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Contact: Denise Germann, 406 888-5838 Contact: Jennifer Lutman, 406 888-7895
WEST GLACIER, MONT. – The formal non-profit partners of Glacier National Park provide unique services that support park efforts and add value to park visitor experiences. Partner organizations include the Glacier National Park Conservancy, Glacier Institute, and Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates.
"Many programs and services offered at Glacier National Park are made possible through the generous support from our partners," said Acting Glacier National Park Superintendent Kym Hall. "We are grateful for their dedication and look forward to continued collaboration for many years to come."
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is a newly formed organization, created through the merger of the Glacier National Park Fund and the Glacier Association. As the park's fundraising partner, the Conservancy manages the sale of educational and interpretive items in book outlets found throughout the park, and the West Glacier train depot. They also manage individual and organizational philanthropic efforts, including bi-annual fundraising events. The Conservancy provides financial assistance to Glacier National Park to support projects in areas such as education, interpretation, research, historic preservation, and trail maintenance. To learn more about the Conservancy visit http://www.glaciernationalparkconservancy.org/.
The Glacier Institute celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and is the official educational partner of Glacier National Park, specializing in field seminars. The Institute offers field-based learning experiences for children and adults, providing an objective and science-based understanding of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. A full menu of educational courses are currently available for all-ages at the Glacier Institute's Field Camp location within the park including such items as, "The Montana Master Naturalist Program" for adults and "The Youth Adventure Series," providing full-day programs for children ages 6 through 11. Additional classes and youth-oriented camps are available at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center located on the Flathead National Forest, just outside of the park. The public is invited to a free event on September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center in celebration of the Institute's 30th anniversary. For more information about Glacier Institute please visit www.glacierinstitute.org.
The Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates, formerly called the Glacier National Park Associates, supports the park through volunteerism to accomplish projects that would not be completed by park staff due to insufficient funding or competing priorities. Volunteers complete a number of major projects yearly, often involving several days in the backcountry. Projects include backcountry preservation and patrol, historic structure rehabilitation, and native plant nursery support. They also provide staffing at various park offices and visitor centers, including the Discovery Cabin in Apgar. The Volunteer Associates was established in 1989 and is comprised of 140 volunteer members. For more information please visit www.gnpva.org.
The Glacier National Park Conservancy will host the annual fundraising event, "Fall for Glacier" on September 19-22 at the historic Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, Montana. Activities include a series of lectures regarding research projects in Glacier National Park, photography workshops, red bus tours, guided hikes, and more. Glacier National Park employees, park subject matter experts, and top researchers in the country will lead activities and be available to answer questions. The weekend culminates with the "Backpacker's Ball," an event which includes live music, dinner, dancing, and a live and silent auction. Learn more about the event at http://www.fallforglacier.org/.
Visitors are encouraged to support the park's official partners. Additional information regarding Glacier National Park partners can be found at https://www.nps.gov/glac/supportyourpark/index.htm.
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Last updated: February 24, 2015