Yellowstone Forever Annual Report 2024-2025

Annual Report

2024— 2025

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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Annual Report 2024–2025 Table of Contents Letters

Protect Yellowstone’s Ecosystem & Wildlife

Preserve Yellowstone’s Heritage, History, & Trails Enhance Visitor Experiences & Education Financials Donors

Leadership & Support Photo Credits

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YF/MATT LUDIN

Letters

Protect

From the President & CEO and Board Chair We are proud to share Yellowstone Forever’s 2024-2025 Annual Report with you. This report is a direct reflection of your tremendous generosity and our collective work to protect, preserve, and enhance the world’s first national park.

Working in close alignment with Yellowstone National Park, and as a direct result of our fundraising success over the past year, Yellowstone Forever funded 31 priority park projects. This included critical financial support for wildlife conservation, youth education and outreach, and bold new housing initiatives. Our funding elevates vital park initiatives, enabling groundbreaking programs like the Yellowstone Wolf Project’s bioacoustics study, which leverages cuttingedge technology to deepen our understanding of wildlife.

This past year we expanded Tribal engagement and outreach, hosting the first Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration, bringing storytelling

and cultural exchange to an even broader stage. Through the Yellowstone Forever Institute, we offered nearly 400 programs for visitors of all ages, helping over 4,500 individuals deepen their connection to Yellowstone and the natural world.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the increased reach and impact we can achieve together.

Our new strategic plan will be instrumental in guiding this growth in support of Yellowstone National Park. We don’t do this work alone—our success is thanks in large part to our dedicated leadership and staff, including volunteers, passionate park champions, and an extraordinary team in Yellowstone.

We deeply appreciate your support. You play a pivotal role in the future of Yellowstone National Park, and together, we can ensure this extraordinary place endures forever, for everyone.

With gratitude,

Lisa Diekmann President & CEO Yellowstone Forever

Doug Spencer Board Chair Yellowstone Forever

From the Superintendent As we reflect on the past year, I am inspired by all that we have achieved, together, to continue to ensure that Yellowstone remains resilient today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Yellowstone Forever, the park’s official nonprofit partner, continues to provide essential financial and in-kind support for Yellowstone’s most pressing needs. Thanks to this partnership, we have made significant progress across a wide range of initiatives that protect the park’s natural resources, enhance visitor experiences, and foster education and stewardship.

Over the past year, this partnership has helped advance critical efforts, including: • Housing improvements— continued investment in up-to-date park staff housing is helping to ensure a stable and sustainable workforce, improving retention and morale across park operations.

• Wildlife research—support for the study of bears, wolves, cougars, bison, and dozens of other species who call the park home, including the longstanding support of the Native Fish Conservation Project, which protects Yellowstone’s aquatic ecosystems and native species.

• Educational programs— connecting visitors of all ages to the park’s wonders, fostering stewardship and lifelong learning.

• Collaborative conservation efforts—bringing together scientists, educators, partners, and donors to address challenges and seize opportunities across the park.

These outcomes are a testament to the power of partnership and shared purpose. Your continued dedication and support are essential to Yellowstone’s future.

It is our collective commitment that makes this extraordinary work possible.

Sincerely,

Cam Sholly Superintendent Yellowstone National Park

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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Protect

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

NPS/JACOB W. FRANK

Yellowstone’s Ecosystem &Wildlife Protect

Bioacoustics Technology Advances Wolf Research Cutting-edge technology is currently transforming the Yellowstone Wolf Project, adding a powerful new dimension to wolf research.

Through an innovative advanced bioacoustics study, park biologists are gaining unprecedented insights into wolf communication and pack dynamics. Since its launch, the study has captured over 7,000 wolf howling vocalization events—each ranging from 10 seconds to an hour—revealing the rich complexity of vocal wolf behavior.

In 2024, the project expanded its bioacoustics monitoring program with the deployment of 26 autonomous recording units (ARUs) at summer homesites of several wolf packs, along with a survey grid of ARUs across northern Yellowstone. These recordings are being analyzed using the latest technology designed to detect wolf vocalizations with greater accuracy and efficiency.

14 WOLVES

Four of the collars have biologger units that record audio for a cumulative two months as well as detailed movement information.

To deepen understanding, researchers are integrating this acoustic data with direct behavioral observations, aerial and ground Very High Frequency (VHF) tracking, and GPS-collar movement data. Notably, some GPS collars now include audio recording technology—capturing all sounds made by and around individual wolves during specific timeframes. This marks the first time such technology has been used on wild wolves, offering a rare, individual-level perspective on wolf vocalizations.

This groundbreaking approach adds a new layer of scientific insight to the Yellowstone Wolf Project’s 30-year legacy, pushing the boundaries of wildlife research and conservation.

in five packs were collared deploying a mix of VHF and GPS collars.

DID YOU KNOW

a new Yellowstone wolf pack formed in 2024?

The Bliss Pass pack (8 wolves; 3 adults, 5 pups) formed in early 2024 when 1437M (a disperser from Hawk’s Rest that was loosely associated with the Junction Butte pack in 2023) was found with a female wolf of unknown origin, possibly from Junction Butte. The pair produced a litter of five pups and were joined by an uncollared male of unknown origins. Unfortunately, the female adult was killed just north of the park border, leaving the five pups with two adult males. Within a few weeks, a female (1477F) from the Junction Butte pack joined them, taking on the female leadership role and adopting the pups. This pack generally uses the Slough Creek drainage and has a small territory, which may be facilitated by high numbers of ungulates (elk, bison, deer, and moose) in the area from spring to early winter.

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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Remote Cameras Reveal the Secretive Lives of Cougars At the heart of Yellowstone’s Cougar Project lies a powerful tool for understanding these elusive predators: a vast network of remote trail cameras strategically placed across the park’s northern range (140 cameras in total). These cameras are an essential component of the research and monitoring work, providing critical data and extraordinary imagery of the elusive cats and their young in their natural habitat. A majority of the trail cameras used by the Cougar Project have been generously donated by the fStop Foundation to directly support this work in the park.

“The fStop Foundation has been a key partner in advancing the Yellowstone Cougar Project’s non-invasive monitoring and research program for cougars and other wildlife. Through their support, we have incorporated remote cameras, which are powerful tools to leverage photography and video footage for valuable scientific data and inspiring storytelling.”

– Daniel R. Stahler, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist, Yellowstone Center for Resources.

Combined with a variety of genetic collection surveys and radio collars, the team has made significant strides in understanding how this apex predator fits within the Yellowstone ecosystem.

Up-close with the Cougar Cam:

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Protecting the Park’s Grizzlies and Black Bears, One Bear-Box at a Time If you’ve camped in Yellowstone, you’ve likely seen the rugged, brown, steel boxes stationed at campsites. These bear-proof food storage boxes are more than just metal containers; they’re a critical line of defense in keeping Yellowstone’s bears wild and visitors safe.

These 300-pound bear-boxes are spread out over 2,000 roadside campsites throughout Yellowstone National Park.

Each summer, teams of dedicated Youth Conservation Corps crews take on the challenge of installing these 300-pound boxes across the park’s 2,000 roadside campsites.

Donning yellow hard hats, work gloves, and sturdy shoes, youth must work as a team, using new skills. It’s tough, physical work, but

for many, it’s the most rewarding part of their experience. They’re not just building boxes—they’re building a legacy of stewardship and safety.

Tested against the raw power of grizzlies at the Grizzly Bear Discovery Center, these boxes are proven to withstand nature’s fiercest force and prevent bears from accessing human food.

And, there’s good news! We are 79% to our goal of having bear boxes installed at every park campsite. Together, we’re making Yellowstone safer for both bears and people —one box at a time.

As part of the Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program, Yellowstone Forever staff rolled up their sleeves to install bear boxes, working shoulderto-shoulder with park personnel.

Guided by the expertise of park staff, the team turned commitment into action—making a tangible difference in protecting wildlife.

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Bison Conservation and Transfer Program: Stories from the Herd The Bison Conservation and Transfer Program requires a dedicated team and hard physical work to accomplish the goal of restoring Yellowstone bison to Tribal Nations. Park biologists shared one story that stood out this last year:

On day one, we loaded a semi-truck and some trailers, and the team set off for Fort Peck. But when they arrived, it was dark, and the bison didn’t want to get off the truck. So, we left it in the pasture overnight, and once everyone left, the animals slowly made their way out in the morning. The driver got ready to head back that afternoon, and suddenly the weather forecast changed—an ice storm was expected to hit the northern half of the state by the next morning.

The driver called to ask if he could “deadhead” it back to the park, load up again at dusk, and drive straight through the night back to Fort Peck—800 miles in one day—with some of the most valuable bison on the planet. He brought in four other drivers to help share the load through the night.

The plan could work as long as he made it back to the park before dark to load the animals. But he didn’t quite make it.

We had enough time to start loading a few animals onto the truck, but then it got dark.

We’ve never worked with wild bison in the pens after dark, let alone tried to load them onto trucks. You have to get into the pens with them, see them, understand their movement to guide them. It was just me and the day-to-day manager of the facility, and we’ve been doing this together for 20 years.

By the time we got the last animal loaded, it was pitch black, and we were covered in mud—because now, in the middle of January, it was warm and raining.

More than 400 miles later, they pulled into Fort Peck at 5:00 in the morning. The driver texted me every hour along the way to let me know everything was going well. As the sun came up, the animals unloaded just fine, and in a day and a half, we managed to move all 116 bison—just ahead of the ice storm that ended up shutting down that whole region of the state for the next three days.

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Bison Project Tribal Internship Program The Bison Tribal Internship Program provides an opportunity for selected participants to work alongside Yellowstone’s bison management team to gain knowledge and experience in conserving bison.

These skills are taken back to their Tribes to further support the reestablishment of Yellowstone bison on Tribal lands throughout

North America. Yellowstone Forever, working with the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), supports this important program.

Justin James, a member of the Pawnee Nation, joined the park’s bison team in the summer of 2024.

An organic regenerative farmer, Justin also works at a cattle sale barn in Oklahoma. For six months,

he worked alongside National Park Service bison staff learning highly technical skills. He became the first intern trusted to work alone in the facility, handling tasks like moving bison between pastures as part of their daily care. Justin also learned how to collect brucellosis samples, run bison through squeeze chutes, feed the animals, weld, and repair fences.

Mikiya Reuther, a member of Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes, built upon her internship experience and has since become the Wildlife Biologist for the InterTribal Buffalo Council.

“This internship provided me with some of the most significant experiences of my life, both professionally and culturally. It encouraged me to continue pursuing work with buffalo, particularly in the context of Tribal buffalo restoration. The opportunity this internship presented opened many doors for me, allowing me to transition into a full-time, permanent position with ITBC, where I am so privileged to play a role in Tribal buffalo restoration, providing assistance to a nationwide membership of over 80 Tribal Nations.”

“Living and working in Yellowstone is truly an experience unlike any other,” Reuther shared.

“I will continue to look back on this experience as a defining point in my life, that has put me on a path rooted in buffalo restoration for the land and people.”

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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Native Fish Conservation If you’ve ever watched a Yellowstone cutthroat trout rise to a perfectly cast fly, you know the thrill it brings. Just as exhilarating is the sight of a grizzly bear hauling its latest catch from the shores of Yellowstone Lake, or an osprey diving with precision to snatch a trout from the water. But the significance of this project extends far beyond the fish themselves. As a keystone species, cutthroat trout are a vital food source for many of Yellowstone’s mammals and birds, playing a crucial role in the park’s ecological balance.

“It’s amazing—the cutthroat are running up spawning streams again, and we’re having bear activity like we haven’t seen in quite a long time on these streams, because they’re feeding on these cutthroat,” says Todd Koel, lead biologist for the Native Fish Conservation Program. He also notes that bald eagles are back and that ospreys are starting to return too. “From an angler’s perspective, the fishing is unbelievable. The fish are huge and numerous.”

For more than 20 years, Yellowstone Forever has funded the Native Fish Conservation Program and the successful elimination of millions of nonnative lake trout. This critical work is ongoing and imperative to the integrity of Yellowstone’s lakes, streams, and tributaries.

“We wouldn’t be here without Yellowstone Forever’s help,” says Koel, who added that Yellowstone Forever also funds the park’s 21-year-old Fly Fishing Volunteer program, which further contributes to native fish research. As part of the program, volunteer anglers travel from all around the country to wade into Yellowstone’s rivers, creeks, and lakes and ‘fly fish for science’ by recording the data from the fish they catch.

NATIVE FISH

BY THE NUMBERS

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In 2024, the program caught 264,000 invasive lake trout, contributing to a remarkable total of over 4.9 million caught since the park began gillnetting in 1995.

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

The park has reduced the number of predatory lake trout by about 90 percent, giving the Yellowstone cutthroat trout a chance to recover.

Westslope cutthroat trout or Arctic grayling, or both, have been restored to 67.2 miles of stream and 281 acres of lake in the park’s Gallatin and Madison watersheds in the past two decades.

YF/ALYSSA MCGEELEY

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Yellowstone’s Heritage, History & Trails

Preserve

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Honoring Indigenous Voices: Tribal Engagement in Yellowstone Yellowstone Forever’s Tribal engagement work honors and amplifies the voices of the 27 Tribes associated with Yellowstone National Park—nations whose connections to this land span thousands of years.

This work creates space for Indigenous-led education, cultural exchange, and relationship-building in the park, ensuring Yellowstone’s story is told with authenticity, depth, and respect.

This past year, visitors experienced those connections in vivid, personal ways. At the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, 36 presenters from 17 associated Tribes shared their art, music, stories, and traditions over 138 artist days. More than 311,000 people stopped to engage, ask questions, and listen—creating 11,789 contact hours of cultural exchange. A beadwork artist might explain how each stitch carries meaning passed down through generations. A flutist may play a song their grandparents taught them, the notes carrying out into the summer air. One afternoon, a visitor paused after hearing a creation story and quietly said it was the first time they had heard an Indigenous account of Yellowstone’s history. These moments—personal, unplanned, and lasting—are the heartbeat of the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center.

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

36 PRESENTERS FROM 17 ASSOCIATED TRIBES, OVER 138 ARTIST DAYS. MORE THAN 311,000 PEOPLE STOPPED TO ENGAGE CREATING 11,789 CONTACT HOURS OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE.

The first Voices of Yellowstone: First Peoples Celebration brought this storytelling and cultural exchange to an even broader stage. Each day and night of the event offered ways to connect with Indigenous traditions: illuminated teepees glowing under the theme Building Bridges of Peace; the beat of the drum and swirl of regalia at cultural demonstrations in Arch Park; the Native Art Market, where artists shared work that blended heritage with contemporary expression; and traditional Native Games that invited visitors and locals alike to learn by playing. Guided cultural tours co-led by Native experts and Yellowstone Forever educators offered fresh insight into Yellowstone’s Indigenous heritage, while the community potluck—hosted in partnership with the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce—closed the week with shared food, laughter, and connection. The celebration was more than an event; it was a living expression of resilience, creativity, and unity that left a deep impression on all who attended.

Another milestone was the launch of Yellowstone Winter Camp in partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. In the stillness of the winter landscape, Tribal youth and elders came together for a week of cultural learning and connection. Mornings were spent hiking out to geothermal areas, where elders shared traditional knowledge about the plants and wildlife that thrive there. Afternoons brought hands-on skills like cooking meals with traditional ingredients. Evenings were for storytelling—voices carrying wisdom and humor in equal measure, the glow of a fire reflecting in the eyes of both the young and the old. For the youth, it was more than a program; it was a living classroom in the heart of a homeland.

“The Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center continues to be a place of connection—where Indigenous voices, histories, and lifeways are shared directly with the public. Each season deepens the relationships between Tribes and the park, and it is a powerful reminder that these are not stories of the past, but of living cultures with enduring presence and purpose in this landscape.” Alyssa McGeeley, Yellowstone Forever Tribal Engagement Manager and member of the Muscogee Tribe from Oklahoma

From the intimate conversations at the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, to the park-wide celebration of Voices of Yellowstone, to the deep learning of Yellowstone Winter Camp, 2024 was a year of building relationships, sharing traditions, and creating opportunities for visitors to connect with the park’s living Indigenous heritage. These experiences ensured that Indigenous voices were not only present in Yellowstone, but central to how its stories were told and experienced—shaping how countless visitors will remember their time in this extraordinary place.

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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A Bold Investment in Employee Housing Attracting and retaining dedicated National Park Service employees begins with meeting a fundamental need: housing.

Yellowstone National Park, in partnership with Yellowstone Forever, launched a transformative modular housing initiative—an ambitious, multi-phase project with up to $50 million in funding grants from the National Park Foundation.

These high-quality modular homes are more than just structures; they represent a commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and the well-being of those who care for one of America’s most iconic landscapes. Built in controlled environments, these units minimize construction waste, maximize energy efficiency, and bypass seasonal delays, allowing for rapid deployment across the park.

Yellowstone National Park engaged staff across all divisions and levels of the park to ensure that housing will be tailored to the needs of permanent and seasonal employees, from single employees to families with children. Homes are being designed with appropriate environmental and aesthetic considerations.

Phase I of the project has been completed and included architectural and engineering development and design for all housing planned over the next several years. Construction on the initial eight units began in the spring of 2025.

The photos say it all: beautiful, functional spaces that finally give park employees a place to truly call home.

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Ranger Horses & Mules Stumpy, Sheriff, Shiner, Buckeye, Driftwood, Rowboat, and Rye are just some of the key teammates of Yellowstone’s park rangers.

This remarkable team of about 20 horses and 30 mules are saddled up for service and work tirelessly throughout the backcountry to transport people and equipment, such as chainsaws, saws, axes, and other supplies. These animals are critical to park operations, which include mounted patrols, trail work, and research studies.

The work of backcountry rangers with these animals includes a lot more than just trail clearing. The ranger stock also assists the park’s law enforcement and wildlife management teams, including fisheries, bear, wolf, birds, and ungulates, to assist with their needs.

By the fall, the rangers, horses, and mules are “legged up” and have likely traveled up to 150 miles both on and off trail in a week of patrolling.

“We’re very lucky to have reliable horses and mules to work with in Yellowstone’s backcountry. They multiply our work capacity by miles covered and by pounds carried and they often know our trails better than we do,” Josiah Funk, Yellowstone’s Horse Handler Supervisor shared.

Vital to this work is the ability for the park to purchase quality horses and mules (stock) and reduce the average working life of the animals to 16 years, minimizing the potential for injury.

Anticipating the need to have a greater presence throughout the park’s backcountry, the goal is to increase the park’s herd to 120 head in the coming years.

BACKCOUNTRY RANGERS RODE 3,954 MILES OF TRAIL IN FIVE MONTHS HORSES AND MULES HELPED TRAIL CREWS CLEAR 4,000 MILES OF TRAIL 15 HEAD OF NEW STOCK WERE PURCHASED IN 2024: 7 HORSES AND 8 MULES

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Living History: The Yellowstone Heritage & Research Center Housing an incredible array of museum collection items, archives, rare books, a library, and more, Yellowstone’s Heritage & Research Center (HRC) is as vast and varied as the park itself.

Highlights from the collection include early sketches and personal items of famed painter Thomas Moran, archeological objects such as obsidian arrowheads, correspondences from the likes of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, historic vehicles, early souvenirs, and so much more.

This past year, the HRC team put together an incredible in-person and online exhibit titled Yellowstone National Park: Travel through Time. The exhibit explored travel through Yellowstone from the earliest Native American Tribes to present-day visitors. The exhibit also examined how the area has been managed over time, how visitors tour the park on land, water, and snow, and how the park uses technology to steward the land and protect its visitors as the means of travel continues to evolve.

The Yellowstone Heritage & Research Center is home to a variety of historical vehicles from 1885 on, including:

15 MOTORIZED VEHICLES 13 WAGONS, INCLUDING STAGECOACHES, ROAD GRADER, TALLY-HO, AND SURREY 7 FIRE HOSE CARTS

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YF/MATT LUDIN

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Visitor Experiences &Education

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Resiliency Project: Supporting National Park Service Staff Yellowstone National Park is committed to fostering a healthy, supportive work-life environment for employees throughout the park.

As first responders to critical incidents—including accidents and natural disasters—National Park Service staff face immense emotional and physical challenges.

Thanks to Yellowstone Forever’s support, the park has been able to proactively connect employees with mental health professionals.

This initiative strengthens resilience, boosts performance and retention, and contributes to a more positive and sustainable workplace culture.

This critical project provides funding to bring in trained, trauma-informed therapists on a regular basis to provide clinical hours to employees and prioritize individual and collective mental wellness in Yellowstone.

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These counseling sessions are well attended, and the Resiliency Project has:

SERVED 193 EMPLOYEES THROUGH COUNSELOR-LED WELLNESS WORKSHOPS OR DEBRIEFS WORKED WITH 211 EMPLOYEES IN OTHER YELLOWSTONE RESILIENCY PROJECT ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRAININGS, MEETINGS, AND WORKSHOPS

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

“I am so grateful for the Yellowstone Resiliency Project and how it’s made therapy so accessible. The counselors came to Yellowstone at a time when I desperately needed mental health support services but felt too daunted by the task of finding a counselor on my own.”

“This program has helped myself and my coworkers since it started in 2022. We all live, work, and play with one another so it was imperative to have someone from the outside to talk to. They’ve helped me with work, my family, my coworkers, grief, and also trauma. This is very important to us here at Old Faithful because we’re so removed from the other parts of the park/society”

Lifelong Impact: Youth Conservation Corps The benefits of Yellowstone’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) are far-reaching and varied.

Youth ages 15-18 from all walks of life across the country travel to Yellowstone to Work, Learn, Play, and Grow in the world’s first national park. Teens selected to attend this program not only complete valuable work in the park such as trail restoration, bear box installation, and social science studies, but they also come away with new skills, selfconfidence, and an appreciation for the complexities of caring for a national park. Some have even gone on to pursue careers in related fields.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I didn’t realize until I got here just how much my life was going to change so quickly and how much impact this experience was going to have on me. I think this is something I am going to look back on in the future and really appreciate.”

—Catie, Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps Enrollee

YCC was a wonderful introduction to Yellowstone. The work was physically demanding, but it was so rewarding to physically see what we had accomplished during the day and know that we played a small but important role protecting and improving this place that so many people love. It was even more rewarding to see the impact YCC had on my crewmembers. Many enrollees came to the program with little experience working with hand tools, camping in bear country, or even cooking for themselves or otherwise being self-reliant.

Watching their growth over the course of five weeks was inspiring. I’ve had the privilege of introducing many people to Yellowstone over the last few years, but that first season with YCC still feels so impactful.

Yellowstone Forever’s Field Education Manager, Sam Archibald, came to Yellowstone as a YCC Crew Leader and discovered a passion for the park, ecology, and conservation.

Transformational Education: Expedition Yellowstone Since 1986, Expedition Yellowstone has provided life-changing experiences for students grades 4-8 in one of the world’s premiere outdoor classrooms: Yellowstone National Park.

Last year, one of the school groups hosted on this residential program was from the small community of Meeteetse, Wyoming. During their four days in the park, the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders gained a greater understanding of ecology and geology, as well as a deep respect for nature. They especially relished the opportunity to participate in an ecology hike with park rangers, as well as learning about Leave No Trace principles.

Their teacher shared how much she appreciated that Expedition Yellowstone gave her students the opportunity to “apply the things we’ve been learning in class in the real world.” The students were excited to take this knowledge home to Meeteetse and share with others. They are also planning a community clean up and have been talking about Leave No Trace behaviors with others.

One of the students shared, “I absolutely loved Expedition Yellowstone.

Even though I have lived in Big Horn Basin my whole life, Yellowstone is amazing.

I loved all of it. The hot springs, the ecosystem, the geology, and everything else. I learned a lot more than I thought.”

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

DURING THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR, 40 SCHOOL GROUPS PARTICIPATED IN EXPEDITION YELLOWSTONE 21 OF THE 40 TOTAL SCHOOL GROUPS RECEIVED PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED BY YELLOWSTONE FOREVER FUNDING

Yellowstone Institute: Inspiring Deeper Connections Through Education Yellowstone Forever’s Institute is Yellowstone’s premier provider of immersive, in-park education for participants of all ages—offering experiences that move people beyond simply seeing the park to truly understanding it. Each program is built to spark insight, foster curiosity, and create lasting connections to the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural stories. Yellowstone Forever educators combine expertise with a passion for teaching, ensuring every moment in the field is both memorable and meaningful.

One powerful example of this work is Yellowstone Chicago, a donor-funded program that brings high school students from the Chicago area—many of whom have never set foot in a national

383 INSTITUTE PROGRAMS DELIVERED

park—into Yellowstone for a week of discovery. For these students, the days are filled with firsts: standing under a sky dense with stars, watching bison graze at sunrise, hearing the sudden rush of a geyser erupt. One student lingered outside on the final night, quietly counting shooting stars and saying they had never imagined a sky could look like that.

Another surprised themselves by climbing to the top of a steep trail, turning to see bison far below, and declaring it “the best view of my life.” Throughout the week, these young people tested their limits, discovered new skills, and began to see the natural world—and their own potential—in ways that will stay with them for years.

4,579 PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED

Whether someone is visiting for the first time or returning for a deeper dive, the Institute offers experiences that leave them seeing the park, and their relationship to it, in a whole new way.

75,895 TOTAL CONTACT HOURS

Junior Ranger Program Fosters Love for Natural World “As a Junior Ranger, I promise to learn all I can to help preserve and protect Yellowstone’s wildlife, history, and natural features.

When I return home, I will teach others how to protect the natural world.”

Few moments are as heartwarming as watching a child receive their Junior Ranger badge from a National Park Service ranger. It’s more than just their excitement and sense of pride in earning the badge—it represents a meaningful connection they’ve formed with Yellowstone and the natural world.

One of the most popular and beloved activities in Yellowstone National Park (both for children and the young at heart), Yellowstone Forever supports all facets of the program, including the annual printing of Junior Ranger booklets and Junior Ranger badges.

“Both of our boys (then ages 8 and 10) earned Junior Ranger badges when we visited Yellowstone. They loved it (we did too)! Great program.” —John, parent from Washington 2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

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2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

YF/AMANDA EVANS

Financials 24

Protect

Financials Statement of Activities For the Year Ended February 28, 2025

Statement of Financial Position As of February 28, 2025

REVENUES AND SUPPORT

Without Donor Restrictions

Educational product sales, net of discounts Less cost of goods sold

$7,018,991 (3,329,403)

$7,018,991 (3,329,403)

Educational product sales, net

3,689,588

3,689,588

Contributions and gifts* In-kind contributions Educational tuition and fees Investment (loss) earnings, net Other revenues

6,430,490 639,903 1,694,046 1,863,578 189,335

$27,763,721 157,360

Total revenues before releases

14,506,940 6,095,849

28,196,886 (6,095,849)

42,703,826

20,602,789

22,101,037

42,703,826

Net assets released from restriction Total revenues and support

With Donor Restrictions

275,805

Total

34,194,211 797,263 1,694,046 2,139,383 189,335

EXPENSES Program Services: National Park Service grants Educational product sales Educational programming Total program service Supporting Services: Philanthropic fund development Administration Total supporting services Total expenses

Change in net assets

Net assets, beginning of year Net assets, end of year

ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Donor-restricted cash for park projects* Accounts & dividends receivable Pledges receivable, net Inventory Prepaid expenses

$7,334,059 39,788,807 228,396 1,500,206 1,339,557 335,442

Total current assets

50,526,467

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investments Property and equipment, net Pledges receivable, net of current portion Intangible assets, net Total non-current assets

6,006,082 2,572,394 2,243,861

6,006,082 2,572,394

10,822,337

2,243,861 10,822,337

3,458,216 3,161,322

3,458,216 3,161,322

6,619,538

17,441,875

6,619,538

17,441,875

3,160,914

22,101,037

25,261,951

$26,211,884

$42,890,914

$69,102,798

23,050,970

*These amounts include the funds received for the Yellowstone Employee Housing Fund.

Please see page 12 to learn more.

20,789,877

43,840,847

Total assets

8,937,700 9,618,988 1,407,427 23,654 19,987,769

$70,514,236

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Grants payable Total liabilities

$1,051,418 346,346 13,674 1,411,438

NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions: Undesignated Designated for Park Projects Designated for Capital Projects Designated for Operating Reserve With donor restrictions

Total net assets

Total liabilities and net assets

15,483,442 991,128 1,767,000 7,970,314 42,890,914

69,102,798

$70,514,236

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

21

Support & Revenue 15%

Educational Product Sales

4%

Educational Tuition & Fees

76%

Contributions

5%

Other Revenues

Annual Fund

$4,218,116

Corporate Giving

$1,584,134

Foundations

$22,960,258

Individuals

$4,954,857

In-Kind

$797,263

Memberships

$179,905

Events & Other

$296,940

Aid to Yellowstone National Park Sustainability $1,353,423 Native Fish Conservation $1,053,657 Trails & Boardwalks $852,840 Other Projects $641,652 Wolf Project $579,587 Other Wildlife & Ecosystem $318,866

43%

Protect Ecosytem & Wildlife

42%

Preserve Heritage, History & Trails

9% 6%

22

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Enhance Visitor Experiences

Other Projects

Bear Conservation $257,208 Visitor & Youth Education $256,007 Tribal Engagement $240,824 Park Ranger Projects $234,798 Cougar Project $134,746 Bison Conservation $82,476

Donors

NPS/NEAL HERBERT

Protect

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

27

Individual Donors * In-Kind Support ** In-Kind and Cash

We are grateful for all our donors. Every effort has been made to ensure that this list of gifts received March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025, is accurate and complete.

Please contact us at 406-848-2400 or supporters@yellowstone.org if a name has been omitted or otherwise improperly reported so we can correct our records.

$1,000,000+ Anonymous Annie and Bob Graham

$300,000 - $999,999 Anonymous (2) Richard Adkerson Debbie and Albon Head**

$50,000 - $299,999 Greg and Anne Avis Christie and Clint Bybee Anne Duncan Steve and Beverlynn Elliott Elizabeth and Fin Ewing Don Freitag Carolyn and Scott Heppel Rose Hochner Nelson and Robby Nelson Jeanne Claire and David Jones Michael and Elizabeth King Chris Knapp Danielle and Christopher Koch Jeffrey Lerner Suzanne and Patrick McGee Cécile and Marc Noël Janet and David Offensend Kari and Nicholas Olds Nancy Perot Allie and David Peacock Lyn and Bill Reed Catherine and Will Rose Kathleen Parrish and Doug Spencer Cat and Greg Stevens Elizabeth and Carl Webb

24

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

$25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous Stella Bentley Willy Borner Sheree and Rick Gillaspie** Lynn and Pat Gurrentz Kemp and Thomas Hill Judith and William Hiltz Kitty and Lex Hochner Jack and Brenda Nixon Carroll and Hugh Ray Melanie Reynolds and Bob Rowe Mary Chisholm and John Schuldt Buzz Warner

$5,000 - $24,999 Anonymous (12) Delores and John Adams Laura Orvidas and Barrett Adams Karen and Richard Allen Catherine and Richard Andree Sandy and Tim Armour Sue and Mike Arneson Patricia and Fred Auch Eric Bagelmann Joellyn Barton Ruth Benton Sheryl Benzinger Gloria Bertucci and Philip Bernstein Jill Bowers Bertelli and Paul Bertelli** Katherine Bishop Katherine Boaz Jenny Golding and George Bumann Sandra and David Burner Shari Burns Joan Carotenuto Sherry and Douglas Caves Angelique and Kamal Charef Susan Hughes Beverly and Don Clark Susan and James Clay Kelty and Rogers Crain David Culver Michael Cunningham Cathy and Lloyd Dahlberg Betsy de Leiris Judith Dean Lavon and James DeGraw Marguerite and Tom Detmer Charlene and Jim Eckman Lynn and Bill Evans Paula and David Fisher Lisa Volgenau and Chris Fitzgerald Francine and David Gomberg Jacqueline and Nicholas Gorski Barbara and Christian Gunther Janet and Charles Haas Cheryl Hamer Charles Hill Robert Howard Cecily and Bannus Hudson Cheryl and Richard Hudson Janet and Brad James Cynthia and Craig Jensen Jennifer Walston Johnson and Gregory Johnson Jerralyn Kehne

Edward Murphy Glennis and Jim Nokes Elaine and Bill Obernesser Susan and Roy O’Connor Beth and Charlie O’Reilly Cathy and Bill Osborn Susan and David Perdue Amanda and Alex Perez Laurie Prill Edith Reger Joan Rentz Corlene and Michael Rhoades Liz and Al Richter Patricia Riggs Maisie and John Rosenberg Fran Morris Rosman and Richard Rosman Jim and Christine Russell Andrea and Mike Scholz Jerry and Julie Schuyler Mary and Charles Sethness Cappy and Bob Shopneck Trent Sizemore Christine and Brian Smith Carrie and Arthur Steinmetz Arikha Moses and Greg Steinmetz Nancy Stone Anne Symchych Jane and Russell Thorpe Debbie and Bill Tracy Lilia Tyrrell and BJ Althans Martha and John Walda Charles Walston Johnson Mary Warner Ariel Witbeck Candace Allen and Robert Woodward Sandi Young John Youngblood

The Old Faithful Society – Pledged These outstanding donors have made legacy commitments to Yellowstone Forever through planned gifts.

Barbara and Robert Aaron Connie and James Adreon Dolores Albers Jocelyn Allen Alva Anderson Bruce Anderson Joseph Andrews James Angresano Deborah Applegate Tracy Arthur Beth Averbeck Sandi and Bill Babcock

Kara Menzel and Richard Bancroft Jean Barash Lynn Bart Dave Baylor Rod Betsch Natalie and Aaron Bissonette Debra and Brad Blome Judith and Robert Blue Michael Bocchinfuso Sheila Boeckman Leslie Boff Dianne Bordas Debra Botellio Nina and John Bottomley Ken Bowling Kathy Brawl Diane Brinkmann Tim Bruno Betty Tichich and Fred Bunch Beth Byron-Reasoner Joan Carotenuto Diane Castiglioni Chris and John Cavanaugh Brenda Berglund and Georgia Clark Linda Collins Lara and Stephen Compton Roberta and Craig Connolly Deborah and Chris Cooley Shirley and Jerry Cormier Dorothy and David Courtis Pat Crane Roy Crum Caroline Cullen Kevin Kalley and David Currier Faye and Charles Daellenbach Barbara and Peter Dahl Susan and Andrew Dana Trisha and Chip Davis Betsy de Leiris Tama and Regis Dinkel Stella and Al DiPasqua Mona and Richard Divine Theresa and Richard Dixon Kris and Jim Dorris Catherine and Richard Dowdell Lucinda Downing Susan and Robert Duke Anne Duncan Renee Duprel Patty and Thomas Durham Charlene and Jim Eckman Jo Ann and Bert Eder David Edwards Elizabeth Fournier and Daniel Ellison Beverly England Eva Mariana Farova Charlotte and Bill Fecht Linda Fidler Teresa Fischer Theresa and Steve Fisher Denise Fitzhenry Betsy Franz Matthew Frend Kathy and Ed Fronheiser Courtney and Trent Gaines Maureen and Larry Gamble Jane Massey and Walter Gerlesky Sheree Gillaspie Judith Glazer Janice and Ernest Glessner

Petra Goodell Marie Gore Annie and Bob Graham Mary Greer Ken Grey Susan and Craig Grube Barbara and Christian Gunther Kathleen Haines Audrey S. Hall Mary Hamilton Bill and Melinda Hardie Amy Haugerud Katherine Hax Teresa Ignatovich and Deborah Henderson Carolyn and Scotty Heppel Jim Hersrud Debra Hopfer Cecily and Bannus Hudson Gayle and Michael Hughes Chrys Hulbert Elizabeth Johnson and Robert Impellizzeri Heidi and Mark Ingenito Shane Mills and Scott Jackson Liddy Johnson Jeslyn and William Johnson Cynthia and Mark Jordan Sherry and Dave Kapes Russ Kehler Dianna Kellie Dana Kellogg Mary Ann Kiely Stephanie Kiewlich Beth and Michael King Barb Klosterman Jana and Robert Knight Elizabeth and Dale Kostelny Wendy Kraly Michael Kramer Andrea Krueger Rea Labar Bob Landis Ron Lerner William Lindsey Karen Litt Steve Lokker Kathleen Lynch Carl Lyons and Kay Juricek Keri Mader Barb Mader Claire Campbell and Brian Makare Susan Malone Susan and Mitchell Malone J.R. Massie Jeanne and Kim McCarthy Linda and Robert McPhail Guido Minola Judy Bradley and David Mitchell Mardell Moore Donna Murphrey Mary Swanson and Peter Murray Sue and Richard Muza Monica Nesbit Melody Newkirk Natalie and Kevin Nolan Jaquelyn O’Shaughnessy Gerald O’Sullivan Erica Oakley-Courage Heather and Andrew Olsen Lori Raborg and Diane Orme Stacey Poston and Annemarie Pace

Doreen and Lee Packila James Pape Elizabeth Young and William Parks Wayne Parsons Larry Patrick Marlene and Gary Peacock Christena and Robert Petersen Valeria Peyton Sandra Pfeiffer Jean Phelps Jayne and Dennis Poydence Barbara and Franklin Propst Susan Light and Boyd Ratchye Wendy Redlinger Paul Reichel Peggy and Chris Rice Jed and Robert Richardson John Rodgers Cheryl Budzinski and William Ross Cynthia Lewis and Doug Ruffin William Ryerson Lois A. Schaper Ede Schmidt Timothy Schofield Janet and Walter Schuchmann Larry Schultz Stanley Schumacher Martha and Peter Schwuerzer Sandra Shapiro Kevin Sheridan Donna and Vance Sherwood Cappy and Bob Shopneck Amy A. Coombs and Harold B. Simon Earl Skeel Ann and Michael Skelton Jerry Smith Dennis Smith David Socolofsky Kathleen Parrish and Doug Spencer Barbara Hanka and Daren Striegel Linda Summers Gail Suprin-Peplau and Steven Peplau Gerry Smith and David Syfert Jeremy Taylor Helen Lord and Raymond Taylor Anne and Jim Taylor Liz Lockette and Dave Thomas Marguerite and Ron Thompson James Thorp Terri Lynn McConnell and Julie Twist Neil Uranowski Lee and Sal Vivanco Alyce Walker Janet Walsh Emily and Douglas Walter Richard Waltman Kelly Waymire Elizabeth and Rudy Weinhold Michele and Edward Weller Rita Wetzel Rosalyn and David Widney Carl Michael Wilkinson Randolph Willoby John Wilson Rita and Gary Wolfe Pamela Wrench Barbara Wunderlich Linda and Howard Wynne Anne Young Magdalene Ziereis

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

25

The Old Faithful Society

Foundations

Corporate Partners

$1,000,000+

These outstanding donors made legacy commitments to Yellowstone through planned gifts. Their gifts were received March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025.

National Park Foundation

* In-Kind Support ** In-Kind and Cash

Sharon Bullard Vera Denz Cynthia Laue Jan Nethery Robert Ruehmann Theresa Suetterlin

$250,000 - $999,999 Anonymous Family Foundation Rees-Jones Foundation

$50,000 - $249,999 Anonymous Family Foundation Beagle Charitable Foundation Colossal Foundation Daniel K. Thorne Foundation Dry Creek Foundation FourTen Foundation G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Foundation Solot and Karp Family Foundation

$25,000-$49,999

$50,000-$249,999

Bechtel Trusts Dr. Scholl Foundation Conservation Nation Living With Wolves, Ltd. Tapeats Fund

Canon U.S.A., Inc.** Delaware North Companies** Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. Michelin North America* Mystery Ranch Backpacks* Wyoming Whiskey** Xanterra Parks & Resorts Guest Donation Program

$5,000-$24,999 Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation Argus Fund Benjamin Family Foundation Eaglemere Foundation Fuller Foundation Goodnow Fund Henry E. Niles Foundation Holdfast Collective Hymowitz Family Foundation James and Barbara Cimino Foundation Jane Smith Tunner Foundation Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation Nathan P. Jacobs Foundation Robin and Sandy Stuart Foundation Smith and Wilcox Blue Skies Foundation Solstice Charitable Foundation Stephen G. and Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Willard L. Eccles Foundation YOT Full Circle Foundation

26

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

$250,000+

$25,000-$49,999 1000 Stories Bombas* Dümmen Orange Enlightened Generation Miir Holdings, LLC** Smithey** State of Montana License Plate Program

$5,000-$24,999 ALS Private Limited Andersen Corporation* Association of National Park Rangers Grand Teton Brewing Company JLF Architects* Kimpton Armory Hotel Lowell Public Schools MasterBrand** Maestra, LLC Prologis Foundation Roosevelt Hotel Wells Fargo Wild Tribute

Leadership & Ways to Support

YF/AMANDA EVANS

Protect

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

31

Leadership Leadership Team Lisa Diekmann, President & CEO Sam Barkley, Chief Development Officer Wendie Carr, Chief Marketing Officer Amanda Hagerty, Chief Program Officer Joe Luttrell, Director of Retail Kristi Mills, Chief Operating Officer Nina Novikoff, Chief People Officer Christina White, Director of Strategic Engagement

While the fiscal year covered in this report is from March 1, 2024 – February, 28, 2025, the board, National Advisory Council, Young Patrons, and staff lists are as of July 15, 2025.

Board of Directors Doug Spencer, Board Chair Nick Olds, Vice Chair Michael Solot, Treasurer Carolyn Heppel, Secretary Paul Bertelli Lisa Diekmann, President & CEO Debbie Head

Arielle Patrick Susan Roeder Jacqueline Rooney Bob Rowe Stephanie Tarbet Elizabeth Webb David Youn

National Advisory Council Arikha Moses, NAC Leadership Facilitator Rose Nelson, NAC Leadership Facilitator Stacey Beckworth Fred Dedrick David Defazio Ashley De Smeth Ken Duell Sheree Gillaspie David Jones Elsa Pfaff King

Deborah Lahey Laura Orvidas Vaishali Parekh Alison Peacock Alex Perez Will Price Catherine Shopneck Chris Smith Doug Smith Lilia Tyrrell

Young Patrons

28

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Brian Macfarlane Michael Morrison Lauren Platshon Brittany Roderman Michelle Rourk Grant Simon Bella Syme Tiffany Tran Nicholas Tropin Dani Tustin Madeline Wade

YF/MATT LUDIN

Sarah Duncan, Co-Chair Nick Martini, Co-Chair Jill Barclay Gieriet Bowen Christian Causby Lucy Coassin Betty Crain Madeline Frome Amanda Goldfine Tucker Groendyke Adam Harbaugh Kelly Larson

Ways to Support Yellowstone Yellowstone Society

Matching Gifts

The Yellowstone Society is a distinguished group of stewards with a deep connection to Yellowstone. As a member of the Yellowstone Society, you are one of Yellowstone Forever’s most valued members. Your generous annual gift of $1,000 or more (or $84 a month) directly supports protecting, preserving, and enhancing Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.

Make your gift go twice as far! Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees.

For more information visit: Yellowstone.org/society

Gifts of Securities

Planned Gift Opportunities

Gifts of stock and other appreciated securities are an easy way to help Yellowstone while receiving a number of tax benefits.

By making a planned gift you create a lasting investment that will help preserve Yellowstone National Park forever. Planned gift opportunities can range from bequests to donor advised funds and offer substantial tax advantages.

For more information visit: Yellowstone.org/planned-giving

Yellowstone Guardians Provide steady monthly support to the park in the most sustainable way by becoming a Yellowstone Guardian.

Setting up automatic payments through your digital wallet, credit card, or bank account is a breeze and helps reduce printing and mailing costs which ensures more of your gift goes directly to Yellowstone.

For more information visit: Yellowstone.org/monthly-giving

Donate by Phone Make a one-time or monthly donation by calling 406-848-2400 (Ext. 1)

Donate Online Make a one-time or monthly donation by visiting Yellowstone.org/donate

Donate by Mail Yellowstone Forever PO Box 1857 Bozeman, MT 59771 A mail-in donation form is available for download on our website to include with your gift.

Find out if your employer will match your gift by visiting: Yellowstone.org/matching-gifts

For more information call: 406-848-2400

Memorial and Honor Gifts Express your care and condolences or honor someone special with a tribute gift to Yellowstone. To make a gift please call 406-848-2400 or give online at Yellowstone.org and select the option to “dedicate my donation in memory or honor of someone.”

Corporate Partnerships Become a corporate partner and help us meet the park’s needs while solving pivotal issues that impact Yellowstone on a daily basis.

For more information visit: Yellowstone.org/corporate-partnerships

Institute Educational Programs Join the Yellowstone Forever Institute on a journey of discovery and engage with the park like you never have before!

For more information visit: Yellowstone.org/experience

Park Stores Proceeds from purchases made at Yellowstone Forever educational park stores, including online, directly support Yellowstone National Park.

For more information visit: Shop.Yellowstone.org

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

29

Photos 3

YF/Amanda Evans

4

NPS

5

NPS/Jim Futterer (1), NPS/Mike Coonan (2) YF/Matt Ludin (3)

6

NPS/Ashton Hooker (1), NPS/Jacob W. Frank (2-5)

7

NPS/Jacob W. Frank

8

YF/Reka Szabo (1), YF/Matt Ludin (2)

10

YF/Alyssa McGeeley (1-2,4), YF/Matt Ludin (3)

11

NPS/Jacob W. Frank (1-2), YF/Matt Ludin (3-4)

12

NPS/Kyle Stone

13

NPS/Jacob W. Frank,YF/Matt Ludin

14

National Park Service Archives

16

NPS/Neal Herbert

17

NPS/Bob Fuhrmann (1), YF/Matt Ludin (2-3)

18

NPS/Jacob W. Frank

19

YF/Christian Beall (1), YF/Lauren Beltramo (2,4), NPS/Neal Herbert (3), NPS/Jacob W. Frank (5)

30

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

35

NPS/JACOB W. FRANK

2024–2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy.

Yellowstone Forever PO Box 1857 Bozeman, MT 59771

YELLOWSTONE.ORG

406-848-2400

FRONT COVER: YF/MATT LUDIN BACK COVER: NPS/JACOB W. FRANK