“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

And in fact, that is what has happened as a result of Yellowstone National Park Lodges’ Guest Donation Program, when it surpassed the $1 million mark in August 2014.

The program is simple: Yellowstone National Park Lodges encourages its Yellowstone lodging guests, who as it turns out are thoughtful, committed citizens, to support Yellowstone Forever when they check in.

Who would have imagined when the program began in 2000 that so many of these guests would be so generous? Over the past 17 years, thousands of hotel guests in Yellowstone have donated $1, $2, or more in appreciation of their trip to one of the world’s jewels.

“The contributions by these donors have significantly enhanced a variety of important projects like wildlife conservation, youth education, and historic preservation,” said Karen Bates Kress, president of the former Yellowstone Park Foundation (now Yellowstone Forever). “Xanterra has been a terrific partner in making this donation program happen.”

Jim McCaleb, general manager of Yellowstone National Park Lodges, explains that helping the Yellowstone Park Foundation (now Yellowstone Forever) is one of the most important ways his company can help protect and preserve Yellowstone.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for guests to give back to Yellowstone after a memorable experience,” said McCaleb. “The number of people who participate demonstrates broad support for the work of the Yellowstone Park Foundation [now Yellowstone Forever], and the impact it has on all aspects of the park.”

Photos, top to bottom: Roosevelt Lodge porch – NPS; Old Faithful Inn lobby – Xanterra; Old Faithful Inn – NPS.