When is a meadow not a meadow?

When is a meadow not a meadow? When it is used as: a golf course, a landing strip for bi-winged planes, an helipad, a pasture for sheep, an orchard, a slaughter yard and a hayfield. The Wawona Meadow, one of the largest midmontane meadows in the Sierra Nevada has been used for all of these things throughout its history. Nevertheless, it provides for a pleasant 3.5 mile stroll through the park. Early Tribes called it Pallahchun meaning “a good place to rest.” I think most of us would agree.

Wawona Meadow is home to a variety of animals. I've seen bear, coyote and fox in the area, as well as evidence of moutain lion. It provides habitat for about fifty species of birds including two state endangered birds, great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) and willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), as well as several sensitive plant species. It's a fascinating juxtaposition of natural and and historic elements. It could be symoblic of the National Park Service's struggle in trying to to "conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
    (From the 1915 Organic Act which established the National Park Service)