This undated photo provided by The Trust for Public Land shows Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Visitors to the park now have more room to explore nature with the announcement on Wed.... (Associated Press) 
 
 This undated photo provided by The Trust for Public Land shows Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Visitors to the park now have more room to explore nature with the announcement on Wed. Sept. 7, 2016 that the park's western boundary has expanded to include Ackerson Meadow, 400 acres of... (Associated Press) 
 
 FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Robin Wainwright could have cashed-in on pristine grassland and forest he owned along the border with Yosemite National Park — building an upscale resort for a few fortunate guests. 
 
 Wainwright and his wife Nancy, however, decided to take a slight loss on their investment and sold it to a land trust, which donated it Wednesday to Yosemite. 
 
 It expands the park by 400 acres, Yosemite's largest addition in nearly 70 years. 
 
 The public will soon be able to enjoy the wildlife and natural scenery, such as the explosion of flowers that blossom each spring and bears that often stroll through the property. 
 
 "To have that accessible by everyone to me is just a great thing," Robin Wainwright said. "It was worth losing a little bit of money for that." 
 
 Ackerson Meadow is located along Yosemite's western boundary. The area was purchased from private owners by the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit conservation group, for $2.3 million and donated to the park. 
 
 Officials told The Associated Press that Yosemite will preserve the land — historically used for logging and cattle grazing — as habitat for wildlife such as the great grey owl, the largest owl in North American and listed as endangered by California wildlife officials. 
 
 Shaun Crook, president of the Tuolumne County Farm Bureau, said that not everybody supported turning the private property over to the government. 
 
 For at least a century, the grassy Ackerson Meadow has fattened beef cattle and been used for logging, he said. 
 
 "That will no longer happen," he said, adding that both industries are being squeezed out of business. "I fear we'll lose the value of that meadow." 
 
 The park's boundary has seen some minor changes over the years, but this expansion is the largest since 1949 to the park of nearly 750,000 acres total, park spokesman Scott Gediman said. 
 
 More than 4.5 million people are expected to visit Yosemite this year, which Gediman said would set a record for the park that celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015. 
 
 Other draws to the park include the massive Half Dome rock and the sheer, granite face of El Capitan — both admired by visitors from floor of Yosemite Valley. 
 
 Elsewhere in the park stand groves of giant sequoia, some of the oldest and largest living things on Earth. 
 
 Visitors pass Ackerson Meadow on their way to Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which provides drinking water to San Francisco. 
 
 The land was bought with $1.53 million from the Trust for Public Land and $520,000 from the Yosemite Conservancy, which supports a variety of projects in the park. Anonymous donors contributed the rest, Gediman said. 
 
 "We are delighted and proud to make this gift to Yosemite and the people of America," said Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land. 
 
 The land completes the park's original plans from 1890, which included Ackerson Meadow, said Yosemite Conservancy's President Frank Dean. 
 
 "It's a stunning open meadow surrounded by forest habitat, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna," said Park Superintendent Don Neubacher. 

 Yosemite National Park Grows Toward West In Largest Expansion Since 1949 
 
 Enlarge this image toggle caption Robb Hirsch/AP Robb Hirsch/AP 
 
 Yosemite National Park is growing by 400 acres — the largest expansion to the park since 1949. 
 
 NPR's Nathan Rott reports that the new addition to the park, a stretch of land along the western boundary of Yosemite, has historically been used for logging and cattle grazing. 
 
 The Trust for Public Land, a conservation group, bought the land from private owners for $2.3 million and donated it to expand the park. The purchase was supported by the Yosemite Conservancy, National Park Trust and American Rivers, as well as private donors. 
 
 "The area includes a sprawling grassy meadow, wetlands and rolling hills dotted with tall pine trees, and is known to be home to at least two endangered species," Nathan reports. 
 
 The Trust for Public Land calls Ackerson Meadow, included in the donation, "a gentler landscape than the imposing granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley, a dozen miles to the east." The Trust describes the land as a thriving ecosystem that will now be preserved for animals and people in the future. 
 
 Yosemite, one of America's first national parks, was founded in 1890 and is about 750,000 acres in total. It's been thriving, Nathan notes. "The park has seen record visitation in recent years and is expected to break 4 1/2 million visitors this year," he says. 
 
 Meanwhile, a mystery set on those rocky cliffs of Yosemite Valley has been solved. 
 
 As The New York Times reports, a visitor to the national park recently glimpsed a bride and groom embracing before a stunning backdrop, and snapped a picture. But the couple headed down a trail before the photographer could get their attention. 
 
 The photo was posted to Instagram, and people around the world levied the power of the Internet to try to track down the couple. 
 
 Do I like #Yosemite? 🤔..... I do! 👰🏼💍 A photo posted by Mike Karas (@mike.karas) on Sep 2, 2016 at 1:29pm PDT 
 
 Late on Tuesday, the Times reports, the bride and groom — Catherine Mack and Rick Donald — reached out to the photographer, Mike Karas. 
 
 Mack was delighted to discover what she called a "slightly epic shot." 
 
 This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service — created 25 years after Yosemite to manage all the national parks and monuments. You can read NPR's coverage of the centennial here. 

 Photo: Courtesy Of The National Park Service Image 1 of / 31 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 31 Yosemite National Park acquired 400 acres of meadow and forest Monday, a donation from the Trust for Public Land. Yosemite National Park acquired 400 acres of meadow and forest Monday, a donation from the Trust for Public Land. Photo: Courtesy Of The National Park Service 
 
 Image 2 of 31 This undated photo provided by The Trust for Public Land shows Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Visitors to the park now have more room to explore nature with the announcement on Wed. Sept. 7, 2016 that the park's western boundary has expanded to include Ackerson Meadow, 400 acres of tree-covered Sierra Nevada foothills, grassland and a creek that flows into the Tuolumne River. This is the park's biggest expansion in nearly 70 years, and will serve as wildlife habitat. (Robb Hirsch/The Trust for Public Land via AP) less This undated photo provided by The Trust for Public Land shows Ackerson Meadow in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Visitors to the park now have more room to explore nature with the announcement on Wed. Sept. 7, ... more Photo: Robb Hirsch, Associated Press 
 
 Image 3 of 31 HISTORIC PHOTOS OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. HISTORIC PHOTOS OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 4 of 31 A couple lounge in front of the Sierra view from Eagle Peak in 1902. A couple lounge in front of the Sierra view from Eagle Peak in 1902. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 5 of 31 The famous Wawona tunnel tree in Mariposa Grove. A stage coach is seen passing through it from this 1905 stereograph. The famous Wawona tunnel tree in Mariposa Grove. A stage coach is seen passing through it from this 1905 stereograph. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 6 of 31 Visitors on horseback on the Glacier Point Trail in 1901. The stereograph was sold exclusively by Underwood & Underwood. Visitors on horseback on the Glacier Point Trail in 1901. The stereograph was sold exclusively by Underwood & Underwood. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 7 of 31 Yosemite as seen in 1909. Yosemite as seen in 1909. Photo: Chronicle Archives 
 
 Image 8 of 31 A photochrom print of visitors looking out at Half Dome. A photochrom print of visitors looking out at Half Dome. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 9 of 31 A stereograph by Underwood & Underwood called "Our Camp in the Yosemite Valley." Timeless Yosemite Falls can be seen in the background, and the charmingly posed family in the foreground dates the image to the early 1900s. less A stereograph by Underwood & Underwood called "Our Camp in the Yosemite Valley." Timeless Yosemite Falls can be seen in the background, and the charmingly posed family in the foreground dates the image to the ... more Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 10 of 31 President Teddy Roosevelt and his traveling party visit Inspiration Point in 1903. President Teddy Roosevelt and his traveling party visit Inspiration Point in 1903. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 11 of 31 The Sentinel, in Yosemite National Park, across the Merced River. The photo was taken by Carleton Watkins in 1861. The Sentinel, in Yosemite National Park, across the Merced River. The photo was taken by Carleton Watkins in 1861. 
 
 Image 12 of 31 Half Dome and deer, taken in 1966. Half Dome and deer, taken in 1966. Photo: Scott Sommerdorf, The Chronicle 
 
 Image 13 of 31 B Troop of the First Cavalry marches through Yosemite Valley. B Troop of the First Cavalry marches through Yosemite Valley. Photo: Photographer: Unknown, California Historical Society 
 
 Image 14 of 31 "Fallen Monarch": A picture of a fallen tree in Mariposa on Sept. 15, 1911. "Fallen Monarch": A picture of a fallen tree in Mariposa on Sept. 15, 1911. Photo: Library Of Congress, Courtesy 
 
 Image 15 of 31 A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe into a collection of "Views of Yosemite." A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe into a collection of "Views of Yosemite." Photo: Library Of Congress, Courtesy 
 
 Image 16 of 31 A 1906 view of Yosemite Falls reflected in the lake below. Several buildings are visible on the far right. A 1906 view of Yosemite Falls reflected in the lake below. Several buildings are visible on the far right. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 17 of 31 A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress, Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 18 of 31 A stereograph of Yosemite Falls from Watkins' Pacific Coast store on Montgomery St. The store did made-to-order views of any part of the state or coast. A stereograph of Yosemite Falls from Watkins' Pacific Coast store on Montgomery St. The store did made-to-order views of any part of the state or coast. Photo: Library Of Congress, Courtesy 
 
 Image 19 of 31 A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 20 of 31 Two women and a man take in the view along Glacier Point Trail in 1901. Two women and a man take in the view along Glacier Point Trail in 1901. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 21 of 31 A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 22 of 31 The Sentinel Hotel in 1890. The Sentinel Hotel in 1890. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 23 of 31 A stage coach travels through Yosemite in the late 1800s. A stage coach travels through Yosemite in the late 1800s. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 24 of 31 A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 25 of 31 A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. A historic photo of Yosemite from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 26 of 31 A stage coach leaves camp in the late 1800s. A stage coach leaves camp in the late 1800s. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 27 of 31 An image of Yosemite National Park from the Library of Congress. An image of Yosemite National Park from the Library of Congress. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy 
 
 Image 28 of 31 A view of Yosemite taken by photographer Arnold Genthe between 1903-06. A view of Yosemite taken by photographer Arnold Genthe between 1903-06. Photo: Library Of Congress, Courtesy 
 
 Image 29 of 31 A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe. A photo of visitors in Yosemite taken in the early 1900s and compiled by photographer Arnold Genthe. Photo: Library Of Congress, Courtesy 
 
 Image 30 of 31 Yosemite Valley, in Yosemite National Park, across the Merced River dated 1966. Yosemite Valley, in Yosemite National Park, across the Merced River dated 1966. 

 Ackerson Meadow, a 400 acres parcel of land, located at the western edge of Yosemite National Park is shown in this undated photo in California. Photo courtesty of Yosemite National Park/Handout via REUTERS 
 
 LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Yosemite National Park on Wednesday announced its largest expansion in seven decades with the donation by a conservancy group of a large meadow surrounded by trees that will be home to dozens of endangered species. 
 
 Ackerson Meadow at the western edge of the current park was purchased from a private couple earlier this year by the Trust for Public Land for $2.3 million and donated to the National Park Service, a Yosemite spokeswoman said. 
 
 The gift of 400 acres (161.87 hectares) of land marks the largest expansion of Yosemite, which was first protected in 1864 and encompasses nearly 1,200 square miles (3,107.99 sq km) in central California, since 1949. 
 
 “It’s a big open meadow surrounded by forest land. We’re very excited. This pristine meadow is going to provide habitat for a number of protected species,” park spokeswoman Jamie Richards said. Among them are two endangered species of owls. 
 
 Among the major contributors to the purchase were the nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy, the National Park Trust and American Rivers. 
 
 According to the park, the land is especially important because it consists of a meadow. While just three percent of Yosemite National Park is meadows, they are home to some one-third of the plant species found there. 
 
 Frank Dean, president of the Yosemite Conservancy, said in a statement that Ackerson Meadow had been included in the original boundary plans for the park, which was inspired by the advocacy of Scottish-American naturalist John Muir. 
 
 “Donating the largest addition since 1949 to one of the world’s most famous parks is a great way to celebrate the 100th birthday of our National Park Service — and honor John Muir’s original vision for the park,” said Will Rogers, President of The Trust for Public Land. 
 
 Yosemite, considered one of the crown jewels of America’s national park system, regularly ranks among the top U.S. tourist attractions. The park saw a record 4.3 million visitors in 2015.
– Yosemite National Park is getting 400 more acres, its largest expansion since 1949. The Trust for Public Land bought the land, which was previously used for logging and cattle grazing and which lies along the park's western boundary, for $2.3 million, NPR reports. The trust, a conservation group whose purchase was supported by private donors and a number of other groups, then donated the land to Yosemite on Wednesday. Ranching will cease on the land in two years. The land is home to at least two endangered species and also includes Ackerson Meadow, which the trust describes as "a gentler landscape than the imposing granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley." Just 3% of Yosemite is meadow, Reuters reports. Yosemite, which totals around 750,000 acres, has had its eye on the land for decades, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "It’s a really important acquisition," says a spokesperson for the park. "You’ve got the critical habitat for the birds and reptiles, and you’ve got the wetlands." The owners of the land tell the AP they declined a higher offer for the land that would have seen it turned into a resort.