MEASURE U SPOTLIGHT: FRIENDS OF THE INYO
Tell us a little about your program/organization.
Friends of the Inyo (FOI) is a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting and caring for the lands and waters of the Eastern Sierra. Founded in 1986, FOI was originally organized to comment on the Inyo National Forest forest planning process. Since then, FOI has evolved into its current form, working on a broad range of land and water protection issues from Death Valley to the Eastern slopes of Yosemite. We partner with federal land management agencies, other nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and communities to care for the landscapes that make this region so special.
From May through October, five FOI Trail Ambassadors (TAs) bring our mission to life out on trails and in communities. Stationed across the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, TAs maintain trails, clear downed trees, restore impacted areas, and help visitors deepen their connection to public lands. They also lead free interpretive hikes and nature programs all season long - sharing knowledge, inspiring stewardship, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy safe, sustainable access to Eastern Sierra trails.
How does your program/organization impact the lives of people in Mammoth Lakes?
Trail Ambassadors safeguard one of Mammoth Lakes’ most valuable resources: our incredible recreation opportunities. Outdoor adventure is at the heart of Mammoth’s lifestyle and economy, and our Trail Ambassadors spend the season keeping trails safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone. They clear fallen trees, deconstruct illegal campsites and fire rings that increase wildfire risk, share trail reports with the Visitor Center, and connect locals and visitors alike to the forest through free naturalist programs.
In short, Trail Ambassadors help keep Mammoth’s trails beautiful while teaching people how to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace. This past summer, our Nature Yoga series at Pokonobe Marina, led by Trail Ambassador and yoga instructor Jean, invited participants to flow through poses inspired by the surrounding landscape while learning about Mammoth’s natural history. Meanwhile, our Mammoth Lakes Ambassador, Jordan, led bear-focused naturalist walks and staffed bear safety info booths, helping visitors understand our wild neighbors and how to coexist safely. By fostering respect for the land and the wildlife that call it home, Trail Ambassadors help preserve the essence of Mammoth for generations to come.
Your program/organization is a Measure U grant recipient, can you tell us what you use that funding for in your program/organization?
Measure U funds the wages and supplies for our Mammoth Lakes Trail Ambassador. This support ensures that our community has a dedicated Ambassador each summer to maintain trails and campsites, provide education, and help visitors enjoy Mammoth responsibly. Because our Mammoth Lakes Trail Ambassador, Jordan, was injured and unable to physically be on the trail for much of the 2025 season, he’s spent a lot of time delving into educating the public about issues and threats to Mammoth Lakes public lands.
Did the Measure U grant funding make it possible for you to offer programming that would not have been available otherwise?
Absolutely. Especially amid ongoing federal funding constraints, Measure U is vital to keeping the Trail Ambassador program alive and thriving. It means a lot to us that this support comes directly from residents of Mammoth Lakes. It’s a clear sign that the community values stewardship and recognizes the positive impact Trail Ambassadors have on our shared outdoor spaces and the value of public lands.
How did the Measure U grant funding help your program/organization to provide opportunities for locals to engage with arts/culture/mobility/recreation?
Measure U funding made Nature Yoga and bear interpretive programming possible. These offerings bring together wellness, education, and responsible recreation, encouraging people to engage with nature and the Mammoth community in new and creative ways.
What is the next big thing happening with your organization/program?
Our Trail Ambassador season wrapped up in October, and we’re now shifting into reflection and planning mode with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service and other local organizations. This winter, we’ll also host SnowSchool in partnership with Sierra Forever, teaching fifth graders from Mammoth, Bishop, and Big Pine about snow science, watersheds, and the magic of winter ecology. Last year, we educated over 280 local students!
To support SnowSchool, we’ll be bringing the Backcountry Film Festival, produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance, to Mammoth this season. Stay tuned for details! Check out website for our upcoming events or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know for the Backcountry Film Festival and all the other events we have going on.
Do you have any words of advice for other programs/organizations that might be looking at applying for Measure U funding?
Think deeply about your relationship with the Mammoth Lakes community: What does your program give? What does it receive in return? How does it contribute to the town’s rhythm and identity? Whether you’re filling an existing need or creating something entirely new, focus your proposal on the lasting benefits it brings to the people and places of Mammoth Lakes.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.