News from Grand Canyon

Nov 1, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         

November 1, 2018     

Contact: Mindy Riesenberg

(928) 863-3878

mriesenberg@grandcanyon.org

                                                                                         

Grand Canyon Association Changes Name to Grand Canyon Conservancy

GRAND CANYON, ARIZ.—Grand Canyon Association, the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, has a new name—Grand Canyon Conservancy.

“The name Grand Canyon Conservancy is more closely aligned with our mission to inspire people to protect and enhance Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations,” said Susan Schroeder, Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO. “Our goal to inspire, educate, and protect remains the same, as does our commitment to the park and our supporters.” 

The name change coincides with the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park’s Centennial celebrations, which will take place throughout 2019.

As the park’s official nonprofit partner, Grand Canyon Conservancy raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. 

Grand Canyon Conservancy was founded in 1932 as the Grand Canyon Natural History Association by naturalist Edwin “Eddie” McKee. A Park Service ranger working on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, McKee saw the need for a park partner that would support interpretive programs and publications about the canyon, and from its beginnings the natural history association did just that, funding interpretive talks, research, and scientific papers. 

In October 1994, Grand Canyon Natural History Association changed its name to Grand Canyon Association, emphasizing an expanding list of services outside the realm of “natural history.”

Today, Grand Canyon Conservancy still serves its founding mission—and much more. Membership, book publishing, educational programming, a field institute, and philanthropy programs were added over the years. Each year, Grand Canyon Conservancy provides millions of dollars and countless service hours to support the priorities of Grand Canyon National Park. 

“Grand Canyon Conservancy looks forward to the next 100 years, working hand-in-hand with the park under our new name, preserving and protecting this canyon we love so much,” said Schroeder.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy (formerly Grand Canyon Association) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires people to protect and enhance Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org. 

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