News from Yellowstone Park Foundation

YELLOWSTONE PARK FOUNDATION

YPF launches area business program, Yellowstone Outdoors app

The Yellowstone Park Foundation announced on June 12 the launch of Gateway Businesses for the Park, a program designed to provide small businesses in the Greater Yellowstone with a simple way to give back to the park and receive benefits in return.

“Many area businesses have asked YPF how they can give back to Yellowstone, because the park gives us all so much,” said YPF President Karen Bates Kress. “When a business joins the program, their entire membership fee supports the park, and can be directed to help a specific project.”

Any business located in a Yellowstone National Park gateway community can join the new program at one of four membership levels: platinum, gold, silver or bronze.

One of the key new benefits for members is the ability to showcase their business on a new app, “Yellowstone Outdoors,” developed by YPF partner High Country Apps.

“The app is free and has an interactive map that contains information on more than 1,500 attractions, activities and services in the Greater Yellowstone region, including eastern Idaho, southwest Montana, and western Wyoming,” said Whitney Tilt, president of High Country Apps.

The Yellowstone Outdoors app is targeted to outdoor enthusiasts who love adventure and casual travel, or those who want a “virtual tour” from the comfort of their couch. It can function without a data connection – a necessity in the Greater Yellowstone region – and is available for Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets.

To download the app, search “Yellowstone Outdoors” in the Apple or Google play app store, or go to highcountryapps.com and follow the links. For Gateway Businesses for the Park membership benefit details, visit forthepark.org/membership-plans.

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The Old Faithful Haynes Photo Shop

The Old Faithful Haynes Photo Shop is now in its second year in operation. A restored, historic building that has achieved LEED Gold Certification, the Haynes Photo Shop is also the first official YPF presence in Yellowstone National Park.

Whimsical, interactive kiosks tell the YPF story, and are designed to inspire support for the park. The photo shop is also part museum, a celebration of Yellowstone’s rich photographic history, and a place where you can get your photo taken in front of a giant Haynes postcard.

Visit the Old Faithful Haynes Photo Shop

Open: May 16 to Sept. 30

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: (307) 545-9001

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Enter second annual ‘Capturing Wonderland’ photo contest


After the success of last year’s inaugural “Capturing Wonderland” photo contest, YPF is again seeking extraordinary images from amateur photographers that highlight the wonders of Yellowstone. Renowned wildlife photographer Tom Murphy will judge the contest.

Photographers can submit images in either the “Wildlife” or “Landscapes” category and one grand prizewinner will receive a Canon 70D camera kit with a lens. The deadline for entries has been extended from July 1 to July 15.

See complete contest details at ypf.org/contest.

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Annual 1872 Society weekend to take place in September

From Sept. 19-21 at the newly remodeled Yellowstone Lake Hotel, YPF will host a special, fun-filled weekend for the 1872 Society, a group of donors to the foundation. Surround yourself with the beauty of Yellowstone in the fall, and join the foundation and special guests for a weekend of activities in the park.

Contact Marisa Griffith at (406) 586-6303 or events@ypf.org for more information.

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About the Yellowstone Park Foundation:

Each year, more than 18,000 individuals, corporations and foundations donate to the Yellowstone Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that has served as Yellowstone National Park’s official fundraising partner since 1996.

YPF’s mission is to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, and the visitor experience of the park. The nonprofit has raised more than $80 million, and funded more than 250 projects and initiatives since its inception, including wildlife research, cutthroat trout restoration, trail restoration, and youth education.

Visit ypf.org for more information.