Chester, a 94-year-old Navy veteran, helped build the trail inside Crystal Cave in 1940. At age 17 Chester helped to open the cave to tourist before he went to fight in World War II. Over 70 years later Chester returns to see the cave he once worked on. 

Chester's brother contacted SPC when Chester made the request to visit the cave he had worked on so many years ago. We made arrangements to make this happen. The Fresno City College football team helped to carry Chester down the steep and strenuous 1/2 mile trail to the cave. 

Hosting an original Crystal Cave CCC member was an honor. We are happy to have been able to make this happen for Chester. 

Fresno Bee article www.fresnobee.com/sports/article151663737.html. 
For more information on Crystal Cave visit www.explorecrystalcave.com. ​

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.