Interview with Yosemite Climbing Association’s Director of Events and Development Karin Tarpinian

ASJ: What is your story and how did you arrive in Yosemite and at the YCA?

KT: I have a background in managing college outdoor programs and directing Girl Scouts Camps. I lived in Socal the majority of my life and traveled to Yosemite to guide students. I stumbled upon Yosemite Facelift in 2017 while I was visiting the park. The event truly brought a lasting impression on me. I wanted to come back every year and be involved in a more in-depth role. The following year, I was able to become a core volunteer and help with administrative tasks right away. In 2022, I decided to leave Socal and move to Mariposa, CA. I was offered a position with the YCA, as their Events & Partnerships Manager. More than two years later, I now act as the Director of Programs & Development. It has been truly an amazing experience to live in the Sierras and work with a lot of incredible people.

ASJ: When is Facelift this year and can you describe it? What is the gateway communities program?

KT: This year, Yosemite Facelift will be on September 25th-29th. It will be a 5-day clean-up festival full of community engagement, stewardship efforts and an amazing athlete speakers line-up for our evening programs. We are excited to announce the return of Wawona Facelift, which will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26th. To register and learn more about the event, please visit: https://www.yosemiteclimbing.org/2024-yosemite-national-park-facelift. Alongside, this year, we launched our Yosemite Gateway Community Facelift program including Fresno, Merced, Mariposa, Groveland and Oakhurst. Join us on September 14th at Groveland and October 5th at Oakhurst. Part of our YCA mission is to preserve Yosemite and that includes our gateway communities. Our Facelift programs wouldn’t be possible without our continued support of our communities and volunteers!

ASJ: What is the Climbers Credo and why is it important?

KT: The Climbers Credo is a tool for the Yosemite climbing community and land managers to promote Yosemite’s minimum impact climbing ethics and inspire critical values to protect the Park’s Wilderness and climbing culture. As a community, how we care for the areas in which we climb has a direct impact on the level of protective regulation needed and the degree of access afforded to current and future generations of climbers.

To learn more and to join the YCA in taking the lead-Climb Clean: It’s the Yosemite Way!, visit: https://www.yosemiteclimbing.org/yosemite-climbers-credo

ASJ: What is the Ask A Climber program?

KT: The Ask A Climber program is a program run by the climber stewards and interns to educate the climbing community and visitors on Yosemite climbing, Leave No Trace practices, safety and wildlife protection. They share information about climbing techniques. geology, natural history, answering visitors questions and providing information as climbers work their way up El Capitan. The climber stewards host multiple programs throughout the year near El Capitan Meadow and other locations.

ASJ: Do you have a link for people to support the Yosemite Climbers Association and the museum?

KT: https://yosemiteclimbingassociation.givecloud.co/ycamembership

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