The Carl Sharsmith Papers document the professional and personal life of Carl Sharsmith (1903-1994), famed ranger-naturalist at Yosemite National Park from 1930-1993 and professor of botany at San Jose State University from 1950 -1973.  His papers contain journals, field notes, photographs, correspondence, clippings, reprints, subject files, and biographical material.  Much of the material relates to his botanical education and teaching career, his lifelong interest in natural history, and his experiences in Yosemite National Park.  His journals and field notebooks, dating from his 1915 to 1993, show the early development of his naturalist skills and document his extensive botanical collecting activities in California and beyond.  His subject files include his coursework from UCLA and UC Berkeley, material compiled for his popular ranger programs and backpacking trips in Yosemite, and material related to his study of the high alpine flora.  Correspondence includes fan mail from Yosemite visitors, botanical correspondence, letters documenting Sharsmith’s career in academia, and personal correspondence.  Biographical material includes newspaper clippings featuring Sharsmith. The photographs document the changing landscape of Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas, Sharsmith’s naturalist work in Tuolumne Meadows, and his botanical expeditions in California and Switzerland. Many of the photographs were sent to Sharsmith by Yosemite visitors.