Our Children This Month, April 2023

Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces: Measure P Status Report 

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant granting the Yosemite Valley and the nearby Mariposa Big Tree Grove “permanent protection that the land be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” Since its establishment in 1862, Yosemite Park has had the distinction of being the first scenic natural area to be set aside by the United States for public benefit. It was the precursor and the first of our system of national parks. It was the genesis of the national park concept which has spread over time not only throughout our country but throughout the world. It quickly became a “must see” vacation destination. Yosemite has proven, for over 160 years, to be a huge resource, both for the enjoyment of Central Valley residents and as a draw to bring visitors and their dollars to our local communities from across the country and around the world.