Blog Archives - The WYldlife Fund

Back on Tap: A Conservation Collaboration Returns!

Few things bring us more joy than raising a cold beer in support of conservation—and as of this April, we’re thrilled to have another brew to toast with again. Our longtime friends and partners at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery are back on board with WYldlife for Tomorrow, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue this meaningful collaboration!

A Bit About Altitude

Altitude Chophouse and Brewery has been a beloved Laramie staple since 1999, founded by Karen Robillard and Greg Smith with a vision of blending a relaxed Western vibe with elevated food and drink. Over the past 25 years, Altitude has earned dozens of local, regional, and national awards for its expertly crafted beers. With head brewer Sean Minichiello at the helm, Karen and her team have built a reputation for brewing clean, consistent, and creative beers—and now, once again, we can add conservation-minded to that list.

WYldlife for Tomorrow and Altitude

Our partnership with Altitude began in 2023, when Karen and Sean launched the WYld Amber Ale in honor of WYldlife for Tomorrow. The label, designed by University of Wyoming graduate student Inna Willis, marked the start of a creative collaboration that not only celebrated local talent but also deepened our connection with UW. In many ways, that first beer helped spark our growing series of cobranded conservation products—from coffee and ice cream to hotel rooms and, yes, more beer.

Fast forward two years, and we’re thrilled to build on that momentum with some familiar faces. On April 25th, Karen unveiled a brand-new conservation-minded brew: the WYld Blonde Ale. Sean is still leading the brewing efforts with the help of Assistant Brewer Jovi Inman, and Inna returned to design another stunning label—this time featuring a striking fox illustration. Light, crisp, and perfect for summer, the WYld Blonde Ale is a refreshing addition to our shared mission.

Drink Beer, Support Wildlife

If you missed the launch party, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the WYld Blonde Ale on tap or in a to-go crowler at Altitude Chophouse and Brewery in Laramie. Just like the WYld Amber Ale before it, $1 from every pint sold supports WYldlife for Tomorrow and our on-the-ground efforts to protect Wyoming’s wildlife and wild places.

So here’s to great beer, great people, and an even greater cause. Join us in raising a glass to this renewed partnership—and to the animals and landscapes that make Wyoming wild.

Unwired Documentary Highlights Collaboration as a Cornerstone of Conservation

For those following recent conservation successes in Wyoming, the Red Desert likely rings a bell.

At the heart of Wyoming’s legendary pronghorn migration route and home to vital winter range, the Red Desert has long captured the attention of biologists seeking to safeguard the future of this iconic species.

Last year marked a major conservation milestone for Wyoming’s pronghorn, and the University of Wyoming’s new documentary, Unwired—released on April 30—tells the story of how collaboration drove a groundbreaking achievement for the species.

For more than 70 years, biologists have documented the hardships pronghorn face during winter migration, especially in severe winters. Highways and fences pose major threats, with exclusionary fencing proving particularly deadly during brutal winter seasons like 2022–23.

The Sublette pronghorn herd lost 43% of its population – or roughly 4,000 animals – during that notably harsh winter. A major factor? Inaccessible winter habitat in the Red Desert due to fencing that blocks critical winter range. Unwired focuses on a partnership between local rancher Tom Chant and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to find a solution to allow for his ranch to fully operate while promoting pronghorn winter survival.

Last summer, boots hit the ground and shovels hit the dirt as a diverse coalition of partners worked side by side to remove exclusionary fencing and replace it with a wildlife-friendly alternative. These new fences allow pronghorn—poor jumpers—to crawl underneath, while still containing cattle and horses. In just 45 days, 23 miles of fencing were replaced, reconnecting 18,000 acres of prime winter range that had been inaccessible to pronghorn for 75 years.

This story, so beautifully outlined in Unwired, was largely funded by The Knobloch Family Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, and The WYldlife Fund. The short film itself – winner of The Best Film about Wyoming Award at the Wild and Working Lands Film Festival – can be viewed here.

While the 18,000 acres celebrated in Unwired is a huge success, at least 94,000 acres of critical habitat in the Red Desert remain inaccessible due to more than 50 miles of exclusionary fencing. WYldlife for Tomorrow and WYldlife Fund are actively raising support to continue this important work through the Red Desert Fence Initiative, with phase two set to begin this summer with the additional 15 miles of fence conversion.

Applications now open for the 2025 Inspire A Kid Camps at the Little Jennie Ranch

Generous contributions help to fund 23 miles of wildlife-friendly fencing in the Red Desert

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 of Wyoming’s Big Game Program and the support provided by our Pooled Migration Fund (PMF).

In October 2022, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed an agreement that uses diverse Farm Bill programs and state expertise and resources to support voluntary conservation of private working lands, Tribal lands, and migratory big game populations in Wyoming.

The program emphasizes a commitment to voluntary, incentive-based approaches; identifies and elevates the critical role of private, working lands; and stresses the importance of supporting state, Tribal, and landowners to advance their conservation priorities.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, BAND Foundation, The Volgenau Foundation, Wilburforce Foundation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Knobloch Family Foundation, NextEra Energy Foundation, and Dominion Energy have all made significant investments to establish and sustain the PMF. The PMF operates under The WYldlife Fund and aims to support and enhance the Big Game Program initiated by the USDA and the State of Wyoming.

The PMF has invested over $1.5 million to directly support the USDA-State of Wyoming Big Game Program. These investments have strengthened critical capacity-building roles with partner NGOs, facilitating connections between producers, Tribal partners, and conservation funding opportunities. Additionally, these funds have been used to implement impactful on-the-ground conservation projects, including invasive annual grass treatments and wildlife-friendly fence modifications.

The WYldlife Fund is excited to report significant progress through this program, with the PMF playing a key role in its successful implementation. Click the link below to learn more about the advancements made for Wyoming’s wildlife.

2024_Partnership_to_Conserve_Big Game 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, we are committed to setting ambitious goals that will help us continue to conserve Wyoming’s wildlife and their habitats. The beginning of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on our priorities, plan for the future, and renew our dedication to the conservation of Wyoming’s invaluable wildlife. Here’s a glimpse into our key goals for the year ahead!

Promote Sustainable Ecotourism

Wyoming’s wildlife brings in thousands of visitors each year — visitors who explore our parks, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, enjoy our recreation services and shop in our communities. The state’s economy depends on tourism, and tourism depends on our wildlife. In 2025, WYldlife for Tomorrow will continue to inspire businesses that rely on Wyoming’s natural beauty to invest in meaningful conservation initiatives. Our goal is to foster partnerships that encourage businesses to give back to the land and wildlife that support their success, ultimately promoting sustainable ecotourism practices that protect Wyoming’s wildlife for generations to come.

Strengthen Community Engagement

As we move into 2025, our team will continue to focus on building relationships with Wyoming businesses, communities, foundations and other conservation organizations to make a difference for wildlife. Together, we can create lasting, positive change for wildlife and help fund priority conservation projects across the state. Our work will focus on increasing awareness while ensuring that local communities and businesses have an avenue to become actively engaged in the process. When we unite as a state, we can amplify our impact and achieve real, tangible benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation.

Expand Representation Across the State

WYldlife for Tomorrow is a statewide initiative and, as such, we aim to ensure that all corners of Wyoming are represented in our efforts. Our wildlife is a shared resource, and everyone across the state has a stake in conservation. In 2025, we plan to broaden our outreach and aim to build more cobranded partnerships with local businesses. These partnerships will strengthen our program’s visibility and demonstrate how businesses, large and small, can benefit from supporting wildlife conservation efforts. If you know of a business in your area that could align with our mission, we invite you to get in touch. Together, we can forge new collaborations that will help cement WYldlife for Tomorrow as a statewide initiative.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2024, there is much to be thankful for at WYldlife for Tomorrow. However, our focus is always forward. With the new year on the horizon, we are excited to dive into the work that will help us reach our 2025 goals. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, donors, and community members, and we look forward to continuing this important journey together. Through collaboration and dedication, we will ensure that Wyoming’s wildlife and habitats remain healthy, thriving, and protected for generations to come.

Let’s make 2025 the year we take our efforts to new heights, together!

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 learning about the program’s mission to pair business and tourism partners with wildlife conservation efforts, Kim left the conference with one thought: “This is something I really want to do.”

A champion of new and innovative ideas, Kim saw the opportunity to help protect the state she loves while promoting local business. A partnership with WYldlife for Tomorrow felt like a no brainer.

The Birth of an Idea

Upon returning to Saratoga, Kim began brainstorming with Riviera Motor Lodge Owner John Evans about creative ways to support wildlife conservation through WYldlife for Tomorrow. Shortly thereafter, the idea for The WYld Room was born.

John wanted to showcase the seasons, landscape, and wildlife of the Platte Valley, and what better way to do so than with a mural in one of the Riviera Motor Lodge rooms? The idea quickly took shape, and Kim and John reached out to local artist Lori Kostur to bring it to life.

Lori, a Wyoming resident for over thirty years and a Saratoga local for the past decade, was the perfect fit. She was eager to accept the challenge: “Wyoming is all about the wildlife and the landscape. People come for that reason, and if you’re not promoting that or preserving it you’re going to lose it. It’s the most important thing we have going in Wyoming.

Execution of the Plan

The vision for The WYld Room was simple: create a mural that would cover an entire wall, celebrating Wyoming’s wildlife and natural beauty. After three weeks of hard work Lori’s stunning wildlife mural was complete, transforming the room into an immersive experience. Now, it’s all about bringing in the visitors. For Kim, “It’s important to create a transformational experience for the guests. They could walk into this room and stare at the mural all night.”

More than that, however, “It’s important to educate about natural resources. Of course we want to drive reservations and support funding for The WYldlife Fund as well,” says Hytrek.

Through this innovative partnership, guests who reserve The WYld Room at the Riviera Motor Lodge can feel good knowing that a percentage of their room fee will be donated to WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund – and directly support conservation efforts in Wyoming.

Chris McBarnes, President of The WYldlife Fund, is quick to acknowledge the significance of the partnership: “Businesses like the Riviera Motor Lodge stepping forward to support sustainable wildlife conservation is a really big deal.”

About the Riviera Motor Lodge

The Riviera Motor Lodge was purchased by the Evans family in 2022. Born and raised in Saratoga, the Evans siblings are passionate about showcasing everything this beautiful region of Wyoming has to offer. Since acquiring the property, they have been busy remodeling each of their 40 guest rooms with the final renovations scheduled for completion this winter. The WYld Room, which features a comfortable king bed and scenic views of the North Platte River, is one of many highlights of the newly refurbished lodge.

In addition to room upgrades, the Riviera has invested in one of its most popular features – the Riverfront Lawn. “As we’ve grown, we’ve come to learn that the backyard is one of guests’ most favorite parts of staying with us,” notes General Manager Kim Hytrek. Located on the banks of the North Platte River, the lawn is the perfect spot to host a wedding, event, or simply enjoy a sunset by the campfire. As an added bonus, complimentary bicycles and snowshoes are available for all guests to use during their stay.

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 the extraordinary contributions of Rich and Mary Guenzel.

“DSC of Wyoming board members Patrick Ginder and Jamie Moralez immediately understood the purpose and importance of The Pronghorn Fund,” says President Geoffrey Smith. “Our entire board agreed that the new endowment was a leap forward in further understanding, conservation, and support of this western icon.” “Moreover,” states Smith, “parent foundation The WYldLife Fund has wisely constructed The Pronghorn Fund as a restricted endowment. This means its resources will be focused on the Pronghorn, and administered to be a persistent asset for the species.”

The WYldLife Fund President Chris McBarnes comments, “The Pronghorn is a Wyoming crown jewel. We are sothankful for the trailblazers who have established and support The Pronghorn Fund.” Smith adds, “How often have we heard ‘just out for an antelope’? Turns out, the pronghorn isn’t actually an antelope, nor is it ‘just a’. I’ll save the surprise, but the reader will be a bit aghast when exploring the phrase ‘Pronghorn taxonomy’ through any Internet search.”

DSC of Wyoming is a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate and state chapter of Dallas Safari Club. The Mission of DSC of Wyoming is to advocate for hunting and fishing rights in the state of Wyoming, to support and encourage the engagement and education of youth, sportsmen and sportswomen, and to foster the conservation of our outdoor heritage for future generations.

To learn more about The Pronghorn Fund and how you can help support this iconic species in Wyoming, click here!

Wyoming summer camp tackles “brain drain” with nature

At the base of the Gros Ventre Mountains in western Wyoming, 17 boys recently spent a week immersed in nature, honing their outdoor skills and building leadership abilities. Part of the Inspire a Kid initiative, this free summer camp is designed for youth who might not otherwise have access to Wyoming’s wild spaces. Over the course of a week, campers engage in fly fishing, horseback riding, and even hauling hay bales—all while learning the importance of conservation.

For kids like 13-year-old Colten Christianson and 12-year-old Zach Cortez, the camp provides a thrilling blend of adventure and outdoor learning. Whether taking a dip in the icy sluice box to wake up or bonding over early-morning hot chocolate, their days are filled with teamwork and exploration. “It’s way better than coffee,” Cortez quips after an invigorating sluice shower.

But it’s not all fun and games. As the campers move hay bales or gather around the campfire, they also gain a deeper appreciation for Wyoming’s public lands, which cover more than half of the state. Many, like 15-year-old William Johnston from Newark, New Jersey, leave the camp with a newfound love for the outdoors—and some even consider future careers in conservation.

Chris McBarnes, who leads the camp, hopes this experience helps keep Wyoming’s youth connected to the state. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Wyoming needs the next generation of leaders to safeguard its natural beauty and tackle ongoing conservation challenges.

To listen to the full story or read a transcript of the story, please click here.

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 in supporting biodiversity conservation, appreciation, and understanding in The Cowboy State.

UW’s Biodiversity Institute proudly presented Phillips with the Contributions to Biodiversity Conservation Award in large part due to his work establishing WYldlife for Tomorrow – a signature program of The WYldlife Fund which, in turn, is the nonprofit partner to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Taylor started WYldlife for Tomorrow in 2021 with the goal of inspiring all that benefit from Wyoming’s recreation and travel and tourism economy – largely driven by the state’s public lands and abundant wildlife – to get involved in supporting wildlife conservation efforts statewide. To date, WYldlife For Tomorrow has raised more than $400,000 through private donations and business partnerships and collaborations. This money has gone on to support wildlife highway crossings, habitat restoration, and research through management by the WYldlife Fund and in support of Wyoming Game and Fish. As Phillips’ initiative continues to grow, state conservation and biodiversity research projects are sure to grow right along with it.

However, Taylor will be the first to tell you that this award would not be possible without the support of WYldlife For Tomorrow’s many generous donors. It takes a village to achieve ambitious statewide conservation goals, and the organization’s partners are an absolutely critical piece of the puzzle.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been selected for this award. The work of WYldlife For Tomorrow would not have been possible without all of the support that the program and I have received from across the state,” says Phillips. “I feel like we are just getting started with the work of developing an additional funding mechanism to support wildlife.”

The Biodiversity Science and Conservation Awards are meant to “honor Wyoming-ites who have changed the landscape of conservation biology and biodiversity science,” notes Brett Addis – Associate Director of UW’s Biodiversity Institute.

In choosing Phillips from a large pool of other nominees Addis adds that “Taylor stood out because his approach to conservation is so innovative. Blending tourism with conservation is not like anything we’ve seen or awarded before.”

Collaboration and innovation will surely be critical for the future of conservation in The Cowboy State. However, with the dedicated work being led by folks like Phillips – and support from donors and partners alike – the future looks bright for wild Wyoming.