Regular visitors to Yosemite probably know of the Yosemite Association, a not-for-profit educational organization that supports 
education, museum, research, and environmental programs in Yosemite through donations to the National Park Service. However, there are a few excellent components to their website of which you may not be aware.
First, the webcams are stunning. Forget about the crummy images that your local weather channel or ski resort pass off as on-the-ground reconaissance. Checking out tonight's sunset reflecting on clouds over Half Dome was amazing and nearly as good as seeing it in person. Actually, it was better. I didn't have to hike all the way up to Sentinel Dome or spend a cold night out. Spread the word. Maybe our RV-driving neighbors will stay home, surrounded by the comfort of their broadband, instead of clogging up the Valley. Check out the NPS Air Resources Division for links to webcams at parks around the country.
My favorite part of the YA site, however, is the Sierra Nature Notes. This online journal publishes articles by field biologists, academics, rangers, geologists, and physicians about current research and environmental issues in the Range of Light. Contributions are sporadic but well-written, extremely informative, and relevant (ie., the real word on the plight of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog). For data on backcountry water quality, check out Dr. Derlet's articles and you may think twice about lugging your water filter with you on your next trip.
If you like what you see, pitch these good folks a few bucks or at least thank them the next time you paw through the postcard rack in the visitor center.
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