Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite

INTERPRETATION & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

For times and places for National Park Service and park partner programs, guests may check the listings in the park's bi-weekly newspaper, the Yosemite Today, which is available free at entrance gates, the Visitor Center, hotel front desks and the Village Store.

Yosemite Concessions Services provides interpretive naturalists who can give walks, talks, and specialty programs for individuals and groups. For more information or to book a program, call YCS Group Reservations: (559)253-5682. Special programs are available by advanced arrangement with Julie Miller at 372-8244.

The Yosemite Institute, a non-profit environmental education group, typically provides week-long group education programs on a fee basis but will entertain requests for shorter programs. Contact the Yosemite Institute at (209) 372-9511.

The Yosemite Association is a non-profit organization that supports Yosemite's interpretive and educational programs. They offer an "Outdoor Adventures" program in the park. They will also entertain requests for short duration programs on a fee basis for groups. Call (209) 379-2646.

Can we have a ranger give our group a special nature walk?
Do you have information about Yosemite for teachers?
How do I get a pass for educational groups?

Can we have a ranger give our group a special nature walk?
The National Park Service would like to be able to offer such specialized programs for all groups requesting them; however, decreased staffing levels and increasing demand have made it impossible, except in special circumstances. For school groups, specialized programs are offered in the spring and autumn through the Education Office at (209) 375-9505.

Yosemite Concession Services (YCS) offers a variety of free and fee-based interpretive programs. Examples of Programs include: Nature Walks, the Discover Yosemite Family Program, Kid's Night Out, Camera Walks, Evening Programs at Lodging Facilities, Fishing Programs, and Astronomy Programs.

Guests may book fee-based programs in advance by calling 559-252-4848. Special programs are available by advanced arrangement with Julie Miller at 372-8244.

The Art Activity Center offers free art classes from early spring through late autumn. Sponsored by YCS, the National Park Service, and the Yosemite Association, the center invites talented professional artists to spend one week as artists in residence in Yosemite and provides them with lodging, meals and workspace while they teach classes to park visitors.

The Ansel Adams Gallery sponsors Camera Walks throughout the year. Participants must sign up in advance at the Gallery. The Gallery also sponsors a video and program about Ansel Adams. For times and locations, consult the Yosemite Today.

Do you have information about Yosemite for teachers?
The National Park Service offers materials and services for teachers. Further information is available through the Education Office at (209) 375-9505.

How do I get a pass for educational groups?
Groups from accredited educational institutions using the park for specific study purposes may be eligible for a fee waiver. Educational Fee Waivers need to be obtained in advance (at least one month is recommended) through the Special Park Uses Office at (209) 379-1876. A certificate documenting accreditation and lesson plans are required.

In addition, the Yosemite Institute offers residential field science programs for organized groups of children (in both public and private schools) and adults coming to the park. The Yosemite Institute has operated under a cooperative agreement with the park since 1971 to provide week-long programs that introduce Yosemite's natural and cultural history and its resource issues. For more information, please call (209) 379-9301.