Katrina, you're helping people and nature thrive — together.
Y2Y's collaborative work addresses the needs of wildlife and people, giving animals room to roam and promoting harmony between communities and nature.
You — our valued supporters — are at the heart of this work. Because of you, we are making strides in connecting and protecting habitats for the benefit of us all.
In this edition of Connections, you'll find stories and updates on how you're helping keep grizzly bears on the land, creating safe crossings for wildlife, the importance of Indigenous Guardian programs, and more.
Enjoy, and thank you for all that you do!
et's keep grizzly bears on the land and help them thrive for generations to come
Whether we see them or not, knowing that grizzly bears continue to roam the same mountain landscapes that we cherish is awe-inspiring.
Wild places with wild animals are an important part of our world and make the Yellowstone to Yukon region special. Yet, wildlife including bears continue to face seemingly insurmountable challenges — death by vehicle collisions, lack of adequate coexistence and conflict reduction measures, and beyond.
If we want to keep bears on the land, we must remember that it’s our collective responsibility to create the conditions that allow them to survive and thrive. Despite challenges, there are effective solutions. From ranchers installing electric fencing around livestock, to securing and removing bear attractants, we’re seeing positive progress in our communities every day!
Grizzly bears play a vital role within ecosystems as an umbrella species; by protecting the needs of grizzly bears, we also help preserve other species in the same habitat. Within many of our communities, including for some Indigenous Peoples, grizzly bears also hold great significance historically and culturally.
Across the region, Y2Y is helping residents and visitors of mountain communities understand, embrace, and expand practices that promote and support safety, coexistence/conflict reduction, and harmony between people and wildlife.
Y2Y is a member of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which helps maintain and recover grizzly bear populations and their habitats in the western United States by coordinating policies, plans, management, research, and communication across different agencies. In early 2024, we took part in their annual summit.
A key takeaway? The path to successful grizzly bear conservation is through collaboration, community engagement, and a shared commitment to finding solutions. In other words, we’re all in this together.
Increasingly, we’re seeing the enthusiasm that it takes to keep these majestic creatures on the land. And that’s good news for us all.
Pathways of hope
You’re helping build connections for wandering wildlife
Finding a safe opportunity to cross a busy road during times of heavy traffic can be the worst.
Wildlife face a similar struggle — but they don’t have the help of four-way stops, traffic circles, or controlled intersections. The good news is that for animals with access to their very own underpasses and overpasses, it’s a different story with a happier ending!
The new Bow Valley Gap wildlife overpass (also known as the Stoney Nakoda Exshaw wildlife arch) west of Calgary, Alberta is one of 126 wildlife crossing structures in the Yellowstone to Yukon region. It's not even finished yet and already elk, deer, coyotes and other wildlife are making use of the overpass. They can’t wait!
This wildlife crossing is a vital link in ensuring safe movement pathways for numerous species that call the Bow Valley home. This area, just outside Banff National Park, is one of the four most important east-west wildlife connectors in the entire 3,400-kilometer (2,100 mile) length of the region, and one of two such valleys in Alberta.
Y2Y had advocated for this crossing for nearly a decade. Now, because of support from people like you, this wildlife bridge rises above the Trans-Canada Highway, welcoming visitors to the Rocky Mountains while keeping animals off the road. And there are even more crossings coming to Alberta soon.
Get a glimpse at this new wildlife crossing, and the exciting progress being made, Y2Y’s role, and what’s next.
Indigenous Guardians and their leadership on the land
How Indigenous Guardians are strengthening the health of lands and waters; and the importance of supporting this work from Yellowstone to the Yukon and beyond
"If we take care of the land, the land takes care of us," said Valérie Courtois, a leader in the movement of Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship, during her 2022 Ted Talk 'How Indigenous Guardians Protect the Planet and Humanity'.
This inherent value of caring for, and stewarding the land, holds immense significance to the culture, ethic and way of life for many Indigenous Peoples — as it has since time immemorial.
Indigenous Guardians, trained experts who carry out the on-the-ground work to care for landscapes, waters, wildlife, and their communities, are helping their Indigenous Nations honor this value and responsibility to care for lands and waters.
Guardian programs and other Indigenous-led land stewardship initiatives are gaining momentum in North America (and beyond!).
In Canada, an increase in federal funding has helped support Indigenous communities to do the work they have always done, including within the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
This momentum is also growing within Indigenous communities themselves, as they continue to establish their own programs — especially as Guardians are needed to monitor and manage Indigenous-led protected areas.
In our recent blog post, learn more about Indigenous Guardians, the work they do, and two of the Guardian programs within Treaty 8 territory of northern British Columbia that Y2Y has been proud to support — thanks to your help.
We can all get outdoors while connecting and protecting nature
Responsible (and respectful) recreation considerations for your next nature journey
When playing in nature, giving wildlife space and keeping habitats healthy is of utmost importance to someone like you who wants nature (and people) to thrive.
That's why we've pulled together some of our top resources on responsible recreation from the Y2Y blog over the past few years. From ways to minimize impacts on sensitive species, bear safety out on the trails, and perspectives on fostering inclusivity in the outdoors, we've got you covered!
As you make your way into the beautiful natural spaces found in the Yellowstone to Yukon region, doing all the activities that bring you joy, you can help to ensure that outdoor recreation spaces are safer, more enjoyable, healthy and sustainable for all.
Here are just a few resources to start with:
- Four ways to enjoy nature responsibly with your pet >>
- Moving to create equitable access to nature and the outdoors >>
- A guide to random and wild camping >>
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Top tips for safely trail running in bear country >>
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Sharing the backcountry with fellow snow lovers >> (we know; it's not winter yet — but we couldn't help ourselves!)
Sharing is caring — we encourage you to share these tips with a friend or two. Happy trails!
P.S. Beyond embodying a deep respect for the wild places you roam, you have also helped advance innovative research co-led by Y2Y that has expanded understanding of when, where, how, and how many people recreate — and the overlap with wildlife habitats used by grizzly bears, wolverine and caribou. Thank you!
Read the latest update on our recreation ecology project it’s making a difference.
Supporter spotlight: Cycling the Rockies with VBT
Connecting to nature in the Yellowstone to Yukon region on two wheels
Y2Y is a long-time partner of VBT, a Vermont-based tour company providing guided bicycling vacations in Canada, the United States, Europe and beyond.
Their tours include a biking experience through Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and in 2024, they have more than 20 trips planned!
For around 10 years, VBT has donated a portion of their profits to Y2Y to help large-landscape conservation in an area they operate.
Y2Y has been presenting to VBT’s biking tour groups as they pass through Banff for more than seven years. It’s a great way to kick off the tour, share more about the wildlife habitats that they will soon visit and orient the guests to the magnificent place they are about to experience.
Recently, Y2Y’s donor relations specialist, Robin Forsyth, spoke with VBT guide, Dori Ross, who is from Montréal, Québec. Here’s what Dori shared with us:
 “My favourite part about guiding in the Yellowstone to Yukon region is being in nature. This is such a beautiful part of Canada — the mountains, the valleys, everything that nature offers — and the wildlife is part of that.
I think it’s important that our guests learn about the Yellowstone to Yukon region and what’s at risk. At one time, Europe had bears and other wildlife in the landscape. If we don’t do the right thing today, there could be other generations saying the same thing about this region.
The partnership between Y2Y and VBT is important because it demonstrates a common understanding and belief that we need to do something. Y2Y is doing the work to connect and protect this region; and I think anyone who is in this region should be aware of your efforts. It’s our hope that demonstrating the significance of these landscapes to our clients speaks for itself.”
Do you have or know a business in the Yellowstone to Yukon region that might want to partner with Y2Y and do some good for nature? Email Robin for more info.
🛣️ Wildlife footage: How did the deer cross the road? It’s thanks to one of the 126 wildlife crossing structures in the Yellowstone to Yukon region! Watch this footage of one curious mule deer using one of the newest crossings in the region: Cervidae Peak over State Highway 21 near Boise, Idaho.
🧊 Short film: Losing Blue —This short doc by Leanne Allison is a cinematic poem about losing the otherworldly blues of , fed by glaciers, now fading due to climate change. You'll be immersed in the magnificence of these rare lakes, pulling us in to stand on their rocky shores, witness their power and understand what their loss would mean — both for ourselves and for the Earth.
🏞️ — Drawing on cutting-edge science, a deep understanding of local community needs, and his experience rallying politicians on both sides of the aisle to act, author Benji Backer, founder of the American Conservation Coalition Backer, offers hope and an inclusive approach for everyone who cares about the state of the great outdoors.
Ways to give: donor-advised funds
The Yellowstone to Yukon region is vast, but our impact is profoundly personal. As a supporter of Y2Y’s work, we know you’re intentional with your giving.
Do you have a donor-advised fund? These funds (often called DAFs), are like a charitable investment account that is set up for the sole purpose of supporting charities.
Individuals can contribute cash, stocks, or other assets into the DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction. Those funds are invested for tax-free growth and the individual can recommend donations to charities of their choice over time.
DAFs help to ensure we can keep the Yellowstone to Yukon region the wildest mountain region on the planet for years to come. DAF gifts provide Y2Y with a secure and reliable means of funding this essential work, meaning we can maintain our focus on pursuing this big, bold vision.
Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle because they are the easiest, and most tax-savvy way to give.
To learn more, visit our website or email Renee Krysko to support Y2Y in this incredible way.
🐾 Highlighting connectivity initiatives— Reaching audiences in Eastern Canada and beyond, Y2Y’s president and chief scientist, Dr. Jodi Hilty, joined radio host Frank de Jong on the Climate Action Muskoka radio show and podcast to talk about the Yellowstone to Yukon region and how our collaborative work is supporting people and nature.
🦌 Celebrating Indigenous-led caribou recovery — The greatly expanded Klinse-Za/Twin Sisters Park will protect nearly 200,000 hectares of habitat for endangered caribou in the northeast of British Columbia. In The Narwhal, Y2Y’s director of landscape protection, Tim Burkhart, shares why this is important for ongoing Indigenous-led caribou recovery efforts.
🌉 More safe crossings for wildlife — On the
double the impact of your donation to Y2Y?
Join us this September to show your support for nature
Mark your calendars! This September, you will have a special opportunity to make an even bigger difference for wildlife and people in the Yellowstone to Yukon region through Y2Y’s September Match campaign.
As the name suggests, every dollar you donate to Y2Y in the month of September will be matched by Y2Y board members and a committed Y2Y donor. And this is going to be our biggest September Match yet.
Don’t miss out! Our fundraiser will go live on September 1, 2024, at y2y.net/SeptemberMatch.
Photo credits —
Inset photos: Remote footage of grizzly bear sow and cubs from 'Caribou Homeland' film; Bow Valley, Alberta (Adam Linnard); Jordan Demeulemeester, Senior Land Guardian, Saulteau First Nations Land Guardian (Ryan Dickie); Hiker (Pexels/Guduru Ajay bhargav); Dori Ross, VBT cycling guide (supplied photos); Bighorn sheep (Glacier National Park Service); Two cow elk (NPS/Jacob W. Frank)
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