The National Parks Second Century Commission met in Yellowstone last month. Led by former Senators Bennett Johnston, Jr. and Howard Baker, Jr., the commission is comprised of nearly 30 national leaders and experts, including scientists, historians, conservationists, academics, business leaders, policy experts, and retired National Park Service executives. The commission represents a first-in-a- generation effort to examine the national parks today and chart a vision for their second century of service to the nation. The January 27 through 29 meeting marked the third of five planned for the commission.

"Yellowstone represents the birthplace of the national park idea," said Bennett Johnston. "At Yellowstone, we'll examine what that fundamental idea means for national parks today, and how it can shape a vision for the next century of the national parks."

Superintendent Suzanne Lewis welcomed the meeting participants in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel map room. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who directed and co-produced the documentary series, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, was a key note speaker, along with Dayton Duncan, who co-produced and wrote the script. Sandra Day O'Connor, Associate Justice U.S. Supreme Court (retired) was also in attendance. On the second day, a roundtable discussion with National Park Service employees took place.

Over a period of 12 months, the commission will hear from a wide spectrum of experts, park managers, and the general public before issuing a report with recommendations to Congress and the Obama administration in the fall of 2009.

Superintendent Lewis expressed enthusiasm about having the conference in Yellowstone. "Yellowstone National Park has been and remains the inspiration for so many who are interested in and dedicated to the preservation of our nation's public lands. We look forward to the lively and thoughtful discussions that will be taking place in this timeless setting."

Want an easy way during challenging economic times to increase your support for Yellowstone National Park? Yellowstone Guardians are a special group of members who provide a reliable and steady source of monthly income for the Yellowstone Association. This funding gives the Association the resources it needs to help support programs and projects in Yellowstone National Park. For as little as $10 a month-about the cost of a movie ticket-you can make a difference in preservation of our world's first national park. If you join Yellowstone Guardians this month you will receive a 2009 Yellowstone Association calendar as our way of saying thank you! When signing up, please make sure you refer to offer code: Feb. 09 E-news in the comments field on our website to receive your free gift. Limit one calendar per Yellowstone Guardian membership.

Summer's just around the corner. Consider a learning vacation with the Institute. Our Trails Through Yellowstone program features four days in the park with an expert naturalist guide, most meals, and two nights lodging each at Mammoth Hot Springs and Grant Village. Carefully chosen hikes explore Yellowstone's diverse landscapes, from the wildlife- rich Northern Range to the thermal areas in the southern portion of the park. Starting at $719 per person, this trip is a great value!

By David Muench and Ruth Rudner. Enjoy glorious photos by renowned photographer David Muench and evocative essays by Ruth Rudner in this large-format book about our national parks. Sections on Yellowstone and Grand Teton will inspire you to return to these parks again and again, seeking the beauty and images that this team brings into your home. Now through February 9th, 2009, you can purchase this book for $34.99 (regularly $50.00).

Our 2010 calendar in underway! As someone who cares about Yellowstone, we'd like your feedback. Please vote for the next cover. All three images will be featured prominently inside but we'd like your input for the cover image. Click here to vote for the next cover. Calendars will be available in late-spring.