Explore Red Lodge

Billings Gazette

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02/03

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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Larry Mayer of The Gazette Staff

Have a Heart for Art! And Chocolate

INSIDE “Hot Dog—Classic Ski Movies”: The annual Cardboard Classic will bring zany antics, crazy costumes, cardboard concoctions, live music and more to Red Lodge Mountain on March 1 and 2.

Page 2 Peaks to Prairie: I need to come up with something creative to go here. I’ll work on it once I get the article.

Page 3 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events yearround; read up on the upcoming events.

Page 3 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

Sales and Marketing Director Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Scott Classified & Digital Sales Manager Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Content Editors Brittany Hageman Brenda Maas Section Designer Katherine Jore Access Explore Red Lodge at www. billingsgazette.com/specialsections

Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild

display and was donated by February’s featured artist, Randy Vralsted. As part of The Carbon County Arts the fundraiser,YWS will Guild will continue the provide a list of items the tradition of partnering with Sanctuary is in need of, another local nonprofit and attendees have the oporganization for their anportunity to lend a hand by nual winter fundraiser. purchasing these items for This February, the featured donation. In return, attendevent is “Have a Heart for ees will receive one free Art! And Chocolate” as the raffle ticket to win “Heart Arts Guild partners with of the Landscape.” the Yellowstone Wildlife For those who prefer Sanctuary (YWS) to raise to help in another fashion, funds. raffle tickets for the VralstThe event will begin ed painting will be available with a silent auction at the at $5 each or three raffle Arts Guild in Red Lodge tickets for $10. Stop by on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Origithe Arts Guild to preview nal artwork with a heart the artwork, pick up a list theme will be on display of qualifying donations to from more than 50 artists the YWS or purchase your from around the region. tickets.

Attendees will have the opportunity to preview the The main event artwork and begin bidding.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the An original oil paintsilent auction continues ing titled “Heart of the with a flurry of other fun Landscape” will be on events held at Rock Creek

Resort. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.

If you’ve purchased donations for the YWS, please drop off items at the beginning of the evening for a chance to win the “Heart of the Landscape” painting.

Silent auction bidding will continue throughout the evening, and chocolates provided by local restaurants and chocolatiers will be available for sampling. A no-host bar will be available along with live music for entertainment.

The winner of the Vralsted painting will be announced midway through the evening. The silent auction will close at 8:45 p.m. Winning bidders may pick up their pieces that evening at the Resort or Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Arts Guild.

Winning bidders may also pick up their pieces during

Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild This piece titled “Heart of the Landscape” by Randy Vralsted will be raffled off at the Carbon County Arts Guild’s “Have a Heart for Art! And Chocolate” event held Feb. 9.

normal Arts Guild hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets for the evening are $20. Ticket holders will receive entry to the evening event at Rock Creek Resort, the opportunity to do more silent bidding and win a favorite piece of artwork, sample chocolate treats, enjoy live music,

donate to YWS, and one lucky ticket holder will win the original Randy Vralsted painting.

For more information about the event, call the Arts Guild at (406) 4461370, stop in during normal hours or check out their website, www.carboncountydepotgallery.org.

Winter Carnival

Cold weather fun and games warm the heart

By Brittany Cremer Of The Gazette Staff Cardboard creations careening down the mountain.

Rosy-cheeked skiers cupping their warm, savory beverages.

Laugher, mirth and frivolity filling the air.

Locals know it as the Winter Carnival.You’ll remember it as a can’t- miss winter event to mark on your calendar.

Red Lodge’s Winter Carnival is a much-anticipated annual event held at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. Participants and spectators alike revel in the zany antics, crazy costumes, cardboard concoctions, live music and contests during the course of two days.

The theme of this year’s Carnival, which takes place March 1 and 2, is “Hot Dog—Classic Ski Movies.” As in years past, the theme is reflected in the costumes and

floats; this year expect them to be reminiscent of 80s ski garb from “Better off Dead” and polished, full-body ski suits from “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Anything goes, and each participant is encouraged to branch out with the quirky twists that only Winter Carnival can deliver.

The two-day event kicks off with a parade and creative float competition on Friday night, March 1. Float judging will take place at 5

      

p.m. in the True Value parking lot, after which the parade will depart for its trek through town at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the Cardboard Classic will be in full swing. And don’t worry—there is plenty of entertainment, food, drink and fun for the non-skier/boarder/cardboard rider.

Cardboard creations Participants in the Cardboard please see page 2

5, 16 or 17

,1 February 14

                 

Benefitting 52 local charities Montana’s ONLY wildlife rescue open to the public. Come stand within 3 FEET of over 70 rescued bears, wolves, mountain lions,        coyotes, bison, elk, deer, fox,          talking crows  owls,  hawks,            and dozens more!   

                  



   

please mark your calendar

August 31, 2013 Red Lodge, Montana 10K & 5K Fun Run 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk

ighT R on e n R Two fo gne pA m A Room fo A h ine oR C w f o le T A BoT heART YouR sweeT A Rose foR Y wiTh Cheese TRA A fRuiT & DippeD sTRAwBeRRies ChoColATe inneR AT $ 50 TowARD Dell ResTAuRAnT D eY olD pin

no ent ry fee. donations encouraged.

Where FUN benefits Everyone!

Learn how you can help at:

www.RedLodgeFunRun.org email: funrun@rlacf.org The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068

www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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RED LODGE

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Red Lodge hosts National Ski-Joring competition

Carnival

By Brittany Cremer Of The Gazette Staff Winter fun and western style collide on March 8-10 in Red Lodge during the National Finals Ski-Joring competition.

Ski-joring, the sport of towed skiing behind horse and rider, originated in Scandinavia as a form of winter transportation. In the mid-1950s, ski-joring found its way to North America, where ranchers attached a long rope to the saddle horn of a horse that was ridden at high speeds down a long straightaway, according to the North American Ski-Joring Association.

The competitive sport of skijoring is timed, featuring a horse and rider pulling a skier over a speed course with jumps and racing gates.

A trusted horse and rider and a good pair of goggles are essential. Just ask sport organizer and participant, Tammy Stevens.

“It really is a one-of-a-kind sport,” Stevens said. “If you haven’t had the chance to come out and watch the action, this year is the perfect time. It’s wildly entertaining.”

One of the reasons Stevens enjoys the event so much is because it unites skiers with cowboys and cowgirls.

“Some of the teams have been pairing up for years and it’s created lasting friendships,” Stevens said.

In addition to the races March 8-10, there will be a Calcutta held Saturday, March 9 at the Bull and Bear. Ante up, and choose your team wisely because the first six places in the Open and Sport categories will be in the money.

Additionally, there will be a stick horse race on Saturday (details to be announced). Following the race, organizers will auction off the stick horses to benefit local kids’ programs.

“It’s a great way to give back to the community,” Stevens said.

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BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff Gary Bauer and his horse Odden tow skier BJ Brewer through the course at last year’s National Ski-Joring Finals.

Around the track The spectacle of ski-joring might seem odd to someone not familiar with the sport.

The horse typically travels around the inside of the course, while the skier negotiates the gates and soars over the jumps in hopes of completing two successful runs.

The skier must be upright and on at least one ski while crossing the finish line. A five-second penalty is incurred for each gate the rider misses.

The National Finals Ski-Joring Races are put on by a dedicated volunteer staff.

“We really wouldn’t be able to this without support and generosity from community volunteers and sponsors,” Stevens said, who not only competes in the sport but is on the National Ski-Joring board.

Cash and prizes A purse of around $20,000 in

cash and prizes is available this year to the winners of each division, which includes Open, Sport, Women’s, Junior Age (13-17) and Pee Wee for those 12 and under.

There is a separate “longest jump” competition, where the rider and horse pull a skier over one jump for the longest distance each day. Distances have exceeded 60 feet.

The event is held at the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds off Highway 87, about a quarter mile west of Red Lodge. Admission to the one-of-a-kind event is $5, and parking is free. The competition begins around noon each day, but be sure to get there early to reserve a good spot. The events wrap up around 3:30 p.m. each day, so be sure to dress warmly.

For additional information or to view last year’s ski-joring results, please log on to www.redlodge. com/ski-joring.

and participants are encouraged to do so. For additional contest rules and information, log on to From page 1 www.redlodgemountain.com.

Classic, decked out in their own Following the downhill friunique interpretations of the volities, the fun continues at “Classic Ski Movie” theme, must Bierstube with live music from fill out an entry form (located at Tom Catmull and the Clerics at www.redlodgemountain.com) and 2 p.m., the costume contest at 3 also sign a liability release and p.m. and a rail jam competition at indemnity agreement.

4:30 p.m.

There is a small entry fee of A torchlight parade and fire$10 for participants 12 years and works are the perfect topper to younger; a $15 fee for participants this snow-fun day, starting at 7 13-18; and a $20 fee for those 19 p.m. on the Mountain. years and older.

Cash prizes will be awarded Schedule of evesnts to the fastest and most creative Friday, March 1 crafts. ● Float Judging: True Value parkCrafts entered in both the Most ing lot, 5 p.m.

Creative Contest and the race ● Float Parade: Departing from competition must maintain the True Value parking lot, 6 p.m. same physical characteristics for both contests. Crafts cannot be Saturday, March 2 disassembled or altered in any ● Float Check In: Mountain way.

Courtyard, 9 a.m.

Craft builders must adhere to ● Floats to Starting Line: Mounspecific requirements in order to tain Courtyard, 11:30 a.m. participate. All crafts are to be ● Cardboard Classic Starts: constructed of cardboard, glue Noon and tape only. Other materials ● Live Music: Bierstube, 2 p.m. such as metal, wire or wood are ● Costume Contest: Bierstube, not allowed. Use of any pro3 p.m. hibited materials will result in ● Rail Jam: 4:30 p.m. disqualification of the craft. The ● Torchlight Parade and Firecrafts can, however, be painted – works: 7 p.m.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Creativity knows no bounds during the cardboard classic race at the Winter Carnival.

Yellowstone Dog Sports

Teaching your pooch to sit, stay, and so much more

By Brittany Cremer Of The Gazette Staff The hills are alive...

With the sound of barking…

It might sound like a menacing pack of mutts to some, but it’s music to Elaine Osmun’s ears.

As owner of Yellowstone Dog Sports, a picturesque training, obedience and agility resort for dogs, Osmun makes it her business to help clients sit and stay for a while.

Located just 8 miles north of Red Lodge off Highway 212, Red Lodge Dog Sports features a veritable retreat for pooches and their owners bedazzled by a majestic mountain backdrop of the Beartooths, lush ponds, trails and scenic

YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS February February 16: NADAC Beginner Agility Test 10 a.m.

May May 4 - 5: Ana Melara’s Training with Grace Pet Training Workshop – teaches reliable recalls, March polite leash walking, March 16: NADAC Beimpulse control and manginner Agility Test 10 a.m. ners March 23: Spring Craft May 10-12: Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Fair 9 a.m. - 3 pm March 23: Agility Fun Agility Trial; Judge: Craig Match 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Coonrad May 17-19: Yellowstone April Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial; Judge: Lark Pollari April 29 - May 5: Ana Melara’s Rocky Mountain May 25-27: Yellowstone Regional Doge Trainer Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial; Judge: Gary Academy For more information, see Visintainer http://rmrdta.com/programs/rmrdta-montana/

vistas. The property also has a 100x200-foot indoor arena and on-site, pet-friendly accommodations.

“Yellowstone Dog Sports was born out of my love for dogs and my love for the Beartooth Mountains, the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and the wonderful little town, Red Lodge,” she said.

Obedience into action Want to teach your Border Collie to herd. No problem.

Osmun even has sheep on the premises. Feel like teaching your lab to catch a tennis ball while leaping off a dock?

Osmun and her staff can assist with that, too. It might take a few sessions, but their positive approach will make your pet eager to learn while making it enjoyable for you.

Perhaps you’re more interested in simply soaking in the scenery while walking with your pet up and down grasslined trails or learning pet massage techniques.Yellowstone Dog Sports offers a wide variety of options at just about every skill level for every breed.

Osmun has always held a passion and appreciation for dogs, whom she takes everywhere she goes. This fondness is shared by several of Osmun’s staff and trainers who teach classes all year long. And the instructors can do so much more than teach your dog to play fetch.

Yellowstone Dog Sports offers weekend clinics on obedi-

Year-Around Recreation & Relaxation Perfect Montana Get-away and amazing resort amentities await you Hassle free management and rental program earns owners $40k annual income. pays for your Montana 2nd Home! Call for details!

Finished models going fast (2 remain), & design to suit (2 left) starting at $369,900.

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CALL TODAY!

Sign Up For Your Pre-Agility/Basic Training Class.

See website for details.

Call Today! 406-446-4777 7753 Hwy. 212 • Roberts, MT www.yellowstonedogsports.com Elaine@yellowstonedogsports.com

After a Day of Skiing or Shopping, Spend the Night in Red Lodge

Island at Rock Creek – Red Lodge, MT

Winter Fun!

Register now for Summer Camps for Dogs (and their people)!

ence, tracking, trieball, flyball, freestyle (dancing with your pup) and more. Pet owners can choose group classes, private lessons or even home training, whichever they prefer.

Log on to their website for pricing and details.

Osmun and her team also offer summer dog camps where you can learn and play with your pooch in a relaxing, fun-filled environment.Yellowstone Dog Sports also offers competitive events throughout the year, so be sure to check their schedule of events for specific dates and times.

For more information about Yellowstone Dog Sports, emailelaine@yellowstonedogsports.com or log on to www. yellowstonedogsports.com

New PlANs ANd Models CoMiNG iN 2013

Island at Rock Creek is the perfect Red Lodge get-away, within walking distance to downtown, shopping, entertainment and community attractions. This secluded and ideal creekside setting offers year-around recreation (skiing, fishing, golfing, hiking, biking), all just miles from the scenic Beartooth Mountain pass and Yellowstone Park.

SELLING SECOND HOME SUCCESS! Rhonda Grimm • (406) 661-7186 rsgrimm@aol.com www.montanamovesu.com GRI, Relocation Certified, Fine Homes Specialist

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Medicine Flower Lodge RetReat CenteR & VaCation Rentals

❀ Individual Cabin Rentals ❀ Wonderful Accommodations for up to 40 Guests ❀ Reunions, Retreats, Weddings or Special Events ❀ Great Group & Off Season Rates

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4 Miles North of Red Lodge at Mile Marker 75 Reservations: (406) 446-1605 or (406) 425-2600

Featuring...

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race

By Brenda Maas Of The Gazette Staff

April, is the start of their racing season.”

Baker-Keener, who has particiThe name says it all. For the 35th pated in the race herself, recalls consecutive year, participants will riding her bike in the snow. run, bike and paddle a total of 68.3 However, she noted that the 2012 miles in a race against each other race was a perfect spring day. The and against the clock. The term weather is a challenge in and of “adventure” hardly covers it. itself.

The dialogue between athletes In typical Montana style, it is on spin bikes and treadmills has unpredictable and may vary greatly already begun from Billings to Red from the start, south of Red Lodge Lodge and beyond. and at a higher elevation, to the fin“I look at this race as a family of ish, in the lower Yellowstone Valley. participants—athletes—that that Last year, 414 individuals comreunite from all over Montana and peted in Peaks to Prairie, including surrounding regions to challenge about 200 on teams and 21 who their early-season fitness,” said completed all three legs of the race director, Kendra Baker-Keener. race as soloist.

“Peaks answers that challenge.”

She also notes that in the past Run-Bike-Paddle they have had participants from Each leg of the race can be run Texas and other reaches of the by one member of a team, or country. This year there is an an individual may run the entire athlete coming from Connecticut, three legs him or herself. Another and Baker-Keener is in contact popular option includes the duwith a racer who currently lives in athalon, covering just the running Afghanistan. and biking legs.

“Peaks-to-Prairie reflects the Last year the biking leg moved camaraderie of the people of Red from the traditional route down Lodge and Billings,” she said. “It’s a highway 212 to highway 78. long-lived race, and generally the “Everyone loved the new route,” first race of the year so people are said Baker-Keener. “It received training throughout the winter. This a great response because of the race, always the fourth Sunday in safety issue, and it is more chal-

LARRY MAYER/ Gazette Staff The first leg of the annual Peaks-to-Prairie Adventure Race covers 9.3 miles on the Beartooth Highway into Red Lodge where the runners “hand-off” to the bicyclists.

lenging for the cyclists.” Although the elevation changes from Red Lodge, where the race segues from running to biking, the middle leg is certainly not all downhill.

Baker-Keener notes that the old route had more than 2,000 feet of vertical descent but the new route, which will be followed again this year, is 1,480 feet of ascent with 3,355 feet of descent—providing more scenery and Montana-style challenges in the foothills.

The boating leg also changed

recently due to flood damage and will change a bit more this year.

“Special K Ranch will host the finishing festivities at the Ranch, and they are very excited to be involved,” she said. “This means that the boating leg will be shorter, faster-paced instead of a long paddle. It will truly be a 10-mile race to the finish.”

Helping Hands Baker-Keener said that more than 100 volunteers helped sup-

port the race last year. From setup, food serving, traffic directing and recording at the finish line, the helping hands make the race possible.

“Volunteers are so important and we so appreciate them,” she said. “We could not do this race without them.”

The Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race will be held April 28, 2013.To participate, volunteer or learn more, see www.peakstoprairie.org.

Kibler & Kirch

As unique as its name

By Brenda Maas Of The Gazette Staff Anchored on the north end of Red Lodge’s main street, at the corner of 10th Street and Broadway, sits a stately red brick landmark.

As the home of Kibler & Kirch for more than two decades, this historic building embodies the same values as the interior decorating and design business located inside: quality, longevity and uniqueness.

Jeremiah Young, creative director and owner, notes that more often than not, Kibler & Kirch is a destination for Red Lodge visitors.

And, they work hard to earn that distinction.

“We feel good about Kibler & Kirch being the reason people come to Red Lodge,” he said. “We continually hear that we are their destination. Keeping this town growing and thriving is so important—for us and for the generation.”

Recently,Young pointed out, Kibler & Kirch expanded its staff to include six designers who have more than 100 years of combined design experience. “We are pretty excited about that,” he said of being able to offer more to clients.

Young, who also owns Marcasa in downtown Billings, noted that he and

Kibler & Kirch offers design services to both residential and commercial clients from Red Lodge to Billings in addition to a full-service furniture boutique and rug gallery in downtown Red Lodge.

Red Lodge

ReseRvations

stay & PLay

designer Melanie Thompson will focus on serving Billingsarea clients out of a new local design studio. Regionally, Kibler & Kirch designers are known for their ability to use one or two pieces that a client favors and pulling it all together into a style that reflects that client’s personality.

“Kibler & Kirch is my favorite place to shop for furniture and accessories,” a customer recently posted on Facebook. ”It’s also a great place to browse for new ideas. Their selection of gift-ables is unique, and the staff is friendly. I leave every visit to the store feeling inspired!”

That is exactly where Kibler & Kirch excels.

“To me, design is discovering that perfect piece, that one you cannot live without and sometimes that

ski Packages! caLL today oR Book onLine .

JAMES WOODCOCK/Gazette Staff The designers at Kibler and Kirch specialize in products and designs that speak to the soul of their clients, from small items like candlesticks and cookbooks, to large pieces like furniture and art.

406-446-4700

www.RedLodgeReservations.com

becomes the start of a new journey,” said Young. “We look high and low for companies that carry “soulful” items –pieces that speak to you. We are known for having a unique, timeless style that seems to have been touched, that is crafted by human hands.”

In that respect,Young notes, 80 percent of Kibler & Kirch’s inventory is made in the U.S. “We pride ourselves on that. And we communicate the value of that to our customers.

These are pieces that will last a lifetime.Your kids will fight over them.”

Visit

Red Lodge Calendar of Events FEBRUARY 9 “Have a Heart for Art! And Chocolate”, Rock Creek Resort, original artwork, silent auction and chocolate from 6-9 p.m.

16 NADAC Beginner Agility Test, Yellowstone Dog Sports, 10 a.m.

MARCH 1 Winter Carnival Parade, downtown Red Lodge, 6 p.m.

Annual Backcountry Film Festival, Roman Theater, 7 p.m.

2 Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain, Cardboard Classic starts at noon, live music at the Bierstube at 2 p.m., torchlight parade and fireworks display at 7 p.m.

8-10 National Finals Ski-Joring, Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds off Highway 87, about a quarter mile west of Red Lodge 16 NADAC Beginner Agility Test, Yellowstone Dog Sports, 10 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Chef ’s Invitational, fundraiser for the Carbon County Boys & Girls Club, Bridge Creek Backcountry

Kitchen & Wine Bar, 6:30 p.m.

17 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, downtown Red Lodge 23 Spring Craft Fair,Yellowstone Dog Sports, 9 a.m. - 3 pm Agility Fun Match,Yellowstone Dog Sports, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

BRADLEY FOUTS, MD

DEIRDRE MCNAMER, MD

CAROLYN SMITH, PA-C

St. Vincent Physician Network - Mountain View Clinic is dedicated to providing primary and same-day care for your entire family with quality and compassion, right here in the Red Lodge community. Our clinic is equipped with several on-site services including laboratory and X-ray services, ensuring you receive the best care close to home.

APRIL 28 35th Annual Peaks to Prairie 29 - May 5 Ana Melara’s Rocky Mountain Regional Doge Trainer Academy,Yellowstone Dog Sport

St. Vincent Physician Network Mountain View Clinic

MAY

10 Robinson Lane - Red Lodge, MT 59068 | 406-446-3800 May 4 -5 Ana Melara’s Training with Grace Pet Training Workshop,Yellowstone Dog Sports May 10-12 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial May 17-19 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial May 25-27 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trial

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm

After Office Hours

If you need medical attention after office hours, call 406-446-2345 and the provider on call will be contacted.

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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RED LODGE

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JAMES WOODCOCK/ Gazette Staff Conservation education is a vital element for visitors of all ages, noted Michelle Marion, executive director of the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (near right).

Animals that are native to the Yellowstone ecosystems, like Bobbie Sioux, this 18-year-old bobcat, serve as ambassadors at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary for their wild counterparts (far right).

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary Change is afoot

By Brenda Maas Of The Gazette Staff A little over a year ago, Michelle Marion took the helm as executive director of what was then known as Beartooth Nature Center.

Although she has initiated quite a few changes behind Winter Hours 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily, unless temperatures are below zero.

Admission $7 for adults $6 for seniors (55+) $3 for children (age 5-15) Free for ages 4 and under Group rates and memberships are available.

the scenes, like updating management systems that are the foundations of running an organization, the real big change has been the name.

“We—the Board and I— felt that “Beartooth Nature Center” could be more descriptive,” Marion said.

Misson Statement By caring for animals unable to return to the wild, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary’s primary focus is to educate the public about the protection and conservation of Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife and natural habitats.

“We really want people to understand that we are focused on wildlife rescue and that these animals are here for a reason.”

The 74 animals at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) would not be able to survive on their own in the wild and the term “Nature Volunteers Volunteers are an integral part of the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, call (406) 446-1133 or see www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com.

Center” doesn’t necessarily relay that information. But redefining the center as a “sanctuary” demonstrates that the residents are not relocating anytime soon.

The word “Yellowstone” also helps define the Sanctuary’s residents—each animal is found within the Yellowstone ecosystem. That ties into future plans for signage and education, said Marion.

“These animals are ambassadors for their wild cousins and they are the educational component. We have mammals, birds and reptiles, along with artifacts from the ecosystem.”

More than half of the visitors to this area are here to see wildlife, and that fits within our mission, noted Marion. As an added benefit, the term “Yellowstone” brings YWS to the forefront when travelers are researching their trips to Yellowstone National Park via the Internet. With nearly 3 million visitors per year, the search engine component helps direct visitors to the Sanctuary.

Marion has personally met several sets of tourists who found YWS exactly that way.

“I was in the office when a

family from Ireland came in.

They had “goggled” ‘Yellowstone wildlife’ and the Sanctuary came up,” she said.

“They wanted to be sure that their kids saw animals, especially wolves, mountain lions and bears, and we fit that. That is exactly the response we had hoped for.”

She has also met an elderly couple from England who stopped for the same reason.

And that, she said, is what YWS is all about.

But change is not easy. And 2012 was a tough year for long-time visitors and volunteers alike. Last March, Lewis, a resident mountain lion since he was a cub passed away of heart attack. He was 14. Just a few months ago, his twin brother, Clark, also died. Although a cat in the wild lives 8-10 years on average, so Lewis and Clark were undoubtedly symbolic “founders” of YWS. “There’s a very emotional component to the Sanctuary,” Marion noted of the relationship between the dedicated caretakers, resident animals and frequent visitors. Therein lays the passion to carry on with the Sanctuary’s mission.

Future plans include

continued expansion on the signage and educational components; increasing the offerings to school classes, adult groups and children’s birthday parties; integrating and increasing web marketing to include information that compliments the education component, especially teacher information for both pre- and post-visit; and adding an outreach program that could include classroom visits, hiking trips and so on.

“We have made tremendous changes during this past year,” said Marion. “And I’m so excited about the future of the Sanctuary.”

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