Connections

Getting grizzlies off 'islands' to support genetic diversity

Small successes that are a big deal for grizzly bear connectivity in Idaho and Montana

Grizzly bears and their population health as a whole are a big part of our 'why.' This includes critical work to connect and protect grizzly bear populations. After all, genetic diversity is key to their, and other species', health. Y2Y's big-picture approach to conservation helps remedy genetic isolation and the loss of habitat.

Read more about how you are helping keep grizzly bears safe and moving in Montana and Idaho, including exciting news that shows why this work, well, works!

Parks and diversity go hand-in-hand

Alberta's plans to cut parks also cuts access to nature

Think of a park you have fond memories of. Parks are dedicated spaces in which people can discover what connecting to nature means to them. What’s more, parks help wildlife deal with the effects of climate change by keeping their habitats connected and protected.

The Alberta government's 2020 parks cuts not only threaten the province's diverse wildlife species, they overlook the role of parks in getting people out into nature regardless of ethnicity or national origin, race, gender, age or physical ability.

You are making a difference by helping us ensure Alberta's wild places can thrive into the future, so they continue to be places for all folks to experience.

Read on for three ways parks and diversity go hand-in-hand.

Collaboration for stronger conservation

Indigenous Peoples leading the way on conservation in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon region and beyond

Right now, governments around the globe are recognizing the role Indigenous laws and knowledge systems play in conservation and protecting biodiversity. New Indigenous-led conservation areas are being designated, and there is support for conserving natural heritage including culturally significant plants and animals.

Sharing knowledge and common goals to protect vulnerable species

Just like ecosystems need biodiversity, conservation needs diverse perspectives

For people and nature to thrive, we must work together. Because Y2Y's work spans 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) from Yellowstone to Yukon, it's important that we work with others and engage with the diverse voices, individuals and groups across this region.

In this example of our work in wolverine conservation, find out why a combination of perspectives and people's backgrounds are crucial to succeed, and how you can continue to help.

Nature is a place for all

The outdoors is somewhere for people to connect with nature, with others, and with themselves. No individual or group should feel left out of or discriminated against in nature, or anywhere else for that matter; but this isn't yet the reality of our world.  

We wanted to open the conversation on what this means for diversity in the Yellowstone-to-Yukon region. So, as a start, we spoke with two people who have different experiences around representation and diversity in nature, the outdoors, and recreation.  

A bipartisan bill for America's lands, water, wildlife and people

You are supporting connections for and with nature

In a world that's felt somewhat uncertain these past few months, we want to prioritize celebrating the moments that not only give us hope for the days to come, but also ones that show progress for wildlife, wild places and people.

That's why we are celebrating a recent conservation win for people and wildlife that has gained overwhelming bipartisan political support in the United States: the passing of the Great American Outdoors Act.

Your vote is needed!

Help Y2Y get listed on Charity Intelligence

For non-profits, including Y2Y, being listed on reputable charity rating sites can mean a world of difference for donors exploring who to trust and where to put their hard-earned money to work. While in the U.S. we have a four-star rating with Charity Navigator and are a Guidestar Gold participant, we are not yet rated on Charity Intelligence, a site that provides research on Canadian charities for donors to "be informed and give intelligently."

The organization receives about 3,000 requests to list non-profits each year – more than their team can handle. So each year, they add up to 20 charities that get the most donor requests. Would you have a moment to suggest us? It would mean a lot.