A half-century after the California red-legged frog and western pond turtle disappeared from Yosemite Valley, in large part because of decisions made by humans, both species will be reintroduced to lake, river, or meadow habitats beginning this summer.

The majesty of Yosemite is all around. Just across from Glacier Point Lower and Upper Yosemite falls plummet thousands of feet. To the right the Merced River feeds Nevada Fall, then Vernal Fall, emptying into America’s grandest landscape. Cloud’s Rest and Half Dome, of course, anchor the horizon to the east, while deep in the valley the forests, meadows, and river murmur.

Spring in Yosemite National Park following a wet winter is spectacular. Waterfalls roaring, thundering, pouring over granite cliffs, cascading down boulder-strewn canyons. Rainbows in waterfalls. Merced River at flood stage. Lush green meadows. Trees bursting with new spring growth. Lovely white blossoms on graceful branches of dogwood trees reaching out over the Merced River. Snow-capped peaks in the backcountry.

Legal wrangling over the ownership of trademarks to iconic facilities in Yosemite National Park could commence sooner than expected following a decision by the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to remove itself, at least temporarily, from the fray.