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OUR PROGRAMS
We invest in critical wildlife projects which will enhance the great outdoors of the Cowboy State.
Link to: Our Story
ABOUT US
The WYldlife Fund is a home for all people who love the wildlife of Wyoming.
A partner to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission and Department.
The WYldlife Fund is a home for all people who love the wildlife of Wyoming. Ultimately, we care as much about people as we do wildlife. While conserving wildlife, we also strive to conserve people’s love for wildlife.
Serving as a partner foundation to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, The WYldlife Fund is uniquely positioned to have profound positive impact. Specializing in grant agreements, the Fund ensures precise and efficient allocation of resources on the ground to advance wildlife projects across Wyoming.
Wyldlife for Tomorrow
Kelly Hayfield Sagebrush Restoration
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) protects large expanses of high elevation, mesic sagebrush-steppe grasslands that support many species of mammals and birds.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
Spread Creek Fish Passage
Our local native Snake River cutthroat trout need “room to roam” to access high-quality habitat so they can grow, survive, thrive, reproduce, and be resilient to environmental changes.Dubois US 26 Wildlife Crossing Project: The Wind River to Grand Tetons – Connecting Wildlife on the Togwotee Trail
This project is east of Dubois from the Wind River oxbow to the National Museum of Military Vehicles (MP 58-67) and meets a major need in protecting mule deer on crucial winter range and during migration.Moose Fund: Helping Beavers is a WIN-WIN
Thanks to a generous gift by Mary and Charlie Rumsey, we have established a fund which directly supports the majestic moose. The first investment supports beaver translocation and expansion across Wyoming in key geographical areas.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
Absaroka Fence Initiative
This initiative brings together a broad partnership of landowners, community, non-governmental organizations, and local government agencies.Hulett Youth Field Days
Hulett Youth Field Days empowers youth through teaching the importance of conservation and shooting sports.Jackson Elk Collaring Project
To better manage the Jackson elk herd, biologists need to gather more robust data, a goal that is achieved through GPS-collaring of individual elk within the herd.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Trail Cameras: Wildlife Friendly Fencing Research
The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) continues to cultivate a community commitment that values wildlife migration and movement and protects migration routes.Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Camp Wild
The WYldlife Fund has been proud to support Camp Wild at Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
South Park Wetlands Enhancement
Nestled along the Snake River south of Jackson is the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA), a beautiful spot that provides important wetland, riparian, and meadow habitat for a wide array of wildlife.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
Sage Grouse Fence Inventory
Through our signature program Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow we were honored to support important sage-grouse fence inventory work through our good friends at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation.Inspire a Kid Camp
From June 22nd-28th, 2022 The WYldlife Fund was honored to host the first annual Inspire a Kid Camp at the Little Jennie Ranch in Bondurant.Wyldlife for Tomorrow
New Fork River Restoration
The New Fork River is one of the most popular river fisheries in western Wyoming, emerging from the Wind River Mountains and flowing generally south for approximately 70 miles before reaching its confluence with the Green River.Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing Project
The Dry Piney area of US Highway 189 lies in critical winter range for the vibrant Wyoming Range Mule deer herd, which provides world-class hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.Kemmerer HWY 189 Wildlife Crossing
Wyoming is poised to continue to lead the nation in the planning and construction of wildlife crossings. Annually, there are an average of 6,000 vehicle collisions with big game in Wyoming.
I-25 Wildlife Crossing Project
The objective of the I-25 Wildlife Crossing project is to reduce highway caused mortalities of wildlife, particularly mule deer, on a 15 mile stretch of I-25 (mm255-270) north of Kaycee by funneling wildlife to six different existing agricultural underpasses.Moose Fund: Cody Regional Office Beaver Holding Facility
Beavers and moose have overlapping habitats, and Mary Rumsey of Meeteeste loves moose. With this passion, Mary created a restricted initiative within The WYldlife Fund to focus on projects and research that benefit moose and their habitat.Wildlife Friendly Fencing-Red Rim Grizzly WHMA
A gift from the Williams Foundation was used to issue our first grant to install wildlife friendly fencing at the Red Rim-Grizzly Wildlife Habitat Management Area.Aquatic Invasive Species Boot Cleaning Stations-Laramie Region
The Wyldlife Fund is committed to putting money on the ground to advance key wildlife initiatives across Wyoming and we are pleased to provide support to help combat aquatic invasive species (AIS).Maury Brown Kids Fishing Day
Empowering the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and leaders is perhaps the most important thing we can be doing for Wyoming’s natural resources, and The WYldlife Fund is all in.Access YES-Expanding Hunting and Fishing Opportunities
The WYldlife Fund was pleased to help expand Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Access YES Program thanks to a generous grant from the Williams Foundation.Inspire a Kid: Telemetry Devices and Pronghorn Educational Boxes
Through a generous grant from the Wyoming Sportsmans Group, The WYldlife Fund was able to help expand statewide educational offerings for Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Inspire a Kid program!A sampling of projects and initiatives funded.
Map is interactive, click on a dot for a link to the project description.
The Significance of Wyoming Wildlife Crossings
The story of the I-25 Buffalo to Kaycee wildlife crossing project.
Supported Projects & Initiatives
WYldlife for Tomorrow
South Flat Creek Channel Restoration
Flat Creek is an important Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout spawning tributary that has been adversely affected by urbanization, rural land development, and water management.
Table Mountain Outfitters Hunting Program
Last summer, The WYldlife Fund (The Fund) established a unique partnership with Table Mountain Outfitters (TMO), a full-time guided hunting service based out of Cheyenne. The new program created opportunities for youth, women, and wounded warriors to experience hunting and the numerous steps that go into planning and executing a hunt. This initiative serves as […]
Inspire a Kid Camps 2023
Wow, it has been a busy year for The WYldlife Fund! Busy is good, right? We like to think so! We have a lot to catch our supporters up on, and we’d like to begin by filling you in on our second summer of Inspire a Kid Camp, which was, in short, INCREDIBLE. The WYldlife […]
WYldlife for Tomorrow
U.S. Highway 26 Wildlife Crossings
U.S.-26 from mileposts 48-73 has been identified as a priority in the state to address Wildlife Vehicle Collisions.
Moose Fund makes another incredible investment for Wyoming’s wildlife
Moose Fund Invests in Cody Regional Office Beaver Holding Facility The Moose Fund is a restricted line item within The WYldlife Fund created by Mary Rumsey. To learn more about investing in this fund please reach out to us today! Beavers and moose have overlapping habitats, and Mary Rumsey of Meeteeste loves moose. With this […]
WYldlife For Tomorrow Job Posting
Job Posting The WYldlife Fund’s (The Fund) signature program WYldlife for Tomorrow (WFT) is complimenting the conservation funding paradigm with a new funding mechanism that allows businesses that depend on wildlife and Wyoming lands to contribute to a sustainable future for wildlife – and ourselves. Title: Program Director (PD), WFT Position structure (contractual or […]
The WYld Room: A First-of-its-Kind Partnership with the Riviera Motor Lodge
The idea started just a couple of years ago at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality and Tourism Conference in Cheyenne. Kim Hytrek, General Manager of the Riviera Motor Lodge, stumbled upon the booth for WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund – and struck up a conversation with President Chris McBarnes. After […]
The WYldlife Fund launches initiative, awards first grants to support landowner stewardship, migration corridors
The Pooled Migration Fund serves as a catalyst to significant federal investments in Wyoming The WYldlife Fund, a nonprofit partner of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, announced the first recipients of grant funding from its new Pooled Migration Fund. The grant funding is intended to enhance voluntary conservation of private, working lands and Tribal lands within […]
Supporting The Absaroka Fence Initiative
The WYldlife Fund has been delighted to partner and support the Absaroka Fence Initiative. Working in cooperation with willing landowners and land managers, Absaroka Fence Initiative aims to ensure fences are functional for livestock management and wildlife movement across the landscape through on the ground projects, public workdays and outreach to the community.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Jackson Elk Collaring Project
Elk are a primary prey species for grizzly bears and wolves, two animals that are highly sought after for wildlife-viewing and ecotourism in the Jackson area. Elk also provide hunters with a sustainable food source and outdoor experience, as well as support local hunting outfitters, hotels, and other businesses during the fall.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Kelly Hayfield Sagebrush Restoration
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) protects large expanses of high elevation, mesic sagebrush-steppe grasslands that support many species of mammals and birds. These resources also connect similar habitats in a large portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Lower Snake River Ranch Stabilization
At the downstream end of the Snake River levee system, the Snake River is especially dynamic due to heightened erosive forces from the levee’s straightening and channelization and lack of access to its floodplain.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Sagebrush Habitat Restoration
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) protects large expanses of high elevation, mesic sagebrush-steppe grasslands that support many species of mammals and birds.
A Brief Yet Impactful Month at WYldlife for Tomorrow
Despite its brevity of just 28 days, February has proven to be an incredibly busy and impactful month for WYldlife for Tomorrow, a program of The WYldlife Fund. After a successful weekend at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality & Tourism Convention in Cheyenne at the end of January, we dove into a month filled with fundraising, […]
Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow
The WYldlife Fund is proud to stand beside our good friends and owner of Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures Taylor Phillips in the creation and launch of Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow. Wildlife Tourism for Tomorrow is Taylor's vision and inspires businesses and individuals who depend upon Wyoming's Wildlife to help fund on-the ground projects that make...
Boot Cleaning Stations Laramie Region of the Wyoming Game & Fish
The WYldlife Fund is proud and determined to invest in aquatic habitat just as much as terrestrial habitat. In late 2020, The WYldlife Fund provided a $1,250 to the Laramie Region of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
NextEra Energy Resources Invests in Wyoming Migration Corridors
NextEra Energy Resources Commits $50,000 to The WYldlife Fund in Support of Big Game Migration Corridors The WYldlife Fund is proud to announce a $50,000 contribution to the Pooled Migration Fund from the NextEra Energy Foundation, the charitable arm of NextEra Energy Resources, to focus on implementing wildlife-friendly projects. The Pooled Migration Fund is […]
WYDOT receives $24.3 million federal grant for Kemmerer wildlife crossing project
We have some exciting news to share in the world of wildlife crossings! But first, a bit of background: According to Dr. Corinna Riginos of The Nature Conservancy, the annual number of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) continues to rise over time, with a current five-year average of 7,656 animals per year. The vast majority of these […]
The Pooled Migration Fund: A Commitment to Wyoming’s Wildlife
The WYldlife Fund, in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), is dedicated to the conservation of Wyoming’s wildlife and their habitats. Through the Pooled Migration Fund (PMF), this collaborative effort unites various stakeholders to protect and enhance the migratory habitats of Wyoming’s big game species. By leveraging resources from diverse Farm Bill […]
Kemmerer HWY 189 Wildlife Crossing
The forthcoming economic development opportunities in this region, and resulting increase in motor vehicle traffic, has made it imperative that we work together to complete the Kemmerer Highway 189 Wildlife Crossing Project in order to protect human lives and save wildlife.
Announcing The Pronghorn Fund: Safeguarding Wyoming’s Iconic Wildlife Legacy
Pronghorn, often referred to as the crown jewel of Wyoming’s wildlife, symbolize the state’s unique natural heritage. Their graceful presence has captivated generations, embodying the spirit of the untamed West. Wyoming has the largest intact pronghorn herds in North America. In the wake of the massive winter die-off of 2022-23, coupled with habitat loss and […]
Inspire a Kid Camp
From June 22nd-28th, 2022 The WYldlife Fund was honored to host the first annual Inspire a Kid Camp at the Little Jennie Ranch in Bondurant.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Moose Fund: Cody Regional Office Beaver Holding Facility
Beavers can drastically alter river ecosystems by impounding water through dam construction, which can greatly benefit habitat.
Building on success: WYldlife for Tomorrow’s vision for the new year
As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that WYldlife for Tomorrow, a program of The WYldlife Fund, has made significant strides toward achieving its mission. With a dedicated team, growing visibility, and expanding partnerships, we are excited to leverage this momentum and build on the successes of the past year. As we approach 2025, […]
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Sage Grouse Fence Inventory
Through our signature program Wildlife Tourism For Tomorrow we were honored to support important sage-grouse fence inventory work through our good friends at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Torrey Rim Prescribed Fire
The Whiskey Mountain herd was once the largest wintering herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the US, but in the early ‘90s, a catastrophic pneumonia-related die-off occurred and reduced the population from approximately 2,000 individuals to ~630 individuals in 2005.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Responsible Winter Wildlife Viewing
Tips and Techniques for Responsible Winter Wildlife Viewing Winter presents a unique challenge for all of us, with its short days and biting cold temperatures posing a seasonal obstacle unlike any other. While we can rely on store-bought adaptations to help us through, our wildlife coinhabitants in Wyoming aren’t so fortunate. Day after day, animals […]
WYldlife for Tomorrow
New Fork River Restoration
The New Fork River is one of the most popular river fisheries in western Wyoming, emerging from the Wind River Mountains and flowing generally south for approximately 70 miles before reaaching its confluence with the Green River.
Partnership to Conserve Big Game Habitat in Wyoming
December 31st, 2024 The Pooled Migration Fund and USDA-State of Wyoming Big Game Program in Wyoming 2024_Partnership_to_Conserve_Big Game Habitat As we close out the year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significant progress made for big game conservation in key migration corridors across Wyoming. This achievement is thanks to the USDA-State […]
2023 Inspire a Kid Camp
The Inspire a Kid Camp hosted at the Little Jennie Ranch in Bondurant, Wyoming aims to be a transformative and one of kind, wilderness experience for young men and women.
Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing Project
The Dry Piney area of US Highway 189 lies in critical winter range for the vibrant Wyoming Range Mule deer herd, which provides world-class hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities
University of Wyoming Recognizes Taylor Phillips – WYldlife Fund Board Member – with Conservation Award
In a state full of passionate conservationists and wildlife lovers, two were individually honored on the evening of Friday September 13th in Laramie. With the sun shining down on the University of Wyoming’s Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, supporters gathered inside to celebrate Charles Preston and Taylor Phillips as they each received recognition for their work […]
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Absaroka Fence Initiative
One group we are proud to stand behind is the Absaroka Fence Initiative (AFI). The WYldlife Fund acts as the fiscal sponsor of this collaborative and dynamic group who is performing incredible fence work in and around the Cody area.
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the WYldlife Fund Partner to Raise $2.7 Million for Wyoming’s Highway 26 Wildlife Crossing Project
The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the WYldlife Fund have teamed up to raise $2.7 million in donations to contribute to the non-federal, match requirement for the state’s application requesting more than $17 million in federal Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program dollars to keep people safe and wildlife alive along U.S. Highway 26 in Wyoming. This substantial […]
2023 Microgrant Recipients
The WYldlife Fund recognizes that not every important project in Wyoming requires a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this light, we also seek to fund smaller yet impactful projects and initiatives for the good of Wyoming’s wildlife. Every year, The WYldlife Fund awards microgrants to 501(c)3 organizations working to advance Wyoming’s wildlife, […]
Dubois US 26 Wildlife Crossing
This project around Dubois from Stoney Point to Dinwoody Creek (mileposts 48-73) meets a major need in keeping our wildlife and drivers on the go.
WYldlife for Tomorrow Continues to Grow with Addition of Program Director Breanna Ball
WYldlife for Tomorrow, a proud signature program of The WYldlife Fund, was started in 2021, and the program’s steady growth has continued since day one. Now, deep into its fourth year of operation, WYldlife for Tomorrow is thrilled to announce the onboarding of its first full-time, paid employee – Program Director Breanna Ball. Following a […]
South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area Dedicated with Partners and Local Officials.
In late July, The WYldlife Fund and WYldlife for Tomorrow gathered with partners, elected officials, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel to dedicate the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) Wetland Restoration and Enhancement Project south of Jackson, Wyoming. This project was one of the first to receive funding from WYldlife for Tomorrow, […]
Success for the Red Rim-Grizzly Wildlife Habitat Management Area
The WYldlife Fund was also proud to partner with our friends at the Williams Foundation to send $10,000 to the Red Rim Grizzly Wildlife Habitat Management Area to create wildlife friendly fencing.
Moose Fund: helping beavers is a WIN-WIN
Thanks to a generous gift by Mary and Charlie Rumsey of Meeteetse, WY we have established a fund which directly supports moose and the first investment from this fund supports beaver translocation and expansion across Wyoming.
The WYld Showdown Has Launched
The WYldlife Fund, Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, and University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources Team Up For WYld Showdown Beer Coaster Game Aims to Raise Money for Wildlife Conservation With the launch of the WYLD Showdown, consumers in breweries across Wyoming can participate in a bracket-style competition via a QR code […]
Maury Brown Kids Fishing Day
On June 4th, 2022 The WYldlife Fund partnered with Maury Brown and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to host the first Maury Brown Kids Fishing Day at the Iron Mountain Ranch outside of Cheyenne.
March Madness at WYldlife for Tomorrow!
March brought more than just NCAA tournament excitement this year – it was a thrilling month for WYldlife for Tomorrow as well, with events spanning much of Wyoming. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, each of these field days provided valuable opportunities to connect individuals and businesses with impactful conservation projects in the state. Take […]
WYldlife for Tomorrow
Spread Creek Fish Passage
The very first project funded in part by WYldlife For Tomorrow, a cutting edge initiative developed by Board Member Taylor Phillips, an initiative underneath the umbrella of The WYldlife Fund!
The Moose Fund: A Lifeline for Struggling Moose Populations
In the vast and rugged landscapes of Wyoming, where wildlife thrives amidst stunning natural beauty, moose populations are struggling. These majestic animals are facing challenges that threaten their existence, from habitat loss to warming temperatures. Fortunately, passionate individuals like Mary Rumsey are stepping up to ensure the survival of these iconic creatures through initiatives like […]
I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Wildlife Crossing
The WYldlife Fund (The Fund) embarked on its inaugural large-scale project, the I-25 Kaycee to Buffalo Wildlife Crossing Project, with a remarkable contribution exceeding $350,000. We are elated to share that the project has reached the impressive milestone of 60% completion, with an anticipated finish by fall of this year. Getting to see a project […]
Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation Trail Cameras
The WYldlife Fund provided our friends at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation with 16 trail cameras and associated supplies in early 2021! Specifically the JHWF will use our donation of trail cameras and supplies to improve and evaluate the work of their Wildlife Friendlier Fence and Give Wildlife a Brake programs.
WYldlife for Tomorrow
South Park Wetlands Enhancement
South Park WHMA is nestled along the Snake River south of Jackson. It provides wetland, riparian, and meadow habitat for a diverse suite of species, from songbirds and amphibians in the cottonwood galleries to shorebirds and waterfowl in the marshes.
DSC of Wyoming Contributes $41,000 to The Pronghorn Fund
Dallas Safari Club of Wyoming Contributes $41,000 to The Pronghorn Fund Hunting and Conservation Group Augments The WYldLife Fund’s Latest Initiative Casper, Wyoming, November 2024 — DSC of Wyoming, a 501(c)3 Wyoming nonprofit and chapter of the Dallas Safari Club, has added over forty thousand dollars to The Pronghorn Fund, a growing endowment inspired by […]
RECENT NEWS
Partnership to Conserve Big Game Habitat in Wyoming
December 31st, 2024 The Pooled Migration Fund and USDA-State of Wyoming Big Game Program in Wyoming 2024_Partnership_to_Conserve_Big Game Habitat As we close out the year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the significant progress made for big game conservation in key migration corridors across Wyoming. This achievement is thanks to the USDA-State […]
WELCOME TO THE KIDS CORNER
Where kids teach us about wildlife! Brought to you by The WYldlife Fund and Inspire a Kid.
