Updates from Yellowstone | Spring 2024

UPDATES FROM YELLOWSTONE S p r i n g 2 0 24

YOUR IMPACT AT WORK 2023 AT A GLANCE

$7M+

raised for Yellowstone National Park

31

critical park projects funded

34

Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center presenters representing 16 associated Tribes

420

Institute educational programs offered

62,673 Institute educational contact hours

900K @ynpforever social media followers

236,853

predatory lake trout removed from Yellowstone Lake

515,811

informal park ranger contacts made with visitors at wildlife jams

186

bear-proof food storage boxes installed at campgrounds

A Message For You FROM OUR CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER It is an honor to write to you in my new role as the Chief Development Officer of Yellowstone Forever.

Because of members like you, we can support critical projects and initiatives, like the worldrenowned Yellowstone Wolf Project, ensuring the preservation and protection of the world’s first national park for generations to come. It is a privilege to share with you a few exciting updates that are all possible because of your dedicated support.

STRONGER TOGETHER

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Thanks to your generosity, together we have achieved remarkable milestones. In the past year, you donated over $7 million to support critical park projects. These funds empower us to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park.

Collaboration fuels our impact. We have forged strategic alliances with corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Together, we tackle pressing challenges—from sustainability to wildlife research.

IMPACT Yellowstone Forever funded 31 projects in Yellowstone over the past year, from important work in wildlife conservation and Tribal engagement to the Yellowstone Resiliency Project, a first-of-its-kind program focused on the collective well-being of staff in Yellowstone.

OUTREACH Leveraging technology, we have expanded our reach. Our digital media and social media campaigns engage a global audience. Whether it is a live-streamed wolf sighting at Old Faithful, an engaging Instagram story, or a virtual ranger classroom, we connect people to Yellowstone’s magic.

LEGACY GIVING Our Old Faithful Society invites supporters to leave a lasting impact. By including Yellowstone Forever in their estate plans, these visionary individuals ensure that future generations can revel in the park’s grandeur.

As we embark on another season, I invite you to join us once again in our mission and to explore Yellowstone’s wonders. Together, we will write the next chapter in this remarkable conservation story. Thank you for your continued support.

Sam Barkley Chief Development Officer Yellowstone Forever

Historic Impacts THE LAMAR BUFFALO RANCH Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley is known worldwide for its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. The Lamar River meanders through the valley complemented by cottonwood and aspen trees, and a dazzling array of lakes, creeks, and ponds. Such is the setting of the Lamar Buffalo Ranch (LBR).

Today, LBR serves as the Lamar Ranger Station and a base camp for education programs for both Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone Forever. The historic, multiuse facility includes two ranger cabins, a corral, barn, main “bunk house,” and sixteen total cabins for participants and volunteers.

The Ranch was established in 1915 to preserve Yellowstone’s bison after they had been hunted to near extinction. From about two dozen to now many thousands, the recovery of the American bison is one of the great conservation success stories of the past century.

From wildlife watching to photography, art programs, and beyond, Yellowstone Forever has hosted overnight programs and Field Seminars out of the Ranch for decades.

The park utilizes the Ranch for the award-winning Expedition Yellowstone program, a multi-day experiential program for school groups.

With solar arrays, re-purposed storage batteries, a micro hydro turbine, and other energy efficiencies, LBR runs completely on renewable energy and remains off-the-grid.

These improvements are thanks to numerous partnerships and gifts of in-kind technologies and industry expertise.

A symbol for conservation, a one-of-a-kind classroom, a model of sustainability and stewardship, and providing for the park’s critical resource management needs, the Lamar Buffalo Ranch has it all. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to come see for yourself on one of our many programs!

Canon USA’s Live-stream Webcam Continues to Wow Daydreaming about a trip to Yellowstone? You can be transported there instantly from your computer or mobile device with live-streaming video of Old Faithful Geyser, wandering wildlife, and other geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin! You’ll also see up-to-date predictions of the next expected eruptions. The ever-popular webcam was updated this past year with Canon USA’s cutting-edge technology and expertise and offers crystal clear views of the basin.

From the vantage point atop the Old Faithful Inn, the webcam is operated daily by a dedicated group of volunteers who scan the basin for additional eruptions and wildlife activity. The Upper Geyser Basin boasts over 150 geysers, a multitude of hot springs, and features the meandering, steamy Firehole River.

SCAN HERE!

With their generous support now spanning over 25 years, Canon USA is the single largest funder of wildlife conservation and research in Yellowstone National Park.

PICTURE YOURSELF IN

YELLOWSTONE THIS SUMMER

yellowstone.org/experience

SCAN HERE!

From single day adventures to multi-day programs (including lodging), we’ll help you see the park in a whole new way!

Join the Yellowstone Forever Institute this summer and learn more about the park’s awe-inspiring wonders.

Whether your interest is hiking, wildlife watching, fly-fishing, photography, or thermal features, you’ll come away with an unforgettable educational park experience and memories to last a lifetime.

Members receive discounts on Institute programs!

Now booking for summer and fall 2024: Yellowstone Day Adventures, Private Tours, Field Seminars, and Lodging & Learning programs (includes in-park hotels)

Elevate your connection to Yellowstone, become a member of the Yellowstone Society today!

As a member of the Yellowstone Society, your annual gift of $1,000 or more provides exceptional support for the park’s most urgent needs. Plus, you will continue to enjoy your member benefits with additional perks, including name recognition at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, a subscription to the Yellowstone Insider newsletter, and invitations to special private events like the Yellowstone Society Weekend in the park which is happening this October!

To join, visit Yellowstone.org/society or reach out to our philanthropy team by email: supporters@yellowstone.org or phone: 406-848-2400 (Ext. 1).

We look forward to connecting with you and appreciate your continued generosity!

ALL PHOTOS NPS & YF

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 P.O. Box 1857 Bozeman, MT 59771

YELLOWSTONE.ORG

406.848.2400