“Fostering Yosemite Stewardship in the Digital Age” REI Store Scheduled Presentations
By John P. DeGrazio
“Fostering Yosemite Stewardship in the Digital Age” is the topic of discussion for a schedule of speaking engagements at California Bay Area REI stores. I will encourage the use of technology as a tool to promote responsible wilderness enjoyment. Yosemite Stewardship Outreach REI is a program I have developed in partnership with REI, and I am announcing my speaking engagements in September and October 2016. I will also schedule future dates at other REI stores.
Yosemite Stewardship Outreach REI
I was honored to be named a Yosemite National Park Centennial Ambassador in 2016. My duties include sharing my love for Yosemite on a daily basis with audiences ranging from social media followers to participants in volunteer organizations where I donate my time. Included in these audiences are the hundreds of guests I welcome to the park in my day job as a wilderness hiking guide. As an outdoor photographer, I share a photo a day from my YExplore Yosemite Instagram and Facebook accounts. I also wanted to contribute something more meaningful to honor the NPS centennial anniversary. Anniversary coordinator Kristen Kosick suggested that ambassadors could schedule speaking engagements during the yearlong celebration.
I began to further develop a program created in 2015 and enhanced the presentation with photographs and case studies from my experiences in the wilderness. After approaching REI about the program, they enthusiastically accepted my proposal. It is a thrill to announce I will be speaking at REI stores throughout the California Bay Area. Below is my confirmed schedule with a link to register through the REI website.
- 9/24 9am-10:30am: REI Dublin: https://www.rei.com/events/fostering-yosemite-stewardship-in-the-digital-age/dublin/152125
- 9/29 7pm-8:30pm: REI Mountain View: https://www.rei.com/events/fostering-yosemite-stewardship-in-the-digital-age/mountain-view/152128
- 10/19 7pm-8:30pm: REI Saratoga: https://www.rei.com/events/fostering-yosemite-stewardship-in-the-digital-age/san-jose/152126
- 10/25 7pm-8:30pm: REI Berkeley: https://www.rei.com/events/fostering-yosemite-stewardship-in-the-digital-age/berkeley/152127
Half Dome Stewardship
I will be spending the second half of my presentation discussing the appeal of hiking Half Dome. This iconic Yosemite landmark that draws thousands each year who wish to reach its summit. My presentation will help you prepare for this hike. It will also encourage you to think of all the other outdoor enthusiasts around you during this shared experience.
As someone who has led over 100 summits of Half Dome, I hope to inspire you to instill ethical practices on your hike. They will ideally help you enjoy the experience in the safest manner possible. This will benefit everyone with whom your share the trail and the infamous cables. I believe that is very important.
If you are interested in reading further about Fostering Yosemite Stewardship, then please read here. Otherwise, you can find an example of our volunteering here.
Yosemite Stewardship Outreach REI
With over two decades of wilderness experience, John P. DeGrazio has transformed from a weekend warrior recreationalist into a seasoned guide, naturalist, wildland steward, and Yosemite National Park Centennial Ambassador. Join him to discuss the importance of stewardship while he shares ideas of how all visitors can protect our public lands. While many traditionalists scoff at the notion of using technology in nature, John embraces the idea and will share many ways to use technology to enhance your enjoyment outdoors and as a tool for conservation.
Join him as he shares stories and photos of hikes, climbs, camping trips, and wildlife encounters while weaving Leave No Trace ethics to offer best practices for those who find themselves in nature for the first time. He will also share insights into the use of social media to encourage positive change for those who join the #FindYourPark movement, #getoutside, & create their own #REI1440PROJECT.
Here is the YExplore John P. DeGrazio Yosemite Ambassador Bio Page.
