YELLOWSTONE FOREVER 150th Activit ies & Projects
ABOUT YELLOWSTONE FOREVER Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Forever protects, preserves, and enhances Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. Since becoming the world’s first national park 150 years ago, Yellowstone has been leading the way in environmental preservation, stewardship, and scientific research within the national park system. From the groundbreaking work of reintroducing wolves to bringing the iconic American bison back from the brink of extinction to the discovery of modern DNA testing methods, Yellowstone is on the frontier of innovative conservation and resource stewardship. 2
Today, Yellowstone is facing new challenges. Employee housing, workforce development, historic preservation, effects of climate change, transboundary wildlife management, increasing visitation, and deteriorating infrastructure are all issues impacting Yellowstone’s future. To tackle these challenges, Yellowstone Forever, along with Yellowstone National Park, looks to leverage the excitement and energy of this monumental occasion by supporting the following strategic funding areas through a mix of annual fund, major giving, planned giving, foundation and corporate fundraising with a goal of raising $25 Million over two years.
WILDLIFE FOREVER
Yellowstone National Park provides a natural, wild and intact ecosystem for almost 400 species of animals. Without protection these animals may not have a wild home in 150 years. Help us protect Yellowstone’s wildlife, forever.
TRAILS FOREVER
Yellowstone National Park is home to more than 1,100 miles of trails. From backcountry paths to hidden waterfalls, to protective boardwalks surrounding glimmering thermal pools—these trails won’t be there in 150 years without protection. Help us preserve Yellowstone’s trails, forever.
HERE FOREVER
If we want Yellowstone to be here for another 150 years, we must work together to find ways to be more sustainable—from decreasing light pollution to minimizing our carbon footprints. Help us to enhance the sustainability efforts in Yellowstone to ensure the park remains here, forever.
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What began with basins and blossoms has birthed An unworldly beauty So that we might observe How precious and restless and fruitful is wonder. Here’s to 150 years of the respect it deserves, And to the countless inspired who have yet to discover…
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Inheritance Pass
March – December, Online
Help us preserve Yellowstone National Park’s future for the next 150 years by securing an Inheritance Pass. The Inheritance Pass ensures that future generations are able to experience a healthy, thriving national treasure in 2172. With your $1,500 donation, you will receive an Inheritance Pass, valid for a visit in 2172, and a complimentary pass to enjoy the park today, valid in 2022.
Virtual Events April, June, September, Online These free online events are open to the public and provide an opportunity to learn more about projects and activities that are currently happening in Yellowstone. The next virtual event in April will highlight the articulation of wolf 302, including a time lapse of the entire process as well as interviews with Doug Smith, Kira Cassidy, and Rick McIntyre. Upcoming events will focus on trails and sustainability. 4
Gardiner Earth Day April, Arch Park Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Forever, Xanterra, and other partners will host a public service community event at Arch Park. This will also provide an opportunity to highlight some of the sustainability projects the park and Yellowstone Forever are partnering together on.
Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center May 26–September 30, Old Faithful Yellowstone Forever and Yellowstone National Park are piloting a Tribal Heritage Center at Old Faithful to provide a public space where Native American artists, scholars, and presenters can directly engage Yellowstone visitors through formal and informal education. Stay tuned for more details!
Yellowstone: 150 Years and Beyond August 23-27, Lamar Buffalo Ranch This catered Institute program will focus on the complex history of the area now known as Yellowstone National Park - both within and outside the 150 years it has been established. Geology, wildlife, and cultural heritage will be at the forefront of discussions. Guest lecturers, field trips, and field experiences will bring to light the good, bad, and controversial history of Yellowstone National Park. 5
Teepee Village August 23–28, Roosevelt Arch Yellowstone is working with numerous Tribes to establish a teepee village at the North Entrance of the park. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with Tribal members to learn about their heritage and culture. Event partners include Mountain Time Arts, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Yellowstone Forever, National Parks Conservation Association, and Park County Environmental Council.
Bison Conservation Transfer Program Expansion Completion Fall, Stephens Creek Since 2019, 182 bison have been transferred to the Fort Peck American Indian Reservation. Of those 182 bison, 138 were transferred to 19 Tribes across North America to start conservation herds. Yellowstone has partnered with Yellowstone Forever and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition to more than double the capacity for bison conservation.
Yellowstone 150th Commemoration Event Week of August 22, Old Faithful or Arch Park, date/location TBD Yellowstone National Park is tentatively planning an event to commemorate the 150th anniversary. 6
Engage 150,000 150th Society Event New Stewards October 2-4, Lake Yellowstone Hotel Commemorate Yellowstone’s 150th anniversary at this private event at Lake Yellowstone Hotel as it closes for the season. There will be presentations by National Park Service staff and educational field trips, as well as private banquets and entertainment in the Lake Yellowstone Hotel dining room.
All Year, Online
We are implementing a digital outreach effort, leveraging this milestone for the world’s first national park, and inviting people to be part of the future of Yellowstone. We are focused on reaching new audiences and creating opportunities for long-term engagement by increasing awareness of Yellowstone Forever and the needs of Yellowstone National Park. 7
Young Patrons Events Fall, locations TBD Yellowstone Forever’s Young Patrons National Council will host two fundraising events this fall to raise funds and awareness for the park’s 150th anniversary.
Giving Tuesday November 29, Online We will use 2022’s Giving Tuesday as an opportunity to invite the public to make an investment in the next 150 years of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Forever and partners are continuing to work on additional 150th efforts. Please visit Yellowstone.org frequently and follow #Yellowstone150 on social media to stay current on commemoration information and activities. 8
150th Retail Products online and in stores The Yellowstone Forever retail team has produced an array of commemorative products—from hats to coins to patches and pins— that celebrate 150 years of Yellowstone. Products will be available online at Shop.Yellowstone.org and in Park Stores in and around Yellowstone National Park.
Corporate Partner 150th Products Online, regional and nationwide Select Yellowstone corporate partners have developed 150th themed products to commemorate this milestone and to generate engagement and revenue during the next year. As these products come online, we will update the corporate partner webpage and provide more information as to how you can share this information and purchase these items.
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