GNPF Announces Nine Grants for Glacier National Park for 2013

This week the Board of Trustees of the Glacier National Park Fund (GNPF) announced that they have awarded nine year-end grants from unrestricted funds to Glacier National Park for 2013 projects. Unrestricted funds come from the sale of the Montana Glacier National Park specialty license plate, as well as from annual fund donors who have allowed Trustees to allocate funds as needed by the Park.

As National Park budgets continue to be challenging, GNPF wants to provide support to the Park and assist in meeting the needs of the roughly two million visitors to the park each year.

The history of private/public partnerships has a long history in Glacier National Park. “We are fortunate to have so many wonderful donors - locally and across the country - who love Glacier National Park and understand the importance of giving back to ensure that others will be able to enjoy the Park well into the future.” says Jane Ratzlaff, Executive Director of the Fund.

The following nine grants have been awarded for 2013:

• Boardwalk and Trail at the Red Rocks Area
• Research on Harlequin Ducks Along the Upper McDonald Creek
• Going-to-the-Sun Road Podcasts
• Discovery Cabin and the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program
• Exhibit to Share the Significance of Lake McDonald to the Kootenai People
• Youth/Adult Citizen Science Stewardship
• Half the Park Happens after Dark – Astronomy Program
• Wireless Water Tank Monitoring System
• Oberlin Bend Overlook Repair

There are many other projects that still need to be funded in 2013. Some of these projects include: replacement of the Grinnell historic wall, building a raised walkway at Josephine Lake, the need for more bear-proof food storage lockers, preserving the genetic legacy of the fisher, research the breeding biology of the Northern Hawk Owl, and many more. If you would like to support any of these projects in Glacier National Park, it's not too late. Visit the website and make a general donation.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Fund and Glacier Association to Merge

The Board of Trustees of the Glacier National Park Fund and the Board of Directors of the Glacier Association (formerly the Glacier Natural History Association) have announced a merger between the two Glacier National Park Partners. The merger will be effective January 1, 2013, and the name of the new organization will be the Glacier National Park Conservancy. The Conservancy’s goal will be to generate financial support for the Park in an era of reduced federal budgets through increased private fundraising and philanthropic activities, and continued operation of the bookstores within Glacier National Park and at other federal agency partner sites in Montana.

The Glacier National Park Fund and the Glacier Association currently provide aid and support to Glacier National Park in related ways. The Glacier National Park Fund focuses on fundraising and philanthropy from individuals and organizations in order to help support designated projects within the Park in areas related to research, preservation, trails and education. The Glacier Association provides financial aid through sales of educational and interpretive materials to the public from bookstores at visitor centers and ranger stations throughout the Park, as well as from its headquarters bookstore at the Belton Depot in West Glacier. The Glacier Association also currently manages sales outlets at other federal agency sites, including The National Bison Range, The Flathead National Forest, the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and the Big Hole National Battlefield. These agency partners will continue to be supported by the new organization.

Merging these two organizations will allow fundraising activities for Glacier National Park to be accomplished in a cooperative and more effective manner. The merger will also provide a “single voice” to their constituencies and stakeholders – reducing confusion and enhancing overall visitor awareness. Budgetary constraints brought on by diminished federal support make private gifts and other aid to the Park more important than ever before. The Conservancy will strive to enhance public engagement and increase support for Glacier National Park.

Upon the merger, the membership of the Conservancy Board will be based on current managerial needs and will include both local and national representation. In addition, a National Council of Advisors will be created to assist the Board and Conservancy staff with strategic planning and outreach activities. Many of the logistical details will be determined as the merger moves forward.


Jeff
Hikes in Glacier National Park

Whitewater Rafting Fundraiser set for Glacier National Park Fund

The Glacier National Park Fund (GNPF) is excited to be the recipient of Montana Raft Company’s Whitewater Rafting Fundraiser on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Montana Raft has been guiding whitewater rafting trips on the Flathead River bordering Glacier National Park since 1987. They have generously offered to donate fifty percent of the proceeds from their July 15th 3:15 p.m. launch to the Glacier National Park Fund to help support educational projects in Glacier National Park.

Montana Raft will provide all of the needed gear – such as booties, splash gear and wetsuits as well as transportation to and from the launch site. It is recommended that you bring a towel and an extra change of clothes. This section of the river is Class 2 to 3 whitewater. Please note that children under 6 years of age are not permitted on Class 2 to 3 rafting trips.

Reservations are required. Your options include:

• a 2 to 3 hour rafting adventure for $52.43 per adult and $41.73 per child between the ages of 6 to 12 or

• a 2 to 3 hour rafting adventure with a cook-out dinner and non-alcoholic beverages afterwards for $68.48 per adult and $54.57 per child between the ages of 6 to 12.

This is a great opportunity for a fun family splashy Sunday afternoon outing! Call Montana Raft at 406-387-5555 to make your reservation and sign up for the GNPF Fundraiser launch time. Please show up at their office complex at 2:45 p.m. Montana Raft is located 1.5 miles west of West Glacier on U.S. Highway 2 on the north side of the highway at Mile Marker 151. Look for their sign – Montana Raft/Glacier Guides. Their office complex is nestled just behind the sign and the trees.

The Glacier National Park Fund is the non-profit fund raising partner for Glacier National Park. The Fund’s mission is to support the preservation and protection of the natural beauty and heritage of Glacier National Park for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. For further information about GNPF, go to www.glacierfund.org or call 406-892-3250.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Glacier National Park Fund Announces Friday Hiking Schedule

On most Fridays starting on June 8th through the end of September, staff members from the Glacier National Park Fund (GNPF) will be looking for Glacier enthusiasts to join their Friday hikes. The goals of these hikes are: to share some of the Park’s accomplishments that have been supported by GNPF donors, to talk about the Park’s upcoming events/activities, and to experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park.

A couple of the scheduled hikes visit some of the most popular destinations in the park, such as the Highline Trail to Haystck Butte, Avalanche Lake and Cobalt Lake, but many of the hikes visit places that aren't as well known, such as Firebrand Pass, Huckleberry Lookout, Preston Park, Scalplock Lookout and Cracker Lake.

GNPF warns that weather conditions in Glacier are often unpredictable and can change with little notice. Thus, you need to be prepared for any type of weather - hot, cold, wet or dry. It's also suggested that you bring a backpack, your own water and a sack lunch, a hat, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen and whatever else you might need. You're also encouraged to bring a can of bear spray. GNPF does have bear spray available to lend you – upon signing a release waiver.

The complete hiking schedule is posted on GNPF’s website. Please e-mail glacierfund@glacierfund.org or call 406-892-3250 to sign up for any of these Friday hikes.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Make plans now for Fall for Glacier

Mark your calendars for the Fall for Glacier fund-raiser for the Glacier National Park Fund. The non-profit organization will be holding its annual Fall for Glacier fund-raiser on September 6th through the 9th. The weekend includes a full spectrum of events and activities, including:

* Exclusive BNSF Railway Private Train Ride from Whitefish to Glacier Park Lodge.

* Three nights stay at the century old Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier including all meals

* Blackfeet Reservation and Lewis and Clark historical tour

* Special guests and Blackfeet interpretive programs by renowned ledger artist Terrance Guardipee and Native American Music Award winner Jack Gladstone

* Red Jammer bus tours

* Discover Glacier hikes and scenic boat ride with Park interpretive rangers and researchers.

* Glacier High Tea with special guests

* Horseback riding and golf in view of the majestic mountains of Glacier

* Welcome reception Thursday evening

* BBQ cookout and Great Northern Railroad history with special guests on Friday night

* Tickets to the Backpackers Ball gala event on Saturday night – dinner, live performance by Jack Gladstone, and a live and silent auction of Glacier art, memorabilia, and outdoor packages.

For a full list of activities, special guests, excursions and to make a reservation, please click here.

For hotel and lodging options while staying near the park, please click here. For other outdoor adventure things to do, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Winter Outings in Glacier National Park with GNPF

The Glacier National Park Fund will offer snowshoeing and cross-country skiing outings in Glacier National Park this winter. The purpose of each outing is to get some exercise and to take-in the beauty of Glacier National Park in the winter. There will be no formal interpretation so if you are interested in learning about Glacier in winter, check out the Park’s free ranger-led weekend programs or the Glacier Institute’s in depth courses. All GNPF winter outings are open to the public and will meet at the GNPF office in Columbia Falls. Please note that park entrance fees are required for all participants.

Outings are scheduled for:

• February 10th – snowshoeing
• February 24th – snowshoeing
• March 9th – cross-country skiing
• March 16th – snowshoeing
• March 23rd – cross-country skiing

All outings are weather dependent, will be on the west side of the Park and will last about 3 hours with breaks included. The time frame and distance will depend on the group, how everyone is feeling that day and the weather conditions. Call the Fund at 406-892-3250 for more information and to sign up for any of these outings. The full schedule and details are posted on GNPF’s website.

All participants are asked to be prepared. Winter weather conditions in Glacier are often unpredictable and can change rapidly so participants need to be prepared for any type of weather. It is suggested that you bring a backpack, your own water and sack lunch/snacks, winter hat, gloves, waterproof pants, sturdy waterproof boots, snowshoes or cross-country skis, poles, something waterproof to sit on while taking breaks, a camera and whatever else you might need.

The Glacier National Park Fund is the non-profit fund raising partner for Glacier National Park. Their mission is to preserve and protect the natural beauty and heritage of the Park for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. For further information about the Fund, call 406-892-3250 or go to www.glaciernationalparkfund.org.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Glacier National Park Fund Announces 14 Grants to Glacier National Park for 2012

The Glacier National Park Fund announced this week that they have awarded funding for 14 of the recently requested critical projects to Glacier National Park. The funding for these projects comes from the sale of the Montana Glacier National Park specialty license plate, along with support from annual donors.

The news of National Park budgets being cut is causing concern that our National Parks will be “cash-strapped.” A cut to Glacier National Park’s budget is challenging and has encouraged the Park to depend even more on their official fundraising partner, the Glacier National Park Fund, to increase support related to education, research, visitor experience and preservation.

While the Fund was created in 1999 as the Park’s designated philanthropic partner, the history of private/public partnerships has a long history in Glacier National Park. “We are fortunate to have so many donors who love Glacier National Park and understand the importance of giving back to ensure that we can enjoy into the future what we have enjoyed in the past.” says Jane Ratzlaff, Executive Director of the Fund.

The funding for this year’s 14 grants has all come from private philanthropic donations:

• Avalanche Lake Trail Rehabilitation

• Promote Youth and Adult Citizen Science

• Wireless Water Tank Monitoring System

• Bear-Proof Food Storage Boxes

• Roadway Sign Inventory Management

• Ptarmigan Trail Rock Walls and Trail Rehabilitation

• A Fisher Survey

• Winter Ecology School Program Interns

• Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Service Program

• An On-Line Citizen Science Program

• Half the Park Happens after Dark – Astronomy Program

• Discovery Cabin and Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program

• Going-to-the-Sun Road Podcasts

• A Wildlife Sighting Notebook

Jane Ratzlaff also commented, “Those of us who cherish Glacier National Park or benefit from having the Park in our back yard have a choice to leave it in the hands of what the National Park Service can afford, or step-up to the plate to help keep our Park accessible and protected. We invite you to go to our website - http://www.glacierfund.org/ - to read about $3 plus million in projects that private donations have helped us accomplish, as well as projects planned for the future.”


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Glacier National Park Podcast Series Available

Avalanche Basin, one of Glacier National Park's unique and most treasured areas, is now highlighted in a series of new audio podcasts accessible on the park's website.

The park's Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center worked with graduate students from the University of Montana, and the Glacier National Park Fund to create short essays on various aspects of the Avalanche Lake area. The students learned the art of 'nature writing' through an environmental writing class offered in the Environmental Studies Program at the university. As volunteers for the park, they explored the Avalanche Basin, researched a specific topic, and wrote natural and cultural history essays.

These essays were turned into six podcasts and are featured on the park's website. Each podcast has a different focus, such as geology or wildlife, while providing an insight to the feelings this place evokes for all those fortunate enough to experience it.

Avalanche Basin is situated near the head of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park and is part of the larger glacially-carved McDonald Valley. The highlight of the basin is Avalanche Lake and its outlet stream Avalanche Creek. Water draining from the basin's steep slopes cumulates in the rushing icy blue waters of Avalanche Creek and scours through layers of rock to create the sculpted red walls of Avalanche Gorge. Beginning at the Trail of the Cedars, the Avalanche Lake Trail is a popular hike in the park that accesses the Avalanche Basin.

The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center is one of 19 centers across the country serving National Park Service units. It was established in 2002 to help facilitate the use of parks for scientific inquiry, support science-informed decision making, communicate the relevance of and provide access to knowledge through scientific research, and promote science literacy and resource stewardship through partnerships.

You can learn more about the natural and cultural history of the Avalanche Basin by clicking here.

The project was supported with funding from the Glacier National Park Fund. The Fund is the official non-profit fund raising partner for the Park. Since 1999, the Fund has distributed over $3 million for projects devoted to wildlife, natural resource conservation, park preservation, educational programs and visitor experience. Click here for more information about the Fund.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Glacier National Park Fund: Adopt an Animal

The Glacier National Park Fund is currently promoting a program to raise money for wildlife research within Glacier National Park.

For $45, which goes to the General Research Fund, you can "adopt" an animal from the park: a bighorn sheep, moose, or a bear. For your donation you will receive a stuffed animal of your choice, an adoption certificate, as well as periodic updates on the research that is happening within Glacier related to that animal species.

GNP Fund plans to make other animals available for adoption in the future.

The GNP Fund website states that the "Park management team needs sound scientific data to make critical decisions that will affect Glacier’s flora and fauna well into the future."

For more information, please click here.



Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com