San Francisco, CA…Forty-year National Park Service Employee Brings a Deep Understanding of Yosemite National Park to His New Role. Yosemite Conservancy announced that Mariposa resident and long-time National Park Service ranger Mark Marschall will lead its volunteer program. “Mark brings a deep understanding of Yosemite National Park to his new role as volunteer program manager. His knowledge about the land itself and the people who work here make him an excellent leader for Conservancy volunteers,” said Yosemite Conservancy Director of Yosemite Operations Adonia Ripple.

Marschall will oversee a variety of programs involving hundreds of Conservancy volunteers. Conservancy volunteers help visitors enjoy the park, encourage them to experience it more deeply through the Conservancy’s programs, and spark their interest in becoming part of the Conservancy. For example, volunteers serve as docents in the Museum Gallery, answer questions in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, and rove various trails providing safety information and facts about Yosemite’s natural features.

“I’m excited to work with Conservancy staff and the organization’s incredible volunteers,” said Marschall. “It’s inspiring to see volunteers’ passion for the park and for promoting Yosemite Conservancy’s mission of education and stewardship.”

After graduating from Ohio State University with a degree in environmental interpretation, Marschall began his career as a National Park Service (NPS) ranger in Yellowstone National Park where he served as a naturalist, resource management specialist and supervisor. In 2001, he transferred to Yosemite National Park and became the wilderness patrol supervisor. From 2008-2011, he was the NPS wilderness manager in Yosemite National Park. He was also the project manager for the Half Dome Trail Environmental Assessment, which called for the implementation of a permit system on Half Dome. During the past four years, Marschall has been working part time for the NPS on planning issues, including studies on visitation in Yosemite’s wilderness.

Marschall and his wife Joy, a park medic at the Yosemite Medical Clinic, live in downtown Mariposa.

About Yosemite Conservancy

Yosemite Conservancy inspires people to support projects and programs that preserve Yosemite National Park and enrich the visitor experience. Thanks to generous donors, the Conservancy has provided $119 million in grants to the park to restore trails and habitat, protect wildlife, provide educational programs, and more. The Conservancy’s guided adventures, volunteer opportunities, wilderness services and bookstores help visitors of all ages connect with Yosemite. Learn more: yosemiteconservancy.org or
1-415-434-1782.