to the membership, David O. Karraker has taken over his positions of Chief Park Interpreter and Director of the Yosemite Natural History Association. Dave arrived in Yosemite one jump ahead of the summer visitors. Thus, was obliged to adjust to this environment (he had been in Washington, D.C.), get his family settled, become acquainted with his National Park Service colleagues and, with the other hand, direct the widespread visitor interpretive programs. To accomplish one or two of these would be a fair job; to do them all is, he says, exciting, to say the least. His interpretive province reaches between Tuolumne and the Mariposa Grove, some twenty-five crow flight miles. There were some 150 interpretive programs going on weekly within the park and 95 interpretive people presenting them. Having served as Chief Interpreter in three other parks, he has been involved with cooperating associations (which is what the YNHA is) for some time, so is familiar with association aims and activities. Asked about his concept of the interpretive needs in this park in 1972 and how he intends to fill them, Karraker said: First of all, I am very impressed by the dynamic work of the Yosemite Natural History Association. Over the years it has provided an amazing array of services and programs. It has been most important in furthering the exciting in- (continued on page five)

SEPTEMBER, 1972

Among a number of naturalist programs for children was "Yosemite Adventurers" designed for the four to seven year old visitor. Here, Mary Ruble invites inspection of a tiny alder seed pod. Burns, Beetles and Sequoia Cones Enough is known about the close Ron Stecker, the entomologist relationships between plants and with the team, virtually lived in animals to frighten almost anyone the crown of a Giant Sequoia in concerned with environmental Sequoia National Park in the Redquality, especially when one conwood Mountain Grove for almost siders all that we must not yet five summers. From his perch, he know, as we forge ahead changstudied the insect populations ing planet earth. and other aspects of sequoia ecolAnother intricate yet vital inter ogy previously unaccessible to relationship was recently discovscience. ered in the Giant Sequoia by the One of the most interesting quesRichard J. Hartesveldt research tions which he answered was: team from San Jose State College. Why do Giant Sequoia cones turn (Dick was once a ranger-naturalist brown and shrink enough to drop in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove.) (continued on page two)

(continued from page one) Burns, Beetles and Sequoia Cones their seeds? Most conifer cones drop their seeds and fall to the ground on a regular schedule. The Giant Sequoia pollinates its cones in late winter. The seeds mature and are viable at the end of the second growing season, but the cones remain on the tree, tightly closed, continuing to grow for as long as twenty-two years. Stecker found that usually by about the fifth year, most cones become infected by the larvae of a Cerambycid beetle, Phymatodes nitidus. As the larvae feed, it eventually cuts enough vascular tubes to kill the cone and release the seeds. Under ideal conditions only about one seed in a billion grows into a mature tree. Today, with the elimination of forest fires in the sequoia groves, conditions are far from ideal. The soft, friable, ash-covered mineral soil which is exposed after a fire is nature's perfect seed bed, so a Sequoia seed which becomes buried there has a good chance for growth. Hartesveldt has recorded an unusually large number of Sequoia seeds falling shortly after experimental fires. The heat generated by the fire was enough to trigger the opening of the beetle infected cones at precisely the time the bed was at its best. P. nitidus has been associated with the Giant Sequoia since the Oligocene, 35,000 years ago, while all all other members of the genus feed on broad-leaf trees. The evolution of the Giant Sequoia and this beetle has been closely associated. Now, the Giant Sequoia seems to rely almost completely on the beetle for the cones to open at the right time and guarantee reproductive success. Interdependency— interaction — evolution. The survival of the things we cherish depends upon our understanding of these complexities of nature. Norman Messinger Wawona District Naturalist

The egg-shaped cone of the Giant Sequoia will vary in length from 2 to 3.5 ins. Each cone may contain between 100 and 300 seeds which mature in their second summer. Environmental Specialist John Krisko, II, at the start of his newly designed self-guiding nature trait. A printed leaflet explains the stops among trees, in a meadow and along the river, each stop significant in the web of life. and interdependence, continuity and change, and adaptation and evolution. Taken in order, they represent a logical sequence of learning : inventory, organization, action, extension of action in time, and modification and adjustment. Yosemite's Environman is called an "environmental education specialist". He has been active, both inside Yosemite and in surrounding communities, bringing the strand system to teacher workshops, to youth leaders, and directly to students. He also attempts to relate Yosemite to the special needs of varied groups of all ages, physical capacities, and cultural backgrounds. He would like to visit your community to learn your environmental needs and to offer you expanded natural awareness. He is only one man facing a tidal wave of need, so he prefers to reach as many citizens and students as possible for each day's investment of taxpayers' money. if you are interested, please write to John Krisko, Environmental Education Specialist, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, California 95389; or phone, (209) 372-4461, extension 61. It's Environman You and I are an integral part of the "web of life" clinging to the surface of Planet Earth. Environman symbolizes that reality. He is inseparably a part of the web and interdependent with Earth's other life forms. He is placed in the middle of the design, only by the artist. Man is different from his fellow creatures in the extent of his ability to change natural environments. He frequently imposes his laws on nature, instead of identifying and obeying natural laws that govern his existence as an interdependent creature. "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature." Man's developments reduce nature's variety which supports his survival. Environman is the symbol of "environmental education" in the National Parks. The web is broken into five "strands" which offer an orderly approach to increasing man's awareness of his natural role in nature. Strands are a means of guiding the teacher and students in encountering the complexity of the natural world beyond the classroom. The five strands are: variety and similarity, patterns, interrelation

The Day They Christened the Stage Coach It was a pleasantly warm Wawith Washburn II since he shaped wona-type day on July 23. the iron for the wheel rims and There were mothers, fathers, chitshaved the first spokes. His coach, dren, a few grandparents, a dog red with black and yellow and or two wandering through the gold trim, sparkled in the barn. Pioneer Yosemite History Center. The invited dignitaries, park ofIry Duncan was pounding hot ficials, others involved with the iron on the anvil in his blacksmith foothill's history and park visitors shop making gate hooks, the canwere gathered under trees. dle-maker was pouring melted At high noon, Messinger began wax (bayberry scented) into her the ceremonies, introducing the crude molds, the quiltmakers Center's demonstration staff, were stitching squares together, and recalling bits of lore about the potter was working moist, the early days and anecdotes cool clay, the girls were knocking about the present. hot loaves of "pioneer" bread "And, now we can see the profrom the pans, ignoring the heat duct of seven month's work, of from the woodburning oven. Nolan Davis' work... Washburn Nolan Davis was flicking imagin the second bring her out, ary specks of dust from the boys." "Washburn II," the reproduction of the coach the Washburns once Helpers manhandled the coach ran between Wawona and the Big out into the sunlight. Trees and which he had built My, she was handsome! from the wheels up. Clay Maier hitched up the team Norm Messinger, Wawona Naturas Messinger introduced the finalist was in the wings, so to speak, vited guests, who climbed aboard preparing himself for the day. for the maiden trip. On this first But it was Nolan's day, he'd lived and memorable ride were Mrs. Interpretive Photo Seminars The Y.N.H.A. will sponsor two the field trip work and discussion five-day interpretive photographwill center around ecological is seminars starting Mon., Oct. 23 considerations, focusing on the through Fri., Oct. 27 and Mon., disparity between visual and Oct. 30 through Fri., Nov. 3. natural relationships. Howard Wearner, who will conEach day will include two field duct the courses, has had ten trips, one early enough to capture years experience photographing the morning mists and frost, the in the Yosemite in all seasons. He other in the late afternoon shadknows the park intimately and is ows and colors, ending at dusk. a keen observer. Slide shows and discussions will The purpose of the courses is to cover some approaches to the teach the serious photographic Yosemite scene. amateur, or the professional, to Pupils should be skilled amateurs, see and understand the variety of or professionals, familiar with Yosemite's environment and to 35mm color photographic techrecord his observations on color niques. Technical instruction will film. This time of year will find be limited, but will include study Yosemite at the height of its fall in such areas as pattern, motion, coloring and especially rewarding backlighting, closeup and landphotographically. scape photography. Classes will be held in the Valley Tuition for the five-day course is and weather permitting, in the $50.00 for members; non-memCrane Flat and Tuolumne Meadbers are welcome to join. ows areas. For further information, write us While photography will be the — Box 545, Yosemite National medium by which the natural Park, California 95389 — or call scene will be recorded, much of (209) 372-4532. William Sell, Jr., widow of Will Sell Nolan Davis, who once drove a stage for the stage coach Washburns, Mrs. George Crooks, builder, sits Sell's sister, Cliff Harrington, President in the ident, Golden Chain Council, seat when the Hester Stephan, a descendent of Washburn ll the pioneer Bruce family, Bill makes its Brown, President, Mariposa Hismaiden trip torical Society, Mrs. Gladys Mee, around the daughter of Eddie Gordon, anPioneer other old time stage driver, ShirHistory ley Sargent, writer and historian, Center. Harry McKnight, President, Sierra Historical Sites Association, Bill Whalen, Deputy Superintendent

of Yosemite, Dave Karraker, Chief Park Naturalist, and J. Nolan Davis. When all were aboard, Clay released the brakes, clucked his tongue and away went Washburn II in a cloud of dust, down the road past the Wagon Shop, toward Stella Lake which once supplied water in the summer, ice in the winter, toward the mill where lumber for Wawona building was sawed, toward the misty gone-by days — days which are now being recreated so pleasantly in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Bulletin of the

YOSEMITE

Natural History Association © December 1971. P.O. Box 545, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Director David Karraker Managing Editor Henry Berrey Production Manager Jack L. Gyer Treasurer Roland G. Ele Board of Trustees Dana Morgenson, Chairman Virginia Adana Sterling Cramer James W. Johnson John Good A non-profit, educational association dedicated to the interpretation of the natural and human history of Yosemite National Park, in cooperation with the National Park Service. Contributions and donations are tax deductible.

The Noble Earthquake On March 26, 1872, an earthquake As winter caretaker, Muir was in grove that had been mowed centered in the Owens Valley Black's Hotel, near the base of down and mashed like weeds." spread death and damage and Sentinel Rock, when roused from His written observations were rocked much of the Sierra Nevada. sleep. He ran out "both glad and both sensitive and scientific. His Today's scientists estimate the frightened, shouting, 'A noble documentation of the "birth" of "Inyo Earthquake" to have been earthquake!' feeling I was going talus was eloquent and historical. equal or worse than the 1906 San to learn something. The shocks Later, he sauntered about and Francisco upheaval, but there were so violent and varied, and observed mankind's reaction. The were no seismographs or Richter succeeded one another so closely, Indians were "terribly frightened scales to measure its intensity. one had to balance as if on the... fearing the angry spirits of the deck of a ship among the waves, rocks were trying to kill them..." A dozen or so winter residents of and it seemed impossible the high and the whites were "meditating Yosemite Valley were jolted from cliffs should escape being shatflight..." their beds at 2 :30 a.m. on that tered." They were gathered in front of moonlit, tremor-hit night. NaturA peak on the south wall of the Hutchings' Hotel " shortly after ally, fear gripped them, but there Valley did not escape. By moonsunrise... when a low blunt was one man who ignored the light, Muir saw it falling in a "stumuffled rumbling, like distant thrust of panic to dash outside to pendous rock storm... It seemed thunder, was followed by another observe, exult, and record the to me that if all the thunder I ever series of shocks, which, though "noble earthquake! heard were condensed into one not nearly so severe as the first, This pioneer "seismologist" was roar it would not equal this rock made the cliffs and domes tremJohn Muir, 34, an earthquake roar at the birth of mountain ble like jelly, and the big pines among men, who had been living talus..." and oaks thrill and swish and in Yosemite since 1868. His origiEagerly, Muir ran up the Valley wave their branches with startling nal theories on glacial action and to "see the new-born talus," to effect." preservation were beginning to climb over the huge, disrupted Fear and solemnity stilled the rock the nation in published granite rocks that "were slowly men. Muir tried to cheer and articles. His disregard for convensettling into their places, chafing, tease by exclaiming, "Come, tion, his "soiled, ragged and grating against one another, cheer up; smile a little and clap button-less" state made him ecgroaning and whispering..." your hands, now that kind Mother centric to Yosemiteites; by dawn He noted the dust cloud, and the Earth is trotting us on her knee to of March 26 they called him crazy. odor of crushed pines "from a amuse us and make us good." His "well-meant joke seemed irreverent and utterly failed, as if only prayerful terror could rightly belong to the wild beauty-making business." Two of the men fled, others stayed and trembled. For two months afterwards, Muir observed aftershocks in a bucket of water, exulting and using the knowledge of talus origin in his study of glaciers. "Earthquakes," he said, "have made me immensely rich." We are indebted to Miss Shirley Sargent for this piece about "Muir's earthquake. " Miss Sargent is well known as a Yosemite historian and chronicler of John Muir; she has done a number of pieces for the Y.N.H.A. This wall-sized relief map of the Sierra has attracted many visitors to the Association quarters.

Seminar Enrollment Enrollment in the summer field seminars grew from 80 in 1971 to 251 in 1972. This year, twelve classes in seven subjects were offered. Enrollment by class: Alpine Botany and Ecology (2 classes)

Wildlife and Ecology (2 classes)

Subalpine Botany and Ecology (2 classes)

Living Glaciers (2 classes)

Geology of Rock and Ice (2 classes)

Interpretive techniques (1 class)

Laboratory for Teaching (1 class)

Of the 251 enrolled, 115 or 45% took courses for university credit. The Association sponsored 14 National Park Service interpretive people. The Karraker family... Mary and Dave, with youngsters Nancy, David and Mariane. This photo was made in Washington prior to the Karrakers' move to Yosemite. The poodle was left behind. (continued from page one) New Association Chief interpretive program of today. At Yosemite, we may be particularly proud of the magnificent variety of interpretive functions available to the visitor. People may choose between sketching walks, bird stalks, float trips, campfire programs, scientific discourses on geology and many other exciting programs. Effectiveness requires a new emphasis and a special kind of attention so that true quality is uniformly available. We are now involved in an indepth evaluation of the various programs. We know we have some winners. We also know that to provide a brand of excellence over the years, we must assure the return of a quality seasonal staff each year. When we are reaching for high quality, the existing 50-60% turnover in staff in certain parts of the park is not acceptable. Added emphasis will be placed on careful recruitment and training. Also, we will provide a good quality program for the many types of visitors coming to the park. This will involve an extension of our own efforts to provide specialized interpretation for the handicapped, the Spanish speaking, scientists, hobbyists, the

Members of a Glacier Field Seminar and the one and only Dr. Carl Sharsmith, class instructor. youth of today, little kids, history enthusiasts and everyone. Great strides have been made in in environmental education through the work of John Krisko and the Yosemite Institute in this vital area. During the winter months a variety of interpretive ski and snowshoe trips, sensory winter explorations and art trips are planned. The Yosemite Natural History Association is a major force in the New directional signs in the Village Mall effectiveness of these interpretive point out the location of the Association efforts. I am very pleased to be its office. Now that you can find us, come see new director. us! Ranger Station yj,.. osemit@t.., I '1

Crayfish Sightings Nature in Action The December issue of the Quarin the last issue of the QUARTERof nature's ways of thinning the terly Bulletin carried an account LY, Park Forester Lorne West deforest and lessening the competiof two young Yosemite residents scribed the infestation of the tion between each tree so that having sighted what appeared to Douglas fir tussock moth in the those left would be healthier." be a lobster in the Merced River, white firs in the Mariposa Grove. "Well, the moths killed from 600 in the Valley. On investigation by Most of the trees attacked were a naturalist, the creature was no white firs, a species living here in to 800 trees, but not as many as we longer where he had been seen, competition with the Giant Sewou l d have liked. It seems a natbut several tube holes were found quoia. Some of the primary findural control on the caterpillar has in the mud bank just above the ings are contained in this brief killed about 60% of the little water level. These are typical report prepared by West. creatures." crayfish homes. "Hello, Ranger!" "Remember us? "Oh, that did happen? Last time Since publication of the story, We came back to see what the we were here you said that a virus we have received two communetussock moth has done to the fir specific to the tussock moth catercations about crayfish sightings : trees herein the Mariposa Grove." pillar, if present, would control or Ralph H. Harder, M.D., wrote: "If you don't mind, I'd like to walk reduce the caterpillar population "While not technically in the around with you and have another and its effect on the trees." park, we spotted many crayfish look myself. " "Yes, that's right. The virus disin Big Creek as it flows through „ Camp Summerdale, immediately Thank you, we'd like that. Have solves the skin cells of the caterSouth of the South Entrance Stathe moths killed any trees, as you pillars causing them to fall and tion.” had hoped? You said this was one and stick to anything they land on. Robert S. Hart of Canoga Park, the pools of the creek. Although Look at this example — note how California wrote : this had (and has been) our only gelatinous it appears." "My family and I have been visitsuch observance of crayfish in the "This tussock moth is interesting. ing Yosemite for the past twelve park rivers, we knew that they are Are there any other insects in the summers, staying at Moore's Redfairly common in California and Park which have a similar effect woods (Wawona). On this occawere not aware of their apparent on other trees?" sion, we had gone on a fishing/ rarity within the park. However, "Sure. In and around Tuolumne swimming outing to the above loall of us (5) saw it and there is no cation. It is our practice to often question about its identification. Meadows, we have an insect use swim masks in the rivers to Hope this will add some to your called the Lodgepole Pine needleobserve the fish, rocks, etc. My information." miner which has, in the past, wife made the discovery in one of Thank you, crayfish-watchers-Ed. created conditions where 80,000 acres of lodgepole trees have died, creating a phenomenon called the 'Ghost Forest'." "It takes three defoliations by the needleminer to cause a tree to die, fewer defoliations merely weaken it. Needleminer infestations are cyclic and occur on the odd-numbered years; another will occur in '73, then in '75. So, we can predict that trees attacked for the first time this year could die in 1975. " "Maybe if you are back someday we can talk more about the needleminer and the exotic disease, White Pine Blister Rust and why, in one instance, we let nature have her way while in another we may want to prevent nature from 'doing her thing'." "Have a nice trip and we will see you soon. " Lorne West

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