Two organizations have worked diligently for many years to preserve Yellowstone, and enhance each visitor’s experience in meaningful ways. Together they have funded hundreds of improvement and conservation projects, offered thousands of educational programs, and touched countless lives. How could they possibly improve on this track record of incredible success?

Here’s how: The boards of directors of the Yellowstone Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Association announced their intent to merge into a new nonprofit organization to benefit Yellowstone National Park last week. Combining the Yellowstone Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Association creates a single nonprofit of more than 50,000 supporters. The new organization will be more flexible, and able to respond more effectively to the needs of Yellowstone.

“We believe combining the membership, donors and leadership of both organizations will result in an organization that will better promote, protect and preserve one of our nation’s crown jewels—Yellowstone National Park,” said Karen Bates Kress, president of the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

“The Yellowstone Association has enjoyed a proud heritage since 1933 of connecting visitors to Yellowstone and our natural world through education,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the Yellowstone Association.

“We are excited that the new organization will serve the combined missions and connect people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs, as well as translating those experiences into lifelong support and philanthropic investment,” said Brown.

While you won’t see any changes right away, there is much going on behind the scenes to ensure a smooth process for supporters and staff alike. Work is beginning now and the new organization expects to begin operating jointly by March 1, 2016, and fully in effect in 2017. We will stay in close touch with you as we continue our work. Please know that we deeply appreciate your support and hope that you will share in our enthusiasm for our new organization, and for the increased support we will be able to provide Yellowstone National Park.

Photograph of Electric Peak ©Tom Murphy