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2025 PARK PROJECTS
Help fund critical projects and programs that preserve and protect Glacier.
Justin Calhoun
Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder
By acting now, we can help ensure Glacier’s wilderness remains wild, wildlife is protected, and wonder will inspire future Glacier lovers.
Glacier Superintendent
David M. Roemer
“The projects in this guide are the culmination of many inspiring conversations and close collaboration between the Conservancy and Glacier National Park on how to have the greatest impact as conservation partners for the protection of the resources and values that make Glacier special. The path to a park that retains its authenticity – including Native American voices, healthy wildlife populations, and wild landscapes – lies in partnership.”
Featured Projects
Wilderness Operations
Funding Needed: $276,575
This project supports ten wilderness rangers who carry out daily wilderness protection duties across the park.
Rangers conduct hiking patrols to educate visitors, monitor areas for bear activity, maintain wilderness campgrounds, and implement wilderness restoration projects.
Securing Glacier's Future: Implementing a Resource Security Strategy
Funding Needed: $107,254
This project aims to create a comprehensive Resource Security Strategy, critical for achieving mandated emission reductions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
This initiative, driven by a recent Greenhouse Gas Inventory, will convene partners to develop a roadmap over four years, emphasizing emissions reduction and tracking.
Preservation of Native Plant Ecosystems
Funding Needed: $75,100
Preserving and restoring native plant habitat is vital to maintaining biodiversity, wilderness character, and healthy wildlife habitat. This project monitors alpine and wetland rare plants, alpine vegetation communities, and grassland species to inform conservation efforts.
Logan Pass Interpretive Rangers
Funding Needed: $70,000
Support for this project allows the park to continue to provide their full suite of interpretive services at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
Over 360,000 visitors took advantage of these services provided by staff at Logan Pass Visitor Center in 2023. Funding supports three interpretive park rangers dedicated to providing information and interpretive programming at the Visitor Center, as well as helping preserve the fragile alpine ecosystem.
Connecting with Park History
Funding Needed: $161,548
Glacier’s Museum and Archives program plays a vital role in preserving and documenting the diverse cultural and natural heritage of the park.
By adding capacity to the park’s archives team, this project supports ongoing efforts to connect the public with the unique park resources preserved in the museum and archives through providing support to researchers and by adding content to our online collections. It will also improve recordkeeping systems and address the decades-long issue of substandard museum collection storage.
Native America Speaks and Tribal Community Engagement
Funding Needed: $181,500
This program is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining relationships with local tribal communities, honoring Glacier’s first peoples and original caretakers.
Funding sustains the award winning Native America Speaks program and other vital components of the tribal engagement initiative.
Wilderness Leadership
Funding Needed: $68,400
This project supports the Wilderness Coordinator position which leads wilderness preservation efforts in Glacier through effective program management, project coordination, collaboration with community and tribal partners, wild and scenic river stewardship, and more.
Whitebark Pine and Clark’s Nutcrackers
Funding Needed: $125,000
The project focuses on restoring whitebark pine (WBP) and Clark’s nutcracker (CLNU) habitats crucial for their mutualistic relationship.
WBP, now threatened blister rust, relies on CLNU for seed dispersal. Efforts include planting rust-resistant WBP seedlings, monitoring survival, expanding CLNU acoustic monitoring, and creating a visitor film to highlight this critical relationship.
Piikuni Lands Service Corps Partnership
Funding Needed: $56,768
The Piikuni Lands Service Corps engages Blackfeet youth and young adults in paid summer programs where participants deepen their relationship to ancestral lands while developing essential job skills.
This program is a culturally engaged model guided by the Blackfeet community with intentionality around creating a structure that speaks directly to Blackfeet youth.
Headwaters Season Six
Funding Needed: $96,331
Headwaters, Glacier National Park’s own binge-worthy podcast, prepares visitors for a safe and enriching trip to Glacier while also interpreting the science and history of the park in new ways and with diverse voices.
Audience Centered Experience Training
Funding Needed: $33,720
This project funds Audience Centered Experience (ACE) training and supplies for interpretive rangers. The ACE approach to interpretation provides park visitors with opportunities to connect with parks on a deeper level through providing opportunities for visitors to share their voice, learn from one another, and see how they can play a role in protecting places like Glacier National Park.
Interpreting the International Peace Park
Funding Needed: $26,500
This project will showcase the historic establishment of the first International Peace Park in 1932.
Collaborative interpretive programming at Goat Haunt, other locations in Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, provides a terrific opportunity to illustrate the many ways that the National Park Service and Parks Canada work together to protect and preserve the Crown of the Continent ecosystem beyond borders.
Conserving Waterbirds Using Cutting-Edge Science
Funding Needed: $43,000
Glacier lacks baseline data on most birds considered species of concern.
Previous Conservancy funding for this multi-year effort supported the use of camera traps, environmental DNA (e-DNA), and ground surveys to gather critical data on Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Hooded Mergansers, and Great Blue Herons. In the final year of this project, funding will support data compilation, analysis, writing, and presentations on these findings.
Ranger-Led Education Programming
Funding Needed: $303,046
In one year Glacier can see up to 10,000 students.
The curriculum based education programming uses place-based learning to connect kids with nature and foster a sense of stewardship. Funding will provide staffing, equipment, and supplies to ensure educational, engaging, and fun field trips for visiting students. This program also allows the park to provide classroom visits and distance learning programs.
Flathead Valley Community College Fisheries Internship
Funding Needed: $14,000
This partnership provides valuable hands-on fisheries training in a world-class national park while Glacier’s fisheries program receives much needed summer field season assistance in implementing fisheries, water quality, and physical science projects.
Park Publications
Funding Needed: $66,600
Glacier National Park and the surrounding areas are becoming some of the most popular places to visit in the United States.
This grant will provide handouts with comprehensive information that can capitalize on the enthusiasm of visitors. From the colorful park map to guides that provide hiking, safety, and trip planning information, print materials promote inclusivity for all park visitors to obtain information and knowledge.
Wilderness Supervision
Funding Needed: $121,000
This project supports a new Supervisory Wilderness Ranger position adding much needed capacity to Glacier’s Wilderness program.
This position will oversee the day to day operations of up to 14 wilderness rangers supporting the wilderness field program from ranger training to project implementation.
Summer Youth Engagement
Funding Needed: $102,940
This program integrates formal and informal children’s programs, Apgar Nature Center activities, and junior ranger program support to create a comprehensive youth engagement program in the park.
The Junior Ranger Program is the most popular youth engagement program in the National Park Service and is an important way to connect, inspire, and engage our future park stewards.
Impacts on Cultural Resources
Funding Needed: $61,000
This project addresses impacts on cultural resources, focusing on melting ice patches, submerged sites, and traditional areas.
It engages indigenous knowledge keepers, develops preservation strategies, and provides an internship opportunity. Successful partnerships and integrated approaches ensure the conservation of vulnerable heritage sites amidst changing climates and advancing research needs.
Enhance Glacier’s Digital Information
Funding Needed: $56,780
Online resources such as Glacier’s website, app, and social media platforms provide millions of visitors with important park safety regulations, recreation information, and interpretation of natural and cultural resources.
Funding will support interpretive media staff to enhance and expand up-to-date and engaging content on Glacier’s digital platforms to ensure visitors have a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience.
STEAM Camp
Funding Needed: $15,000
This camp provides life-long skills in leadership, critical thinking, and problem solving for 12-15 year old girls.
Participants learn about a variety of natural and cultural resources within the park.
Developing Visitor Use Management Strategies
Funding Needed: $214,248
Glacier is working towards a long-term visitor access and transportation management plan.
This grant supports this effort by addressing data needs crucial for planning. The park relies on data to improve visitor experiences and conserve resources. The project will ensure year-round monitoring and provide timely data analysis for park management decisions.
Expanding Education to Reach New Audiences
Funding Needed: $25,000
Creating meaningful and educational visitor experiences is an essential pathway to conservation and stewardship.
This project funding boosts educational staff capacity by partnering with the Glacier Institute to expand curriculum-based programming and develop innovative approaches to connect with underserved audiences.
Visitor Communication Support
Funding Needed: $142,474
This project supports communication efforts focused on development, implementation, and outreach regarding visitor trip planning and Glacier’s vehicle reservation system.
Engaging Youth in Science and Conservation
Funding Needed: $130,000
This project at Glacier National Park aims to engage youth in conservation efforts, emphasizing native plant propagation, restoration, and wildlife monitoring.
Collaborating with local schools and organizations, it fosters connections to the park’s natural and cultural resources, training future stewards and supporting science research fellowships for graduate students.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Center at Wheeler Cabin
Funding Needed: $50,000
This project will complete the multi-year restoration of Senator Burton K. Wheeler’s historic property, transforming it into the Waterton Glacier International Peace Center at Wheeler Cabin.
The center will offer interpretation of Wheeler’s legacy, serve as a day-use hub for discussions on pressing issues, and host workshops promoting conservation through an environmental peacebuilding approach, fostering education and collaboration.
Blackfeet Wildlife Internship
Funding Needed: $12,500
Wildlife research and management is a collaborative co-stewardship effort between Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Nation.
Funding supports a wildlife internship for a tribal member which encompasses a variety of professional development opportunities including wildlife handling, education outreach, backcountry bear patrolling and wildlife observation.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Funding Needed: $81,000
This project supports a robust public-private partnership to protect the Columbia River Basin from destructive invasive species.
Through collaboration with the Blackfeet Nation, this project employs tribal members to inspect boats for the presence of aquatic invasive species at the Two Medicine and St. Mary entrance stations.
Community and Youth Outreach
Funding Needed: $55,331
This project aims to enhance park capacity for community and youth engagement, particularly reaching underserved populations.
Funding will support outreach through educational programs and work projects. It will also strengthen the volunteer office to support programs like Artist-in-Residence, and promote collaboration between Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks’ volunteer programs.
School-to-Park Program Support
Funding Needed: $100,000
Through a partnership with Columbia Falls High School, students acquire building trades expertise by constructing cabins designated for park employee housing.
This initiative covers the costs of building materials, supports a National Park Service (NPS) carpentry mentor role, and provides participating students with tool belts they retain upon program completion.
Glacier Conservation Corps
Funding Needed: $156,308
Through a collaboration with the Montana Conservation Corps, this program engages youth as land stewards, dedicating hours of service to support critical park projects such as invasive weed control, fuels reduction, trail maintenance, and citizen science data collection.
Professional Services for Glacier Employees
Funding Needed: $40,000
Employee care and wellness is a top priority for Glacier and the National Park Service.
This project strives to remove financial and geographic barriers that exist for NPS employees seeking support for their mental health by creating more opportunities for accessible mental health services.
Promoting Science Education for Park Visitors
Funding Needed: $40,700
This project supports the acclaimed Glacier Science Video Series as well as the development of a diverse array of science communication tools and technologies, including StoryMaps, online resource briefs, webinars, and in-person presentations to inform park visitors and staff about the latest research findings.
Expanding Interpretation Program Services
Funding Needed: $16,425
This project partners with the Glacier Institute to expand Glacier’s interpretation staff capacity.
Funding supports a Glacier Institute staff member to help broaden interpretation programming, cultivate transformative visitor experiences, and meet the demands of increased visitation.
Fish Creek Campground Accessibility Improvements
Funding Needed: $90,000
Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in the Park with 178 campsites that serve tens of thousands of visitors each season.
This project will replace crumbling asphalt paths with the installation of over 5,000 square feet of accessible trails to meet modern accessibility standards as well as extend electric service to four accessible campsites to serve campers of all abilities.
Travel Grants for Field Trips
Funding Needed: $16,000
This project removes barriers and provides more access to field trips in the park through transportation grants to schools wishing to participate in ranger-led, curriculum-based programs or for service-learning projects.
Swiftcurrent Accessible Trail
Funding Needed: $109,915
This grant supports the final year of work in the ten year effort to create a fully accessible loop around Swiftcurrent Lake.
In 2025, crews will complete the section north of the boat dock to the bridge near Grinnell Picnic Area.
Half the Park Happens After Dark
Funding Needed: $129,000
There is no better place to explore the night sky than the world’s first transboundary International Dark Sky Park.
Support for this project helps the park maintain a long-term commitment to preserving dark skies by funding on-site astronomy volunteers and interns, astronomy programs and events, and the operation of Glacier’s Dusty Star Observatory in St. Mary.
Citizen Science Data Collection
Funding Needed: $178,600
The citizen science program plays a vital role in addressing park management needs while fostering science literacy and a deeper understanding of our natural world. Youth and adult visitors participate in transformative field experiences, collecting data on species affected habitat shifts and increased visitation.
Creating Accessible Interpretive Programming
Funding Needed: $43,044
The National Park Service is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to participate in and enjoy facilities, services, programs, and activities whether they are indoors or outdoors.
This project funds park staff dedicated to conducting research and implementing accessible programming and tools to connect with visitors with mobility, vision, hearing, neurodiversity, and cognitive disabilities.
Tribal Internship: Information Technology
Funding Needed: $18,500
This internship addresses a critical need for more robust IT services for Glacier’s east side operations while providing an opportunity for a tribal college student to develop skills that will propel them into the next phase of their career.
Sustainable Transportation for Park Staff
Funding Needed: $36,300
Support for this project will modernize Glacier’s Red Bike program with electric bikes for staff commuting and patrols, supporting a federal sustainability goal to reduce emissions by 65% by 2030.
This update enhances sustainability, improves staff mobility, and serves as a visible example of green transportation for visitors.
Historic Preservation Internships for Local High School Students
Funding Needed: $18,800
With a focus on historic structure preservation projects, this project provides funding for two internship positions for students from Columbia Falls and Browning High Schools.
Students will work with crews on the park’s west and east sides, bolstering capacity while gaining expertise in historic preservation techniques and skills.
2024 Park Projects
View the projects we fundraised for last year.
PROJECT UPDATES
The Best Rescues Never Happen: A Day With Glacier’s PSAR Rangers
On a Wednesday morning in July on the Hidden Lake Trail, a ranger in green and gray hikes up the boardwalk, stopping to talk with nearly everyone headed up from Logan Pass. What are your plans for the day? How much water do you have? Are you carrying bear spray? The...
Ask a Ranger: Interpretation in Glacier National Park
Ask a ranger at Logan Pass where the restrooms are, and you will get an answer. Ask what habitat bears use or whether the Hidden Lake Trail is a good idea today, and you might just get a new perspective. That second kind of exchange has a name inside the National Park...
Raising The Roof: Glacier’s School-To-Park Program
During the winter of 2018, storms brought the snowiest winter in nearly 50 years to Glacier, and the Granite Park Trails Cabin was destroyed by snow creep. The cabin, historically located just below the Granite Park Chalet, serves as a vital hub for every aspect of...
Photo: Mark Bryant
Sperry Chalet Complete
When the Sperry Chalet dormitory building was lost to the Sprague Fire in August 2017, the Glacier National Park Conservancy established the Sperry Action Fund to help restore the historic structure. Thanks to Sperry lovers around the world, the chalet reopened in the summer of 2020.