Expand Yosemite
Yosemite National Park has captivated millions of Californians, tourists, hikers and even visionaries like John Muir. But shortly after becoming a national park, hundreds of acres of land were stripped from Yosemite and were given to loggers, miners and the railroad industry. Now we're fighting to get that land back.
We can save 1,600 unspoiled acres by expanding Yosemite
Yosemite is one of our most amazing places. That’s why the great photographer Ansel Adams called it “a glitter of green and golden wonder in an edifice of stone and space.” And that’s why the legendary wilderness advocate John Muir fought to make Yosemite one of our first national parks.
Yet when Muir died in 1914, the government left thousands of acres of forest, meadows, ridges and streams unprotected due to pressure from timber and railroad interests. Some of that land was lost to development forever. But 1,600 acres are still unspoiled, home to tall pines, snowmelt creeks, and serves as a wildlife corridor between Yosemite and Sequoia National Forest. Now, we’re working to expand the park to include this land.
Just in time for the park’s 150th anniversary
Congress is considering a bill that would expand Yosemite to encompass this land and its wildlife— just in time for the park’s 150th anniversary. As the park and its supporters mark and celebrate Yosemite’s 150th birthday, there may never be a better time to build the support we need to expand the park.
That’s why we’ve launched a campaign to expand Yosemite now. We’re asking Senator Dianne Feinstein to lead the way in Congress this year. We’re building bipartisan support around the park and throughout California. And we’re asking tens of thousands of people to join us by adding their names to our Expand Yosemite petition.
Together, we can expand Yosemite
Together, we can fulfill John Muir’s original vision and preserve one of the most beautiful places in California and the world. Members like you make it all possible. Join us in taking action online, so we can expand Yosemite just in time for the park’s 150th anniversary.
Take action and help us expand Yosemite National Park
Key Facts
- John Muir has been called the "Father of National Parks," because he petitioned Congress to pass the bill that created the National Park Service. John Muir is pictured here (right) with President Theodore Roosevelt in Yosemite National Park.
- In 1890, Yosemite was made America's second national park.
- Yosemite National Park is home to Sierra red fox (pictured above), Goshawks, wolverines and black bears.
- The 1,600 acres we're working to protect (in blue), serve as a wildlife corridor between land outside Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park (map thanks to our friend's at Pacific Forest Trust).