June 1, 2009

The First Glacier Centennial Green City

The National Parks Conservation Association and the Glacier Centennial Program proudly presented a plaque to the City of Whitefish, our first city to commit to implementing sustainable practices in city operations on behalf of the Glacier Centennial Green Business Program.

What has the City of Whitefish done to become a 'Green City'? The City of Whitefish has committed to energy conservation efforts such as: purchasing energy star appliances, putting a dark skies ordinance into practice, and unplugging or turning off unnecessary appliances when not in use. They have committed to solid waste reduction through recycling cardboard, alumninum, paper, plastics, tin, wood waste, and other products-- and more importantly, where appropriate they implemented a reuse program to decrease the production of waste. In addition, the City of Whitefish has invested in a highly efficient vehicle and they have supported their employees in organizing a work carpool, biking or walking to work. Finally, they have stopped purchasing water in plastic bottles and have supported the program 'Take Back the Tap'.

We commend the City of Whitefish!

Learn about the Glacier Centennial Green Business Program!

Photo By Bret Bouda

Official Centennial Art

May 27, 2009

The Art of Preservation: Official Centennial Art of Glacier National Park

This past weekend, the Glacier Centennial Program unveiled the Official Centennial Art at Glacier National Park's four park partner's annual Spring for Glacier Gala. Over 200 people were there for the viewing-- and we are now ready to showcase it to the rest of the world! The Art of Preservation will tour the state of Montana throughout the next year.

The schedule is the following:

June 15-July 3, 2009 Fischworks, Whitefish

July 8-August 25, 2009 Glacier National Park Fund & Glacier Association, Columbia Falls

September 3-30, 2009 Village of Bigfork, Bigfork

October 5-27, 2009 The History Museum, Great Falls

November 5, 2009-January 2, 2010  Montana Historical Society Museum, Helena

January 14-February 24, 2010  The Natural History Museum, Missoula

March 4-May 15, 2010  Hockaday, Kalispell

May 21, 2010 Spring for Glacier, Lake McDonald Lodge (Official Centennial Art is auctioned)

We hope the selected art inspires and engages you in the Centennial Celebration of Glacier National Park today and for years to come. Consider this an introduction into the legacy of preserving Glacier National Park for the next 100 years. Check out the art!

See the Art First!

May 18, 2009

As part of the Glacier National Park Centennial celebration, the centennial committee hosted a juried art competition to continue the tradition of preserving our heritage for the future through art. On May 22, 2009, the official centennial art will make its grand debut at Spring for Glacier. Several artists will be in attendance to accompany the unveiling. ‘Saddle up for the Centennial’ is this year’s theme.

Spring for Glacier is an annual gala hosted by Glacier National Park’s four park partners: Glacier National Park Fund, Glacier Association, Glacier Institute, and Glacier National Park Associates. For more information about Spring for Glacier, please visit the Glacier National Park Fund website: www.glaciernationalparkfund.org

Granite Park Chalet Featured Photo by Ron Zellar

May 11, 2009

Happy 99th, Glacier National Park!

That's right, 99 years ago today Glacier National Park was signed into law as the tenth national park by President Taft. Just a year from now we will be commemorating Glacier's 100th Anniversary.

Highlights from our latest eNews:

• 99th Kick-off event: August 23, 2009-- 'Picnic in the Park'. Stay tuned for more details.
• The Official Centennial Art will be making its grand debut at Spring for Glacier on May 22, 2009 at Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium. From there, the show, The Art of Preservation: Official Centennial Art of Glacier National Park will go on a year long tour throughout the state of Montana. The work will be auctioned off on May 21, 2010 at the centennial Spring for Glacier.
• The announcement of the seven legacy projects: increase accessible trails, building a watchable wildlife platform, preserve Heavens Peak Lookout, upgrade Logan Pass exterior exhibits, develop a 'People in Glacier' education program, restore dark skies, and continue the Citizen Science program

Enjoy our latest eNews!

April eNews

April 15, 2009

Spring is here! Well, at least there are signs of spring on it's way. Temperatures are warming up and the snow is slowly melting away. And spring plowing has begun along the Going-to-the-Sun Road!

With this good news, we also bring you the lates eNews: April 2009. A few highlights from this month's newsletter include:

• Updated Calendar of Events for 2009 activities
• Debut for the Official Centennial Art: May 22, 2009 (Spring for Glacier: Saddle up for the Centennial)
• Support for the Centennial: Glacier National Park Fund
• Glacier Centennial Green Business to be featured at Flathead Valley Community College Earth Day event: April 22, 2009

Governor's Conference

April 1, 2009

We have just returned from a weekend of presentations and meet and greets with the 'Made in Montana' Tradeshow in Great Falls and the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation in Helena. The snow is still flying up here, but the support and excitement of others in regards to the centennial was warming!

There were hundreds in attendance at the Made in Montana Trade Show. The vendors- most of which are artisans, were displaying Montana made foods and goods such as honey, photography, tshirts, and jewelry. The centennial message was well received.

A major theme of the Governor's Conference this year was Sustainability. Every where you looked the concept was integrated- from real plates and mugs, to take away tote bags for use in the market...and even a Green Village full of ways that businesses can implement more sustainable practices in their operations. The keynote launched the conference with a message on authenticity and the importance of returning to our roots of treating the land with respect. A 25 minute Centennial presentation was shared and we are looking forward to having the Governor's Conference in Kalispell in April 2010!

Thank You, Montana House!

March 21, 2009

We had a wonderful time sharing the Centennial Program through our presentation at the Montana House today! Two dozen or so people came to hear about the centennial planning, many of which had a interest in volunteering!

If you are not familiar with the Montana House, for over a year now, the Montana House has partnered with the Glacier National Park Fund to host a lecture series called: Look, Listen, and Learn.

If you have an interest in volunteering- let us know!

March eNews

March 12, 2009

Check out our latest eNewsletter.

A few quick highlights:

• We are excited to be attending the Governor's Conference at the end of the month;
• March 21st- Centennial Preview at the Montana House, co-hosted by the Glacier National Park Fund (get the inside scoop!);
• We have over 20 Glacier Centennial Green Businesses-- find out what they are doing to reduce their impact;
• and much more...

ARTchu gonna submit a Glacier Story?

February 21, 2009 

The deadlines for the Official Centennial Art Contest and the submissions of stories for our Centennial Commemorative Book (100 Years, 100 Stories) are both March 1, 2009.

The Official art will be auctioned off at Spring for Glacier: Saddle up for the Centennial on May 22, 2009.

The selected stories will be compiled into a commemorative book to be on the shelves in fall 2009.

Questions?

January 26, 2009

Glacier Centennial Green Business Program

As Glacier approaches its birthday, one of the goals is to embrace, celebrate and enhance many of the designations and partnerships. Glacier was designated a Climate Friendly Park in 2003. Climate Friendly Parks are tasked with designing and implementing a plan to help increase energy efficiency and reduce the impact of park operations.

One of the many centennial partners is the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). NPCA and the Centennial Program are launching the Glacier Centennial Green Business Program. This program, launched on behalf of Glacier’s Centennial, will allow local businesses to reduce their environmental impact, resulting in a more efficient and sustainable means of doing business in our region.

Incentives to being a Glacier Centennial Green Business:

• Recognition on the Official Glacier Centennial Website, Green Business page
• Recognition in the Centennial eNewsletter
• Glacier Centennial Green Business products: a decal to post in your business window, badge for your website, and logo for printed materials
• Save money on a monthly basis through reduced energy use, solid waste handling, and transportation costs.
• Recognition in your Chamber of Commerce newsletter
• Potential Recognition at a Chamber of Commerce event
• Recognition on the Crown of the Continent Geortourism website

Through collective action, Glacier Centennial Green Businesses will also help to reduce the environmental impact on our region; decrease the amount of unnecessary waste that goes into our landfill, reduce energy use, conserve water, and foster a healthy local economy by supporting local businesses.

Apply to be a Glacier Centennial Green Business

January eNews

January 15, 2009

January eNews

I am pleased to share with you a few great opportunities. This month's eNewsletter highlights ways to become engaged and dates to mark on your calendar!

• Official Centennial Art Contest- Due March 1, 2009
• 100 Years, 100 Stories- a commemorative book. Share a Glacier Park story with us-Due March 1, 2009
• Host an Official Centennial Event- Due June 1, 2009

Mark your calendar!

• May 22, 2009 Saddle Up for the Centennial, Spring for Glacier
• July 7, 2009 Sperry Chalet Benefit for the Glacier National Park Fund
• August 19, 2009 Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts, Face of America: Glacier National Park

As always, if you would like a story (100 words) or photo to be featured in the eNewsletter- feel free to send it along!

Sign up to receive this eNewsletter

January 8, 2009

Applications Galore

That's right- we have oodles of Centennial Applications in the heat of their life. As we ring in the 99th year of Glacier National Park, be sure to submit your application for one or more of the following:

• Official Art Contest - Due March 1, 2009
• 100 Years, 100 Stories - Due March 1, 2009
• Centennial Retail Product - Due March 15, 2009
• Official Centennial Event - Due June 1, 2009

For more information on any of the applications above, contact us!