Cliff Ecology Conference – Wawona, CA

Welcome to the Cliff Ecology Conference!

Date: September 23-25, 2023

Location: 7799 N Chilnualna Falls Rd

Conference website: https://yfs.ucmerced.edu/2024-cliff-ecology-meeting

Join us for a thrilling exploration of cliff ecosystems! This conference brings together experts, enthusiasts, and nature lovers to delve into the unique world of cliff-dwelling plants and animals. From breathtaking views to fascinating flora and fauna, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the wonders of cliff ecology. See you there!

Registration: $150 for professionals; $100 for students. [Students who wish to present, please send an email to Breezy Jackson (bjackson10@ucmerced.edu) to discuss further discounted registration].

Registration includes welcome refreshments Monday evening, breakfast and lunch Tuesday and Wednesday, and dinner on Tuesday. Locally grown meals will be provided by Farm To Crag (https://www.farmtocrag.org/) and Raw Roots Farm (http://www.rawrootsfarm.com/).

Registration does not include housing.

Lodging options:

The field station is positioned near the southern entrance to the park in the community of Wawona. Low-cost dormitory-style lodging ($20-$40 per person per night) is available at the field station for 54 people (contact Breezy at bjackson10@ucmerced.edu). The Redwoods in Yosemite has generously donated their ballroom for our meeting which is an easy walk from any of the Yosemite Field Station lodgings. Additional lodging suggestions include the Wawona Hotel (3 miles away) and the Tenaya Lodge (7 miles away) as well as a host of vacation rental options through The Redwoods in Yosemite and other vendors.

Fieldtrips/Workshops:

Join us for a field trip to Yosemite Valley on Monday September 23rd before the conference begins. Field trips are $20 per person. Both field trips will depart from Wawona around 9am and return around 4pm. A rideshare will be organized, but transportation will not be provided. Bring a sack lunch, plenty of water, layers for all day, binoculars, and sunblock. Both field trips will be somewhat rigorous, so please let us know about any accessibility issues.

Field trip #1 Systems and access: Join climbing rangers and ecologists working in cliff ecosystems to learn and share best practices and solutions for safe and effective surveys in high-angle terrain.

Field trip #2 Yosemite biota walk-about: Join Yosemite biologists on a walk-about to explore bat roosts, raptor eyrie, monkeyflower seeps, and more.