Partners and Sponsors
The Chautauqua doesn't organize itself! California State Parks and the Mono Lake Committee are the organizing partners who spend a significant amount of staff time to put together the program, manage registration, and run the event in June, among many other administrative tasks. Our supporting partners donate staff time and money to help us keep the festival afloat. Our sponsors are local businesses who donate a number of hotel rooms for our presenters or money to support general operations. We are very thankful for the support from our partners and sponsors!
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Organizing Partners
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve was established to preserve the spectacular "tufa towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. It also protects the lake surface itself as well as the wetlands and other sensitive habitat for the 1 - 2 million birds that feed and rest at Mono Lake each year.
The Mono Lake Committee is a non-profit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mono Basin ecosystem, educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use, and promoting cooperative solutions that protect Mono Lake and meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.
Supporting Partners
The Bodie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and public enjoyment of Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and Grover Hot Springs State Park. Within these parks they strive to provide a consistent stream of funding to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to provide for the stabilization of structures, conservation of artifacts, ongoing maintenance program, interpretation, and protection of natural resources.
Rooted in 135 acres of protected private land in California’s Mono Basin, the DeChambeau Creek Foundation cares for the land as founder Jan Simis did. The Foundation works to foster meaningful connection with place and one another through community investment, natural and cultural history education, conservation science, and the arts.
Eastern Sierra Bird Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit chapter of the National Audubon Society whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Eastern Sierra Bird Alliance is "the little chapter that could...." They may be small, but they are proud of what they have been able to offer the community in events, education, conservation, collaboration and communication.
Eastern Sierra Land Trust works with willing landowners to preserve vital lands in the Eastern Sierra region for their scenic, agricultural, natural, recreational, historical, and watershed values. They work to help families preserve their working farms and ranches in the face of pressures to subdivide their properties and to help landowners protect our region's critical habitats. They also work to offer the entire Eastern Sierra community, residents, and visitors the opportunity to connect with our treasured lands.
Founded in 1986, Friends of the Inyo is a Bishop, CA-based non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the exploration, preservation, and stewardship of the public lands of the Eastern Sierra. The Eastside's scenic beauty, wild rivers, varied flora and fauna, and abundant opportunities for sustainable recreation are our business—and yours. Through a combination of outreach, education, and advocacy, together we can ensure that this remarkable place is preserved for future generations of people, plants, and animals.
The Great Basin Bird Observatory is an ornithological nonprofit organization based in Reno, Nevada. Founded in 1997, its mission is to conserve birds and their habitats in Nevada and adjoining regions through partnerships, applied research, and education. GBBO considers its role to be a catalyst for bringing together partners in bird monitoring, inventory, and bird habitat conservation planning, as well as for helping advance the skills of community scientists in bird conservation and knowledge of the interested public about birds of Nevada.
The Inyo National Forest extends 165 miles near the California and Nevada border. It covers about 2 million acres, mostly on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. Elevations range from 4,000' in the Owens Valley to 14,494' at Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Like all national forests, the Inyo is managed for ecosystem health and multiple uses, as directed by Congress. Although most visitors think of the forest for its recreation, the Inyo National Forest is also used for range, timber, minerals, watershed and habitat for fish and wildlife.
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Partnering with the National Forests for over 40 years, Sierra Forever is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate and inspire people about the Eastern Sierra public lands through high quality interpretive products and programs. Sierra Forever operates outstanding bookstores, cooperates with public land management partners to operate successful visitor centers, and provides high quality interpretive programs, exhibits, and publications throughout the Eastern Sierra. They are financed by the sale of publications, a partnership fund and through philanthropic contributions.
Sierra STEM is a June Lake-based organization offering outdoor education and hands-on science enrichment programs for school-aged kids. Founded in 2021, they transitioned to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit earlier this year with the goal of expanding access to their programs and growing their capacity to offer affordable programs to local students and under-resourced schools. Specializing in experiential learning and community-building programs, Sierra STEM partners with schools and other nonprofits to facilitate STEM-focused day camps, multi-day backcountry adventures, in-service programs, group retreats, and much more.
Whitebark Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing wildfire risk and improving the resilience of Eastern Sierra forests, landscapes, and communities. We leverage scientific expertise to identify needs, convene partners and experts, and take decisive action to address regional challenges.
Through the support of donors, Yosemite Conservancy provides grants and support to Yosemite National Park to help preserve and protect Yosemite today and for future generations. The work funded by Yosemite Conservancy is visible throughout the park, from trail rehabilitation to wildlife protection and habitat restoration.The Conservancy is dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and providing a deeper connection to the park through outdoor programs, volunteering and wilderness services. Thanks to dedicated supporters, the Conservancy has provided more than $100 million in grants to Yosemite National Park.
Sponsors
The El Mono Motel & Latte Da Coffee Cafe [is] located in the heart of Lee Vining, California. We are a small family-run motel and coffee house. We offer travelers an experience that is a little off the beaten path, a respite that is uniquely Eastern Sierra. We start with good coffee beans and the spring-fed water of Lee Vining and combine it with a friendly atmosphere, and an explosion of flowers. Whether you're looking for good organic coffee, a break from your travels, or a comfortable room, we invite you to stop by.
Guadualito Birding Tours is a family-owned company with over two decades of birding experience. This tour is a unique bird watching adventure based out of the city of Cali, in the southwestern corner of the Colombian state of Valle del Cauca. During the eleven day tour, visitors will travel to four distinct areas known for their abundant and fascinating neotropical bird life. Enjoy home-cooked meals, local expertise, and a rich cross-cultural experience for an unforgettable long week.
Lake View Lodge is open year-round! The Eastern Sierra is the perfect place for a getaway any time of year. Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter have so much to offer during each season. Lee Vining, originally named Lake View, is situated at the junction of Highway 395 and State Highway 120, on the slopes overlooking majestic Mono Lake. This popular Mono County community is centrally located in a recreational paradise. The region is known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" and is also a wonderfully convenient, overnight stop between, Death Valley, Southern California, Las Vegas, and the Reno-Tahoe region.
The lodge, situated among mature trees, expansive lawns featuring an abundance of brightly colored flowers, offering cozy accommodations at the right price. Enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the sunrise at The Basin Cafe. Restaurants, grocery stores, gifts shops, sporting goods stores, the Mono Lake Visitor's Center, and Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce are within walking distance from your room. The Old School House Museum is only three blocks away.
Murphey's Motel is a family owned and operated motel that is situated right on Highway 395. We are open year round and are a AAA Approved Property. Our goal is to provide family-friendly service while you enjoy a relaxing stay. We welcome all types of travelers and would love to assist you in finding the room that will best suit your needs!
Vortex Optics is an American manufacturer of optical equipments for bird watching, wildlife watching, outdoor recreational sports, hunting, and law enforcement. Vortex takes customer service to a higher level with superior affordable optics and an unconditional unlimited VIP warranty on all their products. Binoculars, spotting scopes, and accessories help birders see more and learn more.
Community Collaborators
A community group focused on supporting our beautiful home, Lee Vining, and our surrounding Eastern Sierra neighbors to live well.
Located in the old Mono Lake schoolhouse at the south end of Hess Community Park in Lee Vining, the Mono Basin History Museum showcases artifacts, furniture, maps, equipment, and photographs chronicling the cultural history of the Mono Basin. Inside the museum, displays tell the history of the local Kootzaduka’a Paiutes, regional gold mining, Mono Basin homesteads and ranches, schools, resorts, and the town of Lee Vining. Outdoor exhibits feature Nellie Bly O'Bryan's world-famous Upside-Down House, and farming and mining equipment.
The Mono Basin Historical Society (MBHS) is a non-profit citizens’ group dedicated to the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the Kootzaduka’a Paiute, pioneer, and mining heritage of the Mono Basin.
Lee Vining High School provides a supportive, high-quality learning environment in the Eastern Sierra, emphasizing academics, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning. With small classes, outdoor studies, and strong community support, students gain real-world experience. Surrounded by Mono Lake and Yosemite, Lee Vining High School inspires curiosity and prepare students for success beyond high school.