For the past 10 years, a Central Valley family has quietly donated funds to support trail access for all, in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Jeangerard Family Foundation worked with Sequoia Parks Conservancy to realize this inspirational mission.
 
Jack Jeangerard, now 90 years young, wanted to enhance trails in the two parks, giving every person access to parks to experience the incredible beauty. Whether the visitor was walking, in a walker, stroller or wheelchair the vistas were too magnificent to be missed. As a result, accessible trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon became his mission. Jack and his family funded several front country trail improvements on Tokopah Falls Trail, Redwood Canyon, and Bubbs Creek Switchbacks. Trail improvements were also made to Panoramic Point Overlook, Hazelwood Trail, Zumwalt Meadow Boardwalk to Muir Rock. The longest ADA trail, about one mile in length, was created at Cedar Grove Valley Nature Trail beginning at Zumwalt Meadow Boardwalk ending on the beach on the Muir Rock Trail.
 
This year’s ADA trail project at Roaring River Falls brings their cumulative donations to the awe-inspiring million dollars supporting access for all.
 
“A Million Thanks!” to Jack and his family for their extraordinary generosity was celebrated at Roaring River Fall in collaboration with the National Park Service, Sequoia Parks Conservancy and Delaware North. To join the Jeangerard Family in supporting accessible trails in these parks, contact the Conservancy’s Executive Director, Karen Dallett at 559.565.3756.

The Great Sequoia Christmas Bird Count was a huge success! Attendees learned what kinds of birds call Sequoia National Park home for the winter and spent the day helping count these wintering birds.
 
A total of 1,178 birds were sighted by 15 participants. This includes some rare bird sightings:

• ​​1 Merlin Falco columbarius; adorable robin sized falcon, which is considered extremely rare in this area this time of year. 

​This year 65 species were observed, compared to 49 in 2015. The most common bird seen was the Dark Eyed Junco Junco hyemalis; they are playful sparrows that can be found from the foothills to treeline.

​In addition, 20 visitors completed the Bird Fest education series (Basic Bird Biology, Birding Skills 101, Owl Pellet Dissection) and received certificates.
 
The Great Sequoia Christmas Bird Count and Bird Fest events earned the Sequoia Field Institute (the educational branch of SPC) a 2016 Mindful Birding Award for its efforts to promote ethical birding guidelines and bird conservation.  ​Learn more.

To learn more about birds in your area, check out www.audubon.org.