Dana Meadows (California) facts for kids
The Dana Meadows is a beautiful, open area located at the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. It sits right at the base of Mount Dana, a tall mountain. You can find it close to other famous spots like Tuolumne Meadows and the Tioga Pass entrance.
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What Makes Dana Meadows Special?
Rivers and Waterways
The Dana Fork is a part of the Tuolumne River. This river starts right next to the meadows. It then flows west, eventually joining with another part of the Tuolumne River called the Lyell Fork. This water helps keep the meadows green and full of life.
High Altitude and Weather
Dana Meadows is very high up, about 9,728 feet (2,965 meters) above sea level! Because it's so high, winters can be very snowy. The snow can pile up to 162 inches (411 cm) deep. Even in June or July, which is springtime there, snow can still fall, especially after September 1st. So, it's always a good idea to be prepared for chilly weather!
A Look Back in Time
Before Yosemite became a national park, Basque shepherds used to bring their sheep to graze here. They would also use other areas of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These shepherds were often lonely, so they carved their initials into the trees in the meadow. Some of these carvings can still be seen today! It's like a secret message from the past.
How the Meadows Got Their Name
The Dana Meadows are named after a famous person named James Dwight Dana. He lived from 1813 to 1895. James Dana was a professor at Yale University who studied geology and natural history. Geology is the study of Earth's rocks and how they are formed. Natural history is about living things and nature.
