The Atlantic Periphery in North America consists of the majority of Maine and New Hampshire, Vermont, and North-Eastern New York State. Chapter 5 in The Geography of North America discusses many aspects of the Atlantic Periphery including its environmental setting, its settlement, and its economy, which I've already discussed in terms of Yosemite Valley. Therefore in this blog post I will focus upon the resources from the area, the culture of Yosemite, the metropolitan areas related to Yosemite, and the future of Yosemite.
Resources of Yosemite
Yosemite Valley is home to a large variety of habitats. Yosemite consists of thick foothill chaparral, expansive meadows, coniferous forests, caves, an enormous amount of alpine rock, granite cliffs, and the list continues. The 747,956 acres of Yosemite wilderness holds an array of natural resources. There is 35 species of trees including giant sequoias, running fresh water coming from Merced and Tuolumne, and granite rock. There is about 1,500 species of flowering plants. Yosemite has more than 400 species of vertebrates including amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.Common mammals seen in Yosemite park are black bears, deer, coyotes, and the California ground squirrel and western grey squirrel. Make sure to watch out for rattle snacks and mosquitos!
Yosemite Culture
Yosemite's natural beauty is an outdoorsman dream. Between the hiking trails, bike riding paths, kayaking through the river, and cross country skiing during winter.Yosemite Valleys culture has been shaped by Native Americans, gold seekers in the Sierra Nevada's, John Muir, and now the present day visitors and rangers who appreciate its beauty. By walking through Yosemite and seeing trees that have been alive for 3,000 years, admiring the same waterfalls the Native Americans did, you feel like you are walking through history. Yosemite does a great job of blending its past with the present day Yosemite. There is a museum in the Yosemite Village that makes you appreciate the park beyond what you believed was possible. I've attended many ranger talks in Yosemite Valley and their passion about nature is reminiscent of John Muir's. The youtube video below is the park ranger Shelton Johnson explaining how unique Yosemite Valley is. I definitely recommend watching the whole video to understand how cherished Yosemite is by the park rangers and ends up being to all those who visit!
Yosemite Village
Yosemite is far from a metropolitan area, actually quite the opposite. The most highly populated aspect of Yosemite Valley is Yosemite village so that is what I will discuss. Located on the North end of the valley floor, Yosemite village consists of camping grounds, cabins, a museum, a medical clinic, small shops, post office, information booths, and the main visitor center. Luckily rangers are always here so if you want to know about the best hiking trails, activities to do, or where to get a permit to allow you to hike on more dangerous trails they are always available. It's incredible to be in Yosemite Village and see people from all over the world who come to be blown away by the gorgeous view. Yosemite Village is the only place permanent residents live, but it is only the staff. Also in Yosemite village during the summer you can rent water tubes to use in the river and during winter there is an ice skating rink.
Future of Yosemite
Tourism in Yosemite is definitely not slowing down, but global warming is affecting Yosemite Valley. It is important to visit these natural wonders so you understand the actions you take at home put these beautiful places at risk!