On May 6th, we went back to Yosemite for our second annual Volunteer-in-the-Park service project. Our job this time was to remove several types of small trees to allow the original varieties the room to repopulate the Valley Floor. We also collected all the built-up debris/fuel and created burn piles. Later in the year, the Park Service will burn all the debris as well as burn off the lighter under-brush to simulate the way natural fires kept the park free of debris and allowed the non-shade tolerant trees to flourish. The work was hard, but very rewarding.
While we were hoping to have some free time to explore the park, the weather had a different plan for us. As soon as we finished working, the rain started. While it put a damper on some of our plans, we still managed to drop into the Visitor Center and a few other places in the Village. We also had spectacular views of El Capitan, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and Half Dome. Check out the photos below: