Through the Eyes of Wildlife Tracker: Phil Johnston

Phil Johnston, professional wildlife tracker, mountain lion researcher, and environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, brings his tracking expertise to the Eastern Sierra! With years of experience interpreting the subtle signs animals leave behind, Phil has studied mountain lions, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, and many other species across California’s diverse landscapes. His work reveals how skilled observation and tracking can uncover the hidden lives of wildlife and deepen …continue reading

Gena Wood2026-01-12T17:56:37-08:00January 12th, 2026|Wildlife|

Holiday Mixer

Celebrate the season with Eastern Sierra Land Trust at our office (250 N. Fowler Street). Enjoy an evening of connection and cheer — meet ESLT staff and board members, catch up with friends and colleagues, and make new connections in our community. We’ll have s’mores, food, beer, and wine — plus a festive cookie decorating contest! Please RSVP below so we can plan for food and refreshments. We can’t wait to celebrate …continue reading

Gena Wood2025-10-27T13:19:17-07:00September 21st, 2025|

An Evening with Wildlife Tracker Phil Johnston

Phil Johnston, professional wildlife tracker, mountain lion researcher, and environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, brings his expertise to the Eastern Sierra! With a focus on mountain lions and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, Phil studies these iconic species across California's diverse ecosystems. His work contributes to a deeper scientific understanding of mountain lion ecology and behavior. Join us for an engaging evening as Phil shares his experiences, insights, …continue reading

Gena Wood2025-01-23T06:48:05-08:00January 23rd, 2025|

Great Backyard Bird Count

Come birding with Eastern Sierra Land Trust at the COSA for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Learn more about the birds in your own backyard and contribute to citizen science. We will be using both Merlin and Ebird apps. No prior experience needed. All birding levels are welcome, and kids are encouraged to attend. Binoculars provided to those who need them. Email with any questions. Location: Conservation Open Space Area (COSA). Park …continue reading

Gena Wood2025-01-23T06:51:39-08:00January 9th, 2025|

Protecting the Hub of the Mule Deer Herd’s...

Mule Deer populations in the Eastern Sierra have declined in recent decades. Work is being done to permanently protect the critical winter range of this iconic species. With spring soon approaching, mule deer will follow their instinct and migrate to the upper summer ranges. Wildlife biologists’ research has documented that migration patterns are learned behavior; a doe teaches her fawns, and that leads them to the places they can find food and …continue reading

Byron Roos-Collins2022-03-16T16:01:25-07:00March 14th, 2022|Blog|

A Diverse Coalition Unifies Around Sage-Grouse Conservation

Our conservation community has something to celebrate! That's because on March 30th this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS") announced it is withdrawing a 2013 proposed rule to list the Bi-State sage-grouse as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. USFWS made this decision after an "extended and comprehensive analysis of the best available science." They concluded that local conservation actions have and will continue to successfully reduce threats to the …continue reading

Kristen Stipanov2021-08-12T14:20:17-07:00April 7th, 2020|Blog, Featured, Membership, On the Wild Side, What's New|

Sierra Stability in a Changing World, by Bob...

by Bob Gardner, President of ESLT's Board of Directors This photo is of my twin sister and I in front of our home on North Fowler Street in Bishop. Our home is gone now but was right next to the current ESLT Office building, which you can see in the photo. I spent most of my childhood in Bishop. It was a perfect place to grow up, with creeks within walking distance, …continue reading

Kristen Stipanov2020-01-27T16:57:12-08:00January 17th, 2020|Blog, Featured, Membership, On the Wild Side, Volunteer, What's New|

Protected Forever – Mormon Meadows in Bodie Hills

Bodie Hills, © Bob Wick There's great news today in the Eastern Sierra - the beautiful Mormon Meadows in Bodie Hills are protected forever! Thank you to The Wilderness Land Trust for working hard to protect this important habitat for wildlife like Bi-State sage-grouse, pronghorn, and black bear. The following notes about the project were written by our friends at The Wilderness Land Trust. We're looking forward to continuing …continue reading

Kristen Stipanov2019-12-17T10:36:49-08:00December 16th, 2019|Blog, Featured, On the Wild Side, Press Releases, Success Stories, What's New|

11 Months Later, Hooked by the Eastside

Marie Ring has energized our Community Connections Program as this year's AmeriCorps Member and Education Coordinator at ESLT. Her last day of her 2018-2019 service term was this weekend's Great Sierra River Cleanup. BUT, she'll be staying on with us for another year of service! We're lucky to have her. Photo by Kristen Stipanov, ESLT. Almost one year ago, I was packing my 2003 Volvo for the 3,000-mile cross-country trip …continue reading

Kristen Stipanov2019-09-23T16:39:41-07:00September 23rd, 2019|Blog, Featured, Press Releases, SNAP, Volunteer, What's New|

Growing, Growing, Gardens!

Certified Pollinator Gardens are beginning to blanket the Eastside! By helping local pollinators like butterflies and bees, they help our neighborhoods and our entire region thrive. Do you know the secret to a blooming backyard, and to a thriving Eastside ecosystem? Sun and soil are important, but it's the butterflies, bees, bats, and hummingbirds that bring your garden and our world to life year after year. Our Eastside Pollinator Garden …continue reading

Kristen Stipanov2019-09-19T13:59:50-07:00September 19th, 2019|Blog, Featured, Press Releases, SNAP, Volunteer, What's New|