1. Yosemite National Park By Jackie Guzman

2. Location Yosemite National Park is located in east central California. It east of the city of Modesto, California. Near the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

3. History 2,200 B.C. to 1833 A.D. The Miwoks inhabit Yosemite. 1864 President Lincoln signs the Yosemite Land Grant into law. 1868 John Muir arrives in Yosemite. 1890 Yosemite National Park is established by the U.S. Congress.

4. Cultural and Economic Importance The native people of Yosemite developed a complex culture rich in tradition, religion, songs, and political affiliations. Writers, artists, and photographers have always visited Yosemite for inspiration. Yosemite significantly contributes to the regional economies of the six counties surrounding it.

5. Yosemite Today Over 4 million people visit Yosemite each year. Things to do: backpacking, biking, bird watching, boating, camping, rock climbing, skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, mountaineering, rafting, star gazing, and much more.

6. Fun Facts Yosemite’s cliffs, waterfalls, steep mountains and deep lakes were all formed over millions of years by earthquakes, glaciers and numerous other forces of nature. At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the 5 th tallest waterfall in the world. Yosemite has more than 300 species of animals.

7. Comprehension Questions Where in California is Yosemite located? When was Yosemite National Park established? How did Yosemite affect the economy and culture of California? Why is Yosemite a popular place to visit today? What are some interesting facts about Yosemite?

8. Works Cited Sierra Club www.sierraclub.org Central Valley http://www.centralvalley.com/portal/parks/yosemite/resourc es/story/1695188p-1770706c.html CNN http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/9701/02/west.coast.floods/ calif_yosemite.map.lg.jpg Student organizations http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/cssa/2005newyear/Contest/p age_04.htm Terra-Quest http://www.terra-quest.com/highsights/valley/timeline.html National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/yose/nature/history.htm