The Snake River Gateways project was just one initiative the Grand Teton National Park Foundation made possible at Grand Teton National Park/Ryan Sheets

More than $6.3 million was invested in Grand Teton National Park during 2020 by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, with projects ranging from wildlife research to glacial monitoring and Snake River access improvements.

Last year marked the first year of a multi-year effort to improve access to the iconic Snake River. The project, Snake River Gateways, aims to transform three river access sites along the Snake River by improving the visitor experience, improving safety, restoring the resilience of riparian areas, improving infrastructure, and emphasizing accessibility for all.

During 2020 the Foundation also supported work to document the activities of six individual grizzly bears to better understand when, where, and how they interact with the park's environment and the human visitors. Mule deer also were tracked thanks to the Foundation, with more than 142,000 locations tracked from 66 deer with radio collars as they followed their migratory routes. The work is expected to provide insights to the species' migrations not only within Grand Teton National Park but across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Other projects supported by the Foundation included:

• Forty-one bear-resistant food storage boxes were installed in park campgrounds and picnic areas;
• Fifteen college students attended the National Park Service Academy at the park to understand potential careers with the agency;
• The Moulton Ranch Cabins in the Mormon Row Historic District were transferred to the park;
• Eleven glaciers were monitored for data relating to movement, ice loss, and potential future conditions under climate change, and;
• Grooming of 14 miles of Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hikers.

"The support of the Foundation has been incredible and critical in the park's efforts to enhance the visitor experience, ensure access for all, protect park resources, and promote employee well-being," wrote acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail in the Foundation's winter newsletter. "As we move forward through these challenging times, it is through cooperation and collaboration that we find success. I extend my sincere appreciation to all involved with the Foundation and the passion that you have for Grand Teton National Park."