Case for Support

Purpose: The Rocky Mountain Nature Association's "Next Generation Endowment Fund" is intended to provide financial support in perpetuity for educational programs benefiting young people in connection with Rocky Mountain National Park. Since its creation in 1916 the National Park Service has addressed paramount issues of preservation and recreational use within the National Park System. Nonprofit organizations like the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, created in 1931, share the National Park Service's long-term commitment to stewardship for the public lands. To ensure that our parks will be protected and enjoyed for generations to come, a strong educational program should be established on the bedrock of financial security.

History: The Rocky Mountain Nature Association celebrated its 75^th Anniversary in 2006. As an organization, over the years it has enjoyed the support of thousands of members and donors. Rocky Mountain National Park is graced with dozens of improvement projects resulting from this nonprofit partnership. The park is dotted with wheelchair accessible trails, visitor centers, educational exhibits, historical structures, picnic areas, and even a greenhouse and outdoor amphitheater, all created as a result of this long-term philanthropic commitment. This philanthropic thrust began by adding parcels of land to the park. The Nature Association mirrors the National Park Service mission as it selects projects for philanthropy of long-term significance.

Necessity: A primary mission of the Rocky Mountain Nature Association is education. Only if coming generations are educated about the natural and cultural heritage of Rocky Mountain National Park will its preservation be assured. Education cultivates understanding.  Over time, understanding becomes appreciation. Appreciation is the building block of stewardship. The future of Rocky Mountain National Park depends upon stewardship. The future of Rocky Mountain National Park rests on an educational foundation.

Education for the Long Run: Similar to colleges and universities across the nation, national parks are permanent institutions. A university without walls, Rocky Mountain National Park is a Harvard-Outdoors. Here coming generations will study lessons learned from plants or animals or rivers or rocks. Here they will learn about wild places and scenic values and open space. Here they will learn about themselves.  The Next Generation Endowment Fund is an insurance policy for park preservation. A gift to this endowment promises support for park education in perpetuity.

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