New Old Faithful Visitor Education Center Opens August 25, 2010
Yellowstone National Park will celebrate the 94th anniversary of the National Park Service on August 25, 2010, with a ceremony opening the new Old Faithful Visitor Education Center at 11 a.m. NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and top Interior Department officials will join Yellowstone Superintendent Suzanne Lewis at the podium. The keynote speaker will be retired park historian and noted Yellowstone author Paul Schullery.
The 26,000 square foot, $27 million center explains the workings of Yellowstone's 12,000 geothermal features; introduces visitors to the microorganisms that live in the hot waters; and showcases the research that makes the park a rare living laboratory. A special exhibit area for children lets them explore those themes through interactive, hands-on experiments. "We think a lot of adults will get a big bang out of this space, too," said Linda Young, chief of interpretation and education. The center also features a new Yellowstone Association Park Store with a large selection of educational books, maps, and more.
The building is designed to achieve a gold level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its environmental and energy efficient design. It mirrors the roof lines and construction materials of the adjacent Old Faithful Inn. And its two-story wall of windows provides a breathtaking view of the iconic geyser. A Yellowstone Park Foundation contribution of $15 million and $11 million in federal money covered most costs. The Yellowstone Association also provided significant funding towards the new visitor center. This includes funding for the film Symphony of Fire and Water which was developed several years ago specifically for the anticipated new visitor center as well as approximately $500,000 in funding for space and fixtures related to the Association's educational Park Store which is located in the visitor center lobby adjacent to the theater.
Young invites those who can't be there to visit the Old Faithful Virtual Visitor Center. It includes some of the interactive videos in the new center and many others, with more being added regularly. "That was one of the things we planned to do from the start," Young said. "People are really excited to come to the park, and we hope the virtual visitor center will help them stay connected to it."
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| Help Us Cross the Finish Line | |
 Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus-an 80-acre year -round facility for educational programs - opened in May. A generous friend and member of the Yellowstone Association enabled us to purchase this property through a no-interest loan. However, we have only a short time left to secure the necessary funding totaling $2,250,000 to permanently obtain the campus. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the finish line is within sight as we have reached over 80 percent of the goal. You can make a donation easily and securely online. To learn more please contact Crystal Leach, director of development, at 406-848-2855 or
cleach@yellowstoneassociation.org. |
Yellowstone National Park Quarter Collection | |
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The Yellowstone National Park Quarter Collection features one uncirculated quarter each from the Denver (D) and Philadelphia (P) mints. The quarter proudly displays a depiction of Yellowstone National Park and is part of the U.S. Mint's America the Beautiful Quarters Program™. The holder book contains information about the park's geology, history, and wildlife. Folded dimensions are 5" x 5"; open dimensions are 5" x 15". Price: $4.99 ($4.24 for YA members)
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| October Space Still Available in Essential Yellowstone | |
 Experience Yellowstone this fall. Our Institute naturalist guides will lead you on explorations to find the hidden secrets and sights of the park. You'll enjoy wildlife watching in the Hayden Valley, walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and touring the heart of the Yellowstone volcano. Each evening, you can spend time at "geyser central"-the Old Faithful area-where you'll be staying at the cozy Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Your program fee includes dinner the last night. Rates start at $1,049 per person.
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