Bodie Foundation Event Schedule 2024
June 29 – Ghost Walk
July 13 – Bodie Foundation Fundraising Dinner
July 20 – Ghost Walk
July 27 – Living History Day in Bodie
August 10 – Friends of Bodie evening program and dinner
August 31 – Ghost Walk
September 28 – Ghost Walk
November 2nd – HPP digital event
I was notified this week that the upper gate to Bodie off of Highway 270 will open July 1. This is a week later than we were expecting, but there are still visitor services issues that need to be addressed.
1. There are no functioning public restrooms. As you can see in the photos above, the water table is extremely high as melting snow flows into the Bodie bowl. This means that many of the septic tanks are full of water, and when pumped, will likely just fill back up.
2. Communications: Phones and Wifi are down, and while park staff have satellite phones for emergencies, we are in a digital age, and no park services function without internet.
The lower gate on Highway 270 is currently still closed, as the State Park road crew is working diligently to fix the last 3 miles of dirt road into Bodie after significant damage this winter. It's looking great, but they still have work to do to make it safe for summer visitation.
Please be respectful of gate closures and give staff the time needed to get Bodie State Historic Park up and running, safely.
On the plus side, Bodie's buildings are looking largely unaffected by the winter - an amazing illustration of the strength that lies within their simplicity. Bodie has withstood the test of time, and will continue to do so, as long as the folks tasked with their survival remain diligent. Again, a big thank you to the few maintenance staff that worked, and survived, in Bodie during this remarkable winter.
And a reminder - YOU are part of Bodie's survival. Without our supporters, we cannot provide the needed funds to keep buildings standing through the heaviest of winter snowfall and the harshest of summers. Thank you for everything YOU do for Bodie.
Cheers,
Jessica Schneider
Executive Director, Bodie Foundation
It's not your imagination, or your computer going wonky. The church is definitely leaning to the right.
California State Parks staff have identified two emergency stabilization projects that they are in dire need of our help funding. State Parks has no money to save these buildings, so they are leaning on us, the Bodie Foundation, to raise the necessary funds to keep the church and the Fouke Residence standing.
PHASE 2: Once we know exactly what work needs to be done to save these two buildings, we will work with State Parks to create the project to put out to bid to private contractors next spring/summer. Construction on both buildings will likely start in Spring 2024. That's a quick turn-around time to raise the additional funding needed!
We need your help to get this process moving or we are in danger of losing one of the most prominent buildings in Bodie, the Methodist Church!
Click HERE to donate to Phase 1.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO SAVE BODIE!
The Fouke Residence is about to lose one wall completely, which could spell ruin for this Bodie building.
While we are expecting snow tomorrow, the main road to Bodie (state Highway 270) is open! There are patches of snow in town, but today there is no snow on the road on the way to the park.
Cottonwood Canyon Road is also open, but the last mile is still muddy.
The continuation of the Bodie Road into Nevada is passable to 4WD vehicles and the Bodie-Masonic Road, also known as the Geiger Grade, remains impassable to wheeled vehicles at the highest elevations!
As always, please respect the park staff that are currently working in the park. Plan your trip, check the weather, bring water and a good attitude! See you in Bodie!
Bodie Foundation Event Schedule 2022
June 11 – HPP in-person event “History of Stabilization in Bodie” Dr. Dydia DeLyser
June 25 – Ghost Walk
July 23 – HPP digital event “Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties Overview” Kathleen Kennedy, CA State Parks
July 30 – Ghost Walk
August 13 – FOB Day
September 3 – Ghost Walk
September 17 – Friends of Bodie fundraising dinner at
Bridgeport Ranch Barns and Terrace
October 15 – HPP in-person event - Donna Jones on Bodie Cemetery restoration
November 5th – HPP digital event “State of the State Park” – Dan Canfield, Sierra District Superintendent
Bodie Foundation is hiring two positions for the summer and beyond. See below for both job descriptions. Please email a resume and cover letter to: Jessica Schneider, jessica@bodiefoundation.org
Bodie Mercantile Clerk
Part Time – Hours/Schedule TBD
$14/hour
A wonderful opportunity for a friendly, outgoing individual to work with the Bodie Foundation, a fast growing 501 © 3 non – profit organization to help support Bodie State Historic Park, Grover Hot Springs State Park and Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.
Works under the guidance of the Business Manager and Executive Director for the Bodie Foundation.
This position will be a Sales Clerk for the Bodie Mercantile located in Bridgeport, CA. Merchandise that is sold supports the Bodie Foundation mission. This storefront enhances public outreach by providing current park information and encourage park visitation.
Requirements:
· Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance
· Live Scan (fingerprint criminal history check)
· Willingness to wear a Bodie Foundation provided uniform
· Willingness to work weekends and holidays
· Intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel and Word
· Lift boxes and stock shelves
Desirable Skills and Knowledge:
Retail environment experience
Money accountability via daily closeout method
Intermediate computer skills / POS system
Basic Bodie State Historic Park knowledge
Willingness to accept other duties as assigned
Clerk Duties:
Mercantile operations
Sustain a friendly and courteous environment
Keep a clean and organized work environment
Provide information and promote the foundation and parks to the public
Attend staff meetings as scheduled
Assist the Business Manager with promotional, fundraising activities and events.
Accountability of money
Mail and web orders
Correspondence
Merchandizing
Administrative duties
Send a resume and cover letter to:
Jessica Schneider, Executive Director
jessica@bodiefoundation.org
Office Phone: (760) 932-7574
Title: Bodie Membership Coordinator/Office Manager
Status: Part or Full Time, Non-exempt
Pay: $16.00/hour to start, room to grow into the position
Supervised by: Executive Director
A wonderful opportunity for a friendly, outgoing individual to work with the Bodie Foundation, a fast-growing 501 © 3 non – profit organization to help support Bodie State Historic Park, Grover Hot Springs State Park and Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.
Answers directly to the Executive Director.
This position requires commuting to the Bodie Foundation’s Mercantile in Bridgeport, CA, which houses our offices. The position requires maintaining the membership database as well as managing general office tasks, scheduling, etc. for the Foundation.
Requirements:
· Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
· Live Scan (fingerprint criminal history check).
· Intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel and Word.
· Intermediate skills with Quickbooks
· Knowledge of donor software, or willingness to learn
· Works well with Executive Director
Desirable Skills and Knowledge:
Retail environment experience
Money accountability
Intermediate computer skills / POS system
Basic Park information
Willingness to accept other duties as assigned.
Office Manager duties
Communicate with Bookkeeper and Executive Director on Mercantile financials/operations.
Bank deposits
Ordering for office supplies and bookstores
Helping with Mercantile shifts when needed
Correspond with staff in Bodie and Grover
Help Executive Director with fundraising and interpretive events throughout the summer.
Updating website’s blog.
Helping with social media, especially local Bridgeport posts.
Help ED prepare for board meetings.
Membership Coordinator Duties:
The Membership Coordinator will be responsible for the Bodie Foundation Membership program. These activities include: promotional activities, database entry, new membership, expiration notices, renewals, and most correspondence regarding the Bodie Foundation. The Executive Director will have access to the database and will be fully involved with Membership Program progress.
Benefits:
· Monthly stipend for medical insurance
· Flexible schedule
· Working in beautiful Bridgeport, CA and Bodie State Historic Park!
Send a resume and cover letter to:
Jessica Schneider, Executive Director
jessica@bodiefoundation.org
Office Phone: (760) 932-7574
After having to cancel June’s Ghost Walk this year due to Covid-19, we have now reformatted the walks to ensure we are meeting safety guidelines for both the State of California as well as Mono County.
The July Ghost Walk is already full, and if you’ve already signed up keep an eye out for an email from me detailing the changes to the walk and the schedule. Feel free to send me an email with questions after that.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK AFTER HOURS DURING GHOST WALKS. ONLY THOSE ATTENDING GHOST WALKS MAY BE IN THE PARK AFTER 6PM.
Thank you to everyone for your patience while we navigate our way through changing times.
-Jessica Schneider
Bodie Foundation, Executive Director
Click here for the Bodie Foundation YouTube channel for great interpretive programs that you can view from the comfort of your own home!
Hi folks,
We’ve been informed by State Parks that Bodie will have a soft opening today, which means there will be no public tours, the museum gift shop will remain closed, and there will safety procedures in place to keep employees and visitors safe. Respect state park staff: they are short staffed and appreciate your help in following all guidelines put in place to make Bodie safe during this time.
Please do NOT visit Bodie if you are sick. Practice social distancing and respect any other postings within the park.
Bathrooms are open, but water fountains are shut off so please bring your own water. Remember Bodie is a wild place with extreme temperatures, so come prepared!
Most of all, enjoy!
Hi folks,
I write this while listening to the Mono County Board of Supervisors Meeting. Four hours of discussion has surrounded opening federal and state parks, allowing fishing for Memorial Day weekend, and what hotel and campground restrictions will look like in Stage 2 and Stage 3 of reopening our county and state.
At this time, Bodie State Historic Park remains closed. Highway 270 is now OPEN, however, the park itself is still under a hard closure. I have heard many rumors that the park is open, and had even more questions regarding when the park will open. At this time, I do not know, and it is up to Mono County Health Department to allow parks in the county to reopen. So, for now, we prepare and wait.
There are still soft openings for Mono Lake and Grover. This means that trails and bathrooms are open, but all other services and areas are closed. Again, we are waiting on the county to determine it is safe to reopen completely.
What we do know is that once Bodie can reopen, there will be many restrictions in place, and things will look a little different. Bathrooms will have running water to wash hands, but you will need to provide your own soap/hand sanitizer. All water fountains will be turned off, so please plan accordingly with your own water. The Bodie Foundation will be selling boxed water (yes, you heard me right) but please come prepared!
The Bodie Museum will not be open until phase 3 or 4, public tours will not occur until phase 4, and we are still working with the state to decide where our Ghost Walks, photo workshops and private tours fall within these parameters. We are trying to communicate with you as we know more, but word has been slow to trickle our way as things seem to continuously change.
We ask that you respect the park closures, as it just puts stress on the already limited state park employees that are at Bodie, Mono and Grover. We are so excited to see each and every one of you when our parks reopen. We look forward to the day that we can all enjoy a Stamp Mill tour together again.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Cheers,
Jessica Schneider
Bodie Foundation Executive Director
Well folks,
Here we are, May 1 and still not much has changed with the state of our parks in California. We at the Foundation were really hoping for some good news from the Governor, but it looks like we are all staying put for the time being.
Here are some quick updates on what we know as of today with all things State Parks. Things could change tomorrow!:
Soft openings of some parks are being discussed, but have yet to be approved. We will likely have notice 48-72 hours prior to this occurring. Soft opening involves just opening parking lots and restrooms for trail access within parks.
Campgrounds are still closed with reservations cancelled through August 1, but there is a chance they could be opened earlier than August 1.
Special events (requiring permits) are cancelled and refunds have been given for all events through June 7.
Museums, Visitor Centers and tours do not have a reopen/restart date, but will likely not reopen until the statewide shelter in place order is lifted.
All VIPP (state park) volunteers are not approved to return to parks.
The Bodie Foundation is working closely with our State Park partners to come up with a plan for different phases of reopening for the various parks in order to accommodate social distancing. There will be limits on occupancy in our Visitor Centers, along with plexiglass sneeze barriers, markings for checkout lines, etc. There may be limits on how many visitors are allowed at one time within certain parks, like Grover Hotsprings. Tours will be the last to be reinstated, unfortunately, and will likely have limitations as well.
At this time, much is unknown, but plans in many variations have been prepared to ensure the health and safety of Foundation and State Park staff as well as the health and safety of our visitors.
Thank you all for following along. The Bodie Times newsletter will be out at the end of the month with some great information, not all Covid-related, for you to sink your teeth in, so keep an eye out online and in your mailboxes!
To your health and safety,
Jessica Schneider
Bodie State Historic Park
This park is temporarily closed until further notice, meaning all vehicular access, trails and restrooms within this park are closed.
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve:
This park is temporarily closed to vehicular access. The park remains open for locals provided they practice safe, physical distancing of 6 feet or more and are visiting parks near their primary residences. This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach.
In an effort to prevent visitation surges and help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Parks has implemented the following temporary safety measures to date:
· Closed some parks fully, meaning all vehicular access, trails and restrooms within these parks are closed.
· Closed vehicular access at all parks, including for off-highway vehicles.
· Closed all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers.
· Cancelled all events.
As of this weekend, California State Parks have all been closed to vehicular traffic to ensure social distancing at all parks.
This does not mean that Bodie, Mono, and Grover are closed to recreation. However, all parking lots will be closed. Those wishing to do so may walk or bike into the parks to utilize paths and trails. Day-use restrooms will remain open and visitors are advised to wash hands, and bring/use soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer when no water is available.
All museums, visitor centers, and indoor spaces are closed. At this time, all tours and events are cancelled until further notice.
Campgrounds in all state parks remain closed.
As of this posting, Hwy 270 into Bodie State Historic Park is still closed due to snow.
For up-to-date information, please continue to check HERE.
As of March 18, 2020, all campgrounds within California State Parks have been closed. This includes all campgrounds at Bodie State Historic Park as well as Grover Hot Springs State Park.
This effectively shuts down everything at Grover except hiking trails.
State Highway 270 to Bodie remains closed due to snow, but we have not heard word of the park itself shutting down at this time.
Please contact info@bodiefoundation.org with any questions.
We want to keep all Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and Grover Hot Spring State Park visitors updated on any changes to programs offered, as well as openings and closures due to the COVID-19 virus. We will continue to update this page as we hear more.
Bodie State Historic Park is still open, however HWY 270 is closed due to weather.
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is still open.
At this time, Grover Hot Springs Pool Complex is closed for a minimum of 30 days.
Visit our new store, The Bodie Mercantile in Bridgeport, Ca at 323 Main St! All proceeds benifit Bodie State Historic Park. Also follow us on Facebook for specials and events!
