2017_04_21
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Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, Inyo National Forest, 1 Visitor Center Dr, Lee Vining, CA 93541
Mono Lake (/ˈmoʊnoʊ/ MOH-noh) is a large, shallow saline soda lake in Mono County, California, formed at least 760,000 years ago as a terminal lake in an endorheic basin. The lack of an outlet causes high levels of salts to accumulate in the lake. These salts also make the lake water alkaline.
This desert lake has an unusually productive ecosystem based on brine shrimp that thrive in its waters, and provides critical nesting habitat for two million annual migratory birds that feed on the shrimp and blackflies (that also feed on the shrimp).[2][3]
The human history of Mono Lake is associated with its productive ecosystem. The native Kutzadika'a people derived nutrition from the pupae of the alkali flies that live in the lake. When the city of Los Angeles diverted water from the lake, it lowered the lake level, which imperiled the migratory birds. The Mono Lake Committee formed in response and won a legal battle that forced Los Angeles to partially replenish the lake level. From Wikipedia.
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa receives thousands of visitors annually and is one of the largest tufa groves on the lake.
There is always something to see as gulls, swallows, and phalaropes swim and fly around the towers feeding on the many alkali flies and brine shrimp that live and grow in the lake. There is a self-guided tour that takes you among the towers, allowing you to experience the mystique of Mono at your leisure. During the summer, there are naturalist guided tours at 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 6:00pm daily. Check the list of Naturalist Activities for details on tours. These tours last about an hour and explore much of what South Tufa has to offer. South Tufa is a Federal Fee Area; adults are $3.00, children under 16 are free. Federal Fee Area Annual passes are valid here. There is no shade, so bring a hat and drinking water---the nearest services are 11 miles away in Lee Vining.
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California
South Tufa, Mono Lake, California