Did you know there’s a tiny mammal (see photo below) in the Mono Basin that had never been photographed alive until last fall? Mono Lake and the Mono Basin are full of wonders that inspire that type of question. The…
Until last fall, the Mount Lyell shrew (Sorex lyelli) was the only known mammal in California that had never been photographed alive, despite being scientifically identified more than 100 years ago. That changed in November 2024 when three researchers successfully…
This essay, written by John G. T. Anderson, appears in the 2025 Mono Lake Calendar. “frost and fire working together in the making of beauty” —John Muir “All that is holding us together is stories and compassion” —Barry Lopez “For the sake…
This year, in a significant change of operations, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) is moving less water out of the Mono Basin than the maximum allowed. Existing California State Water Resources Control Board rules allow for…
It has been a long, glorious fall season at Mono Lake this year. Warm, clear days have stretched on for weeks, lighting up the changing leaves in the canyons and enticing visitors to hike and camp long into October. Crisp…
“Today, my friends, we’ve done the right thing. Today, we saved Mono Lake.”—Marc Del Piero, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, September 28, 1994 On September 28, 1994, the California State Water Resources Control Board issued Decision 1631,…
Fall color season is off to a good start in the Eastern Sierra with a cold snap last week that kicked things into gear! Here in the Mono Basin the aspens, cottonwoods, and willows are steadily turning more colorful every…
Video of the Scenic Area 40th anniversary speakers Thank you to Byron Wolter of Grumpy Golden Entertainment in Bishop, California, for this video. Forty years ago, in 1984, Congress established the first Scenic Area designation in the country—the Mono Basin…
Forty years ago, in 1984, Congress established the first Scenic Area designation in the country—the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area. Later this month we’ll be celebrating these important four decades of protection for Mono Lake and the Mono Basin!…
Forty years ago, in 1984, Congress established the first Scenic Area designation in the country—the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area. This weekend we’ll celebrate these important four decades of protection for Mono Lake and the Mono Basin! The Scenic…
