Saying Farewell to NatureBridge’s Crane Flat Campus

After more than 50 years, NatureBridge is saying farewell to our longtime campus at Crane Flat as we transition to our new home at Henness Ridge, the National Environmental Science Center (NESC).

When NatureBridge (then Yosemite Institute) first took over the Crane Flat site in 1973, it was a collection of buildings moved from other areas of the park, never meant to be permanent. Yet, over the decades, those humble dorms, trails, and classrooms became the foundation for something extraordinary: a place of wonder and discovery for hundreds of thousands of young people.  

The site itself has a storied history. It once housed California Conservation Corp blister rust workers, served as a way station for John Muir and his flocks of sheep, and was part of an ancient trade route for the first people of Yosemite. Over the last five decades, Crane Flat became an unforgettable part of that history, helping students learn about giant sequoias, marvel at the snow-covered quiet, and share warmth and laughter in the dining hall.  

So many of us have our own memories from Crane Flat. From sleeping in Big Horn dorm bunks to cross-country skiing for the first time, these moments were the seeds of curiosity and connection. One staff member (and former student) recalled struggling to get the attention of their love interest by the black oak tree, and the reluctant trips to the “5-holer” pit toilet in the middle of the night. These small, personal stories are among thousands created here—moments that have shaped lives and sparked a love for the natural world.  

Crane Flat’s legacy is woven into NatureBridge’s very foundation. NatureBridge founder, Don Rees, recently shared a moving story about how his daughter, Ann Rees McGreevy, inspired our organization. “I took [my daughter] Ann in our Kelty to Tuolumne Meadows when she was five. She explored, asked questions, and was full of wonder. I realized that she learned more in that week than in an entire year of school.” Ann, hearing this story for the first time, was visibly moved, a testament to the lasting impact of those early experiences in Yosemite’s wild beauty.

As we look ahead to the opening of our new campus at Henness Ridge, it is with both excitement and bittersweet nostalgia that we say goodbye to Crane Flat. This special corner of Yosemite was never just a place—it was a home for outdoor education, a space where generations of young people discovered the wonders of nature, their peers, and themselves.  

On behalf of all of us at NatureBridge and the countless students, educators, and staff who have come before, thank you to Crane Flat. Thank you for 50 years of exploration, connection, and wonder. Your legacy will live on as we carry those lessons into the future, inspiring new generations to learn, grow, and care for the natural world.