The U.S. House of Representatives has recognized the first three men to climb one of Yosemite National Park’s great monoliths, El Capitan.

The House resolution, passed last week, honors rock climbers Wayne Merry, George Whitmore and Warren J. Harding who first climbed El Capitan’s “Nose Route” in 1958.   It took the pioneer mountaineers 47 days to climb the 3,000 ft. granite monolith.  Since, scores of climbers have ascended El Capitan, many in a few days or less.

A commemoration of the accomplishment is planned in Yosemite Valley on Nov. 8, the day, 50 years ago that (as reported by Michael Doyle of the McClatchy Newspapers) park spokesman Scott Gediman says, “climbing really turned into a sport here in Yosemite.”

This week through Saturday, Oct. 4, artist Kirah Van Sickle will present “Acrylic - Yosemite Diamond” a series of free, daily art classes at the Yosemite Art Center in Yosemite Village.

Meet at the Art Center at 10 a.m. (the classes continue until 4 p.m.).  After a short introductory talk, students will join Kirah outside to sketch, draw or paint. Bring your own materials or purchase supplies at the Art Center.

The Yosemite Climbing Association-sponsored “Yosemite Facelift,” continues though Sunday (Sept. 28) with literally thousands of volunteers helping to pick up litter in Yosemite National Park.

Last year, about 3,000 volunteers contributed 18,335 hours of their time to pick up 42,330 lbs. of litter.  The clean up effort involves school kids to rock climbers, to park visitors from around the world.  The Yosemite Climbing Association began the volunteer effort to help clean up the park after the long and busy summer season.  It has since grown into a big event for the park, with volunteers combing meadows, roadsides, trails, below climbing areas and in parking, camping and lodging areas for debris.

In return for a day helping to clean up the park, volunteers receive free admission to Yosemite National Park and the satisfaction of giving back to the beloved national park.  To join in, sign up beginning at 8 a.m. at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.  Organizers will lead clean up crews and provide trash bags, gloves and litter sticks.  Trash must be returned to the booth by 5 p.m. to be weighed and sorted.

The Associated Press reports that a new species of lichen has been discovered clinging to the rock walls of Yosemite Valley.  The microscopic species is described as starfish shaped.  Huge swaths of the lichen grow in black and rust covered bands on Yosemite’s rock monoliths.  Lichen, which is a combination of fungus and algae, is said to be “one of nature’s best harbingers of air pollution and climate change,” according to A.P. reporter Tracie Cone.  Her complete story is found at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872421/

Fall has just begun, but already reporters across the country are reviewing the autumnal color change.  Mariposa County is no exception.  The color change begins at lofty elevations in Yosemite National Park by late September and descends steadily into November, providing an ongoing show.  If you haven’t seen it before, it is worth fitting into your autumn travel plans.

 For “leaf peepers,” here’s a summary of some good places to learn about fall color change:

•  Blogger Barbara Steinberg provides several tips about seeing the best fall color in Yosemite and Mariposa County on her blog, the California Travel Insider,
•  Photographer Carol Leigh collects fall color sightings from shutterbugs and reports them on her blog,
• The U.S. Forest Service summarizes why leaves change color,
• CLICK HERE for a comprehensive national list of fall foliage sites, including web cams,
• Click on CALIFORNIA to see maps of where the color is changing, and
• The Weather Channel podcasts its fall foliage report online.

 Of course, the best way to experience fall color is to visit Mariposa County in autumn.  It’s the home of Yosemite and a lot more.