Glacier Park Conservancy announces grants

The Glacier National Park Conservancy announced grant awards for preservation, education and research in Glacier National Park last week.

In the first round of grants for 2014, GNPC awarded $227,655, about $22,000 more than last year. They include:

• Repair bridle path overpasses at Many Glacier Hotel.

• Make necessary upgrades to the Sunrift Gorge to Baring Falls Trail.

• Provide interpretation interns for the Hudson Bay and West Lake districts.

• Fund the Native America Speaks program.

• Fund printing for free publications for the public.

• Fund the Discover Glacier education, Teacher-Ranger-Teacher and the “Half the Park Happens after Dark” astronomy programs.

• Fund research efforts, including the fisher survey, harlequin duck study and citizen science program.

“These programs would not be possible without the help of generous donors in our community and around the country,” GNPC president Mark Preiss said. “By keeping conservation as our constant guide, Glacier National Park will continue to wow the world — one visitor at a time.”

As the official fundraising partner for the Park, GNPC raises funds for projects that protect and preserve the Park for generations to come and has awarded grants that exposed thousands of visitors to the Park.

In an effort to engage youths, 7,980 students from 51 schools participated in Discover Glacier education programs, and 35 young adults performed 3,000 hours of hands-on volunteer research involving wildlife and invasive weeds in the Park.

About 35,000 visitors were exposed to the Native America Speaks program and participated in the Park’s astronomy program. GNPC has also invested in trail rehabilitation, restoration of historic structures, repairs to exhibits and campsite upgrades.

GNPC expects to announce a second round of grants for Glacier Park this summer. For more information, call 406-892-3250 or visit online at https://glacierparkconservancy.org.