Be sure to put The National Parks: America's Best Idea on your calendars! The highly anticipated new Ken Burns documentary, which prominently features Yellowstone-its landscapes, wildlife, and history-debuts September 27, 2009. Filmed over 6 years, the six-part PBS series starts in the mid-1800s, when national parks were barely more than a wild notion in the minds of some innovative thinkers, and follows their evolution over the course of the next 150 years. Along with Yellowstone, the series visits Yosemite, Acadia, the Grand Canyon, the Florida Everglades, and the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, telling the story behind their formation. It's a story that is as much about people as it is about the parks themselves; people from every conceivable background-rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists, and entrepreneurs-who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved. Burns' widely acclaimed documentaries have garnered him numerous awards and a loyal following. His style of pairing stunning cinematography with powerful narration and emotion is never more evident than in this series. Written by Dayton Duncan and narrated by Peter Coyote, the series also features actors Tom Hanks, Andy Garcia, and John Lithgow as the voices of historical figures. Filled with struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, adventure and inspiration, The National Parks: America's Best Idea will serve as a moving reminder of the full meaning of democracy.

The Yellowstone Association is excited to be taking pre-orders for the release of The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The official release date for the DVD is October 6, 2009. You can also buy the companion book and soundtrack immediately.

• Complete DVD Set
• Complete Bluray Set
• Companion Book
• CD Soundtrack

With the summer ending and children heading back to school, why not ease the transition by giving them something to look forward to this winter? The Yellowstone Association Institute offers a winter adventure for families with children 8 to 12 years old. You'll track animals, watch wildlife, take photographs, and snowshoe. Enjoy a special snowcoach trip deep into the park to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Your children can become Yellowstone National Park Junior Rangers, earning the special badge that only winter junior rangers receive. Rates start at $749 per adult and $515 per child and include instruction, in-park transportation, lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs, and most meals. Dates offered are December 25, January 15, and February 12. This family winter holiday is sure to put a smile on the whole family's face!

Your gift will help preserve one of Earth's most magnificent and fragile places and the gift recipient will enjoy membership benefits that last an entire year!

In addition to an acknowledgment letter of the gift membership given by you, the gift recipient will receive the following benefits:

• Family membership in the Yellowstone Association
• 15 percent discount on Yellowstone Association items at Visitor Center Park Stores, on our website, and our newest store location in Gardiner, Montana
• 10 percent discount on merchandise at all Yellowstone General Stores (Exclusions apply and you must present your membership card to receive discount.)
• Discounts on Yellowstone Association Institute courses
• Subscription to the Yellowstone Today newspaper (first year only) and the Yellowstone Discovery magazine
• Library privileges at Yellowstone's Heritage and Research Center