2011 WNPA Annual Report

WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION

A N N U A L R E P O R T2011

OUR VISION

Western National Parks Association believes all humanity will find peace in spirit, cultural touch-stones, historical knowledge, and grace in nature through our national parks. WNPA will connect everyone—emotionally and intellectually—to the inherent value of national parks by offering bold innovation, providing real and virtual experi-ences, and effectively telling compelling park interpretive stories.

By the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service in 2016: • WNPA philanthropic dollars will significantly

enhance interpretation, education, and research in parks in new and impactful ways.

• WNPA’s national park stores will have “something for everyone”—a wide range of products that provide long-term meaning and connections to parks.

• WNPA will provide in-park experiences to nontraditional visitors, particularly urban and diverse youth, to create lifelong experiences and instill values that will be passed down through generations.

• WNPA investments in research will yield important results to parks and the National Park System as a whole.

In the spring of 2011, the WNPA board of directors met with National Park Service employees at John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. They are pictured here at the Vincente Martinez Adobe ranch house, built in 1849.

Cover: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado. In 2011 WNPA funded a project at the park that produced a geological map and assessment of the area burned by the Medano Fire of 2010.

Western National Parks Association

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FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS (2009–11), it has been my pleasure to serve as board chair of Western National Parks Association during a particularly important time in the organization’s history. Changes in leadership are always tricky, and when longtime Executive Director LeAnn Simpson decided to step down in the fall of 2010, there was understandable trepidation by both board and staff. But in the proud traditions of WNPA, everyone pulled together throughout the selection process, and James E. Cook was named executive director early in 2011.

Together, James, the board, the rest of the staff, and the regional leadership of the National Park Service faced budgetary challenges that this proud partner had never before faced. Despite such constraints, WNPA continued and built on many of its core activities supporting the association’s programs. I think you will find it a testimony to hard work and dedication—by staff, board, and our National Park Service partners.

In 2011 the association continued its cornerstone aid to national parks, providing more than $4.3 million in direct financial assistance, research grants, and in-kind donations (including information services and national park-store staff, professional publishing activities, and much more).

The association also published books and created educational products that were sold to park visitors and other national park enthusiasts, engaged communities through a wide variety of outreach activities, and operated more than eighty stores in its affiliated parks and home office in Tucson, Arizona.

For seventy-three years, WNPA has remained a steady, reliable, critically important partner of the National Park Service. The year 2011 saw the association move strongly forward under new leadership to strengthen this partnership while maintaining the long-term health of the organization. The future looks bright, indeed. And, like a proud parent, I applaud the results reported here.

— Karen Wade

LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

OUR MISSION

In partnership with the National Park Service since 1938, Western National Parks Association advances education, interpretation, research, and commu-nity engagement to ensure that national parks are increasingly valued by everyone.

Adopted May 20, 2012

ABOUT WNPA

Western National Parks Association is a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, with sixty-six affiliated sites throughout twelve western states. Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, the asso-ciation was founded in 1938 to support the interpre-tive activities of the National Park Service. In addition to developing educational products and publications, WNPA supports park research and helps fund pro-grams that make park visits more meaningful.

WNPA by the Numbers

7373-year partnership with the National

Park Service

6666 national parks supported by

WNPA

5757 parks at which WNPA provides the visitor center staff

1212 states in the WNPA network 8080 visitor centers

with WNPA stores 100$100+ thousand in free publications

provided

1.9$1.9 million in research aid provided 64$64 million

in park aid provided

2 WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION

5. Donations (ISA), w/ summary of why/what/how much WNPA donates, etc. (3–4 pages)A. BRVB living history event (talk to Valerie)B. BRVB art competition winnersC. BRVB Civil War symposiumD. SAGU cultural fair (info, no pics)E. FOSC candlelight tourF. Chaco cultural exchange? (info and pics)G. TUMA citizenship dayH. TUMAfiesta(pics,noinfo)I. PAIS sand sculpting (pics, email Chelsea for info)J. TUZI visitor center redone (info and pic)K. BANDfilmL. Separate side-bar list of performances, demonstrations, etc.

WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION has been committed to donating aid to our national parks since 1941, when the first donation was a modest $160. Today, aid totals $4.3 million a year, with a cumulative total of more than $64 million! For nearly eight decades, this aid has played an essential role in enhancing the experiences of park visitors by supporting the National Park Service (NPS) in educational, interpretive, research, and publication activities at each of our sixty-six affili-ated sites.

An essential part of WNPA’s mission is to provide funding for the scope of activities that NPS employ-ees would like to offer park visitors, since federal funding is not always enough. Proceeds from sales at our national park stores in park visitor centers and at our home-office store in Tucson are the foundation for this support, as well as contributions through various in-kind activities.

Read on to learn about the abundance of diverse activities that WNPA’s support provided to park visitors during 2011.

Funding for Parks

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Guitarist Felipe Ruibal and double-bass player Luis Guerra performed soothing Latin songs at White Sands National Monument’s Full Moon Nights.

WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT Full Moon Nights

White Sands National Monument hosted Full Moon Nights from May through October 2011. Once a month, the park offered a variety of free events to park visitors, ranging from regional music to ranger-guided tours of the monument to tales of historical figures who once lived in the area.

FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 30th Annual Candlelight Tour

Held the first full weekend in December, this year’s Candlelight Tour was in commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

The light of 700 candle lanterns set the scene for breathtaking historical reenactments.

CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK International Indigenous Cultural Exchange

In August 2011 a group of indigenous Maya youths from Yucatán, Mexico, and Laguna Pueblo youths from New Mexico participated in a weeklong

field study and cultural exchange at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.


ADDITIONAL WNPA DONATIONS

• ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES NM—Audio/visual media system for visitor center

• BANDELIER NM—Student Conservation Association interns• BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NP—Film re-editing

• BENT’S OLD FORT NHS—Period appropriate food and sup-plies for Living History Encampment demonstrators

• BROWN V. BOARD NHS—Art competition prizes; Civil War symposium

• CAPULIN VOLCANO NM—Library bookcases• CASA GRANDE RUINS NM—American Indian Arts and Music Fest

• CHANNEL ISLANDS NP—World Ocean Day storyteller• FORT DAVIS NHS—Photo contest prizes • GREAT SAND DUNES NPP—Geological mapping and assessment of area burned by 2010 fire

• LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NM—Archeology field survey

• NICODEMUS NHS—Buffalo Soldier reenactors• PADRE ISLAND NS—Sand-sculpting classes• PETROGLYPH NM—High-definition video footage of “steaming” volcanoes

• SAGUARO NP—American Indian Heritage Cultural Fair• SALINAS PUEBLO MISSIONS NM—Visitor center mural designed by artists in the community

• SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NHP—Archeology Day; economic impact study that determined visitor use and potential expansion of park boundary and programming

• TUMACÁCORI NHP—La Fiesta de Tumacácori; Citizenship Day

• WALNUT CANYON NM—R. Carlos Nakai performance

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Forging Freedom’s Pathway—Living History Walks

On June 11, 2011, park visitors participated in living history walks from Ritchie House to Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, highlighting the evolving views of race and freedom that developed in Kansas. The walks featured the Lecompton Reenactors and National Park Service rangers portraying historical characters.

LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Frontier Life Days

Frontier Life Days is held each October in Johnson City at the Johnson Settlement, the 1860s home of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s grandparents. The pro-gram began in 2006 as a two-day educational program to complement the park’s already popular Farm and Ranch program.

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BENT’S OLD FORT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE La Junta, CO, 1833–49 Became NPS unit in 1960, WNPA affiliate in 1963

William and Charles Bent and Ceran St. Vrain built Bent’s Old Fort to trade with Plains Indians and trap-pers. For years, the fort was the only major perma-nent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail. The fort was a staging area during the war with Mexico.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/BEOL

FORT BOWIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Bowie, AZ, 1862–94 Became NPS unit in 1964, WNPA affiliate in 1970

Fort Bowie commemorates the twenty-year conflict between Chiricahua Apaches and the U.S. military, paving the way for settlement of the Southwest by non-Indians. Geronimo and a small band of followers drew the attention of Fort Bowie troops.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/FOBO

FORT DAVIS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Fort Davis, TX, 1854–91 Became NPS unit in 1961, WNPA affiliate in 1965

The military outpost originally provided protection from Indians to travelers on the San Antonio–El Paso Road. With the outbreak of the Civil War and Texas’s secession from the Union, Confederate troops occu-pied the fort until Union forces retook it in 1862.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/FODA

FORT LARNED NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Larned, KS, 1859–78 Became NPS unit in 1964, WNPA affiliate in 1971

In 1859, Camp Alert—later moved and renamed Fort Larned—was built to provide protection and escort service along the Santa Fe Trail. The fort was a key post in the wars with American Indian tribes.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/FOLS

FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Fort Scott, KS, 1842–53 Became NPS unit in 1978, WNPA affiliate in 1979

Fort Scott was established in 1842, and soon became involved in events that would lead to momentous spurts of growth and expansion for the young nation. Tensions over slavery led to the Civil War, and Fort Scott was a key post during that conflict.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/FOSC

FORT UNION NATIONAL MONUMENT Watrous, NM, 1851–91 Became NPS unit in 1954, WNPA affiliate in 1963

Fort Union was established as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. It became the largest fort in the South-west and functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and supply depot.

• For more information, visit www.nps.gov/FOUN

A Family of FortsSix of WNPA’s affiliated national parks were established in the mid-1800s as western frontier forts in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Kansas. The forts were essential during the nation’s war with Mexico, Civil War, and wars with American Indian tribes.

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E:


ResearchWESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION proudly supports scientific research in our national parks with grants awarded to qualified individuals and institutions. The funds are used to support a wide range of research projects that have helped create a better understanding of our parks, including the natural resources, the culture and heritage of the people who once lived there, and the social, economic, and political history of the sites. In 2011, research grants for new projects totaled $52,329. WNPA also supported thirty continuing projects awarded in previous years, many of which were completed in 2011.

GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARKResearchers from Ohio State University (Bryan Mark, David Porinchu, and Jason Box) are conducting research at Great Basin National Park into the sources of high levels of contaminants, such as DDT and mercury.

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EL MALPAIS NATIONAL MONUMENTMany of the lava tubes and caves at El Malpais National Monument support bats. Unfortunately, the lava tube and cave climates also furnish the ideal conditions for White Nose Syndrome. This highly contagious disease, first discovered in 2006 in New York, has spread across seventeen states and killed at least 5.5 million bats. Dr. Diana E. Northup and Debbie Buecher, of Buecher Biological Consulting, are conducting research in an effort to understand which species of bats are at greatest risk of contract-ing the syndrome.

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARKFour graduate students from the University of Arizona received funding to conduct research during the 2011 BioBlitz at Saguaro National Park, an event that allowed scientists, students, and citizens the opportunity to participate in a twenty-four-hour inventory of the flora and fauna of the desert park. The students led programs related to fungi, passerine birds, beetles, and saguaro cacti.

ADDITIONAL WNPA-FUNDED RESEARCH

• AZTEC RUINS NM—Ceramic provenance and raw materials study

• BANDELIER NM—Study of ancestral Puebloan agricultural fields

• BIGHORN CANYON NRA—Developing cultural interpretations of prehistoric tipi rings and Native domestic life

• CHANNEL ISLANDS NP—Lone Woman historical research for “connecting youth to national parks via award-winning children’s literature”

• EL MALPAIS NM—Study of the age, history, and composition of “pygmy” forests

• LYNDON B. JOHNSON NHP—Research into the resonance with visitors of park educational programming

• MONTEZUMA CASTLE NM—Removal of nonnative slider turtles and effects on native Sonora mud turtles at Montezuma Well

• NAVAJO NM—Footprints of the Ancestors: community-based research at Keet Seel

• PINNACLES NM—Lead exposure-monitoring in California condors

• SAGUARO NP—Effects of buffelgrass invasion on habitat use of desert tortoises

• SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NRA—Water sources of Santa Monica Mountains streams and creeks

• SONORAN DESERT NETWORK—Pilot project in mentoring for improved science communication in national parks

• TIMPANOGOS CAVE NM—Monitoring cave climate changes

• WHITE SANDS NM—Assessment of moths and discovery of new species


Publications & EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS

Top: The Juan Bautista de Anza trail guide is available in both English and Spanish.

Bottom left: Frequently Asked Questions About Bats is the newest addition to our FAQ series.

Bottom right: Tumacácori National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger booklet was the first published by WNPA with full-color illustrations.

WNPA has been publishing books and producing other educational products since

the association’s founding in 1938. In cooperation with the National Park Service,

WNPA also publishes numerous free publications distributed in parks and online.

OUR MOST ANTICIPATED PUBLICATION in 2011 was Frequently Asked Questions About Bats by Rose Houk. WNPA also produced three trail guides—the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass Trail Guide for Pecos National Historical Park, and English and Spanish language versions of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in Arizona. The association also released two DVDs—Sky Island, an award-winning film about the mountains, canyons, and mesas of the high Pajarito Plateau in Bandelier National Monument; and Treasure in the Sea for Channel Islands National Park.

Civil War reenactors marched at the 2009 dedication of the Glorieta Pass battle site at Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico. WNPA released a trail guide to the battle site in 2011.

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In 2011 we redoubled our efforts to add many more American-made items to our store lines. Deneen Pottery crafted handmade mugs for twenty of our parks. T-shirts and sweatshirts from Earth Sun Moon Trading Company’s Advice from Nature line have broadened our shirt offerings. And collapsible hats from Henschel Manufacturing Company help keep visitors cool.

We continue to expand on our popular Junior Ranger products, which make up our biggest sales category and accounted for a large portion of an overall 34% increase in 2011 wholesale sales.

In addition to providing over $100,000 for printing free publica-tions in 2011, WNPA worked collaboratively with the NPS to create many of these non-sales items, including park newspapers, site bulletins, periodicals, trail guides, translations, and brochures. WNPA also produced new Junior Ranger booklets for several of our parks, including Coronado National Memorial, Tumacácori National Historical Park, and Fort Davis National Historic Site.

WNPA publications and products were exhibited at select trade shows and events, including the third annual Tucson Festival of Books. In addition to our expansive National Parks Store tent at the festival, WNPA hosted twenty affiliate national parks’ booths in our National Park Pavilion.

VISIT WWW.WNPA.ORG TO PURCHASE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS ONLINE.

A Junior Ranger shows off his new vest.

Above: Treasure in the Sea, an official film about Channel Islands National Park, includes this aerial view of one of the islands.

Left: The DVD Sky Island about Bandelier National Monument was released in 2011.

Deneen Pottery handcrafted mugs for twenty affiliated parks.

1 0 WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION

WNPA’S NATIONAL PARK STORES hosted

a variety of events throughout the year.

Events and programs enable outreach to

a wide audience, provide positive and

informative experiences to visitors, and

ultimately deepen the public’s connection

to our national parks. Our home office

in Tucson offers events nearly every

Wednesday and Saturday, almost all of

which are free to the public and attract

over 10,000 attendees annually. Our

revenue-generating events help support

research and education in our sixty-six

affiliated national parks.

Chief of Interpretation Andy Fisher shared animal bones with children at Saguaro National Park’s “Touch Table” at the third annual Tucson Festival of Books.

Connecting People to Parks

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NATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTSIn 2011 WNPA hosted a myriad of shows and sales featuring native arts and crafts. Pottery from Mata Ortiz, Mexico, was featured at one of our most popular events and included demonstrations and live firings throughout the day by three of the fin-est Mata Ortiz potters: Jorge Quintana, Damian Quezada, and Diego Valles. Other shows included Zuni fetishes and carvings, Navajo rugs from Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, native basketry, Huichol beaded art, Oaxacan wood carvings, and Tarahumara and Mayo Indian art.

BASKETMAKING WORKSHOPS WNPA offered two highly successful basketmaking workshops in 2011. Tohono O’odham artists Della and Frederick Cruz taught about the plants, materials, tools, designs, techniques, and traditions of American Indian basketry. Participants spent a full day learning how to make their own Tohono O’odham–style basket.

TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKSThe third annual Tucson Festival of Books attracted nearly 100,000 people in 2011. WNPA sponsored the National Parks Pavilion, which was a highlight of the two-day festival and featured twenty national parks from throughout the western United States. NPS rangers offered interpretive materials and a plethora of hands-on activities for kids. In addition, the pavilion included an event tent and our National Parks Store with WNPA publications and products for sale.

CONCERTS AND FILMSThroughout 2011 WNPA hosted numerous concerts and free film screenings. Our Kiva Gallery was at capacity for films including Sky Island (the official film of Bandelier National Monument) and The Sun Dagger (narrated by Robert Redford), as well as for concerts featuring classical guitarists Michael Lich and Tabajara Belo, historic music of the West by Mark Gardner and Rex Rideout, and American Indian flutist and cultural storyteller Gary Stroutsos.

KIVA GALLERY Our auditorium, where our home-office events take place, doubles as an art gallery. Throughout 2011 the Kiva Gallery featured monthly rotating exhibits by varied southwestern artists including photography by Jack Dykinga, western art by Don Weber, and paintings by Dick Myers.

Artist and instructor Della Cruz helps a basketmaking workshop participant.

Mata Ortiz pottery was featured at popular events.

Mark Gardner and Rex Rideout performed at a sold-out show in our Kiva Gallery.


Affiliated Parks

Alibates Flint Quarries National MonumentFlint, Texas

Aztec Ruins National MonumentAztec, New Mexico

Bandelier National MonumentLos Alamos, New Mexico

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic SiteLa Junta, Colorado

Big Thicket National PreserveKountze, Texas

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation AreaNorth District: Fort Smith, MontanaSouth District: Lovell, Wyoming

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National ParkMontrose, Colorado

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic SiteTopeka, Kansas

Canyon de Chelly National MonumentChinle, Arizona

Capulin Volcano National MonumentCapulin, New Mexico

Casa Grande Ruins National MonumentCoolidge, Arizona

Chaco Culture National Historical ParkNageezi, New Mexico

Chamizal National MemorialEl Paso, Texas

Channel Islands National ParkVentura, California

Chickasaw National Recreation AreaSulphur, Oklahoma

Chiricahua National MonumentWillcox, Arizona

Coronado National MemorialHereford, Arizona

Curecanti National Recreation AreaGunnison, Colorado

El Malpais National MonumentGrants, New Mexico

El Morro National MonumentRamah, New Mexico

Eugene O’Neill National Historic SiteDanville, California

Ft. Bowie National Historic SiteBowie, Arizona

Ft. Davis National Historic SiteFt. Davis, Texas

Ft. Larned National Historic SiteLarned, Kansas

Ft. Scott National Historic SiteFt. Scott, Kansas

Ft. Union National MonumentWatrous, New Mexico

Gila Cliff Dwellings National MonumentSilver City, New Mexico

Golden Spike National Historic SiteBrigham City, Utah

Great Basin National ParkBaker, Nevada

Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveMosca, Colorado

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic SiteGanado, Arizona

John Muir National Historic SiteMartinez, California

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailOakland, California

Lake Mead National Recreation AreaBoulder City, Nevada

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Lake Meredith National Recreation AreaFritch, Texas

Lewis and Clark National Historic TrailOmaha, Nebraska

Little Bighorn Battlefield National MonumentCrow Agency, Montana

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical ParkJohnson City, Texas

Mojave National PreserveBarstow, California

Montezuma Castle National MonumentCamp Verde, Arizona

Navajo National MonumentTonalea, Arizona

Nicodemus National Historic SiteNicodemus, Kansas

Northwest New Mexico Visitor CenterGrants, New Mexico

Organ Pipe Cactus National MonumentAjo, Arizona

Padre Island National SeashoreCorpus Christi, Texas

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical ParkBrownsville, Texas

Pecos National Historical ParkPecos, New Mexico

Petroglyph National MonumentAlbuquerque, New Mexico

Pinnacles National MonumentPaicines, California

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National MemorialDanville, California

Saguaro National ParkTucson, Arizona

Salinas Pueblo Missions National MonumentMountainair, New Mexico

San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkSan Antonio, Texas

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic SiteEads, Colorado

Santa Fe National Historic TrailSanta Fe, New Mexico

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaThousand Oaks, California

Southern Arizona OfficePhoenix, Arizona

Sunset Crater National MonumentFlagstaff, Arizona

Timpanogos Cave National MonumentAmerican Fork, Utah

Tonto National Monument Roosevelt, Arizona

Trail of Tears National Historic TrailSanta Fe, New Mexico

Tumacácori National Historical ParkTumacácori, Arizona

Tuzigoot National MonumentClarkdale, Arizona

Walnut Canyon National MonumentFlagstaff, Arizona

Washita Battlefield National Historic SiteCheyenne, Oklahoma

Whiskeytown National Recreation AreaWhiskeytown, California

White Sands National MonumentAlamogordo, New Mexico

Wupatki National MonumentFlagstaff, Arizona

A ranger at Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Monument stands before the remains of a dock where two ships carrying more than 5,000 tons of TNT exploded in 1944, killing 320 men.

Mexican folklorico dancers performed at La Fiesta de Tumacácori at Tumacácori National Historical Park

The LBJ presidential airplane is on permanent display in the hangar at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, seen here with Ranger Cindy Jacoby.

Ruby Hubbard is a master weaver at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.


EMIL W. HAURY AWARD

David Grant Noble, noted author and photographer, was honored with WNPA’s Emil W. Haury Award at the annual Board of Directors reception in Denver. He is the author of several books, including In the Places of the Spirits, 101 Questions About Ancient Indians of the Southwest (published by WNPA), and In Search of Chaco. The Haury Award, which honors outstanding scientific research and efforts that create a greater understanding of public lands, is named for Emil W. Haury, the University of Arizona anthropologist and archeolo-gist instrumental in the founding of the Southwest Monuments Association, now known as WNPA.

NEW AWARD UNVEILED

In 2011 WNPA announced the creation of the Stewart L. Udall Award, which recog-nizes conservationists—including authors, photographers, artists, and publishers—who have made outstanding contribu-tions to publications about America’s national parks. The award is named for former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Congressman Stewart Udall, who served on the WNPA board and cowrote In Coronado’s Footsteps, published by WNPA in 1991.

Accolades

David Grant Noble received WNPA’s Emil W. Haury Award.

Above: Stewart L. Udall, former secretary of the interior and later WNPA board member, left, and Emil W. Haury, noted archeologist and member of WNPA’s first board, at a 1991 signing for their book, In Coronado’s Footsteps, which they co-authored for the association.

David Laird served two consecutive five-year terms on WNPA’s board of directors from 1993 to 2002, and a third term beginning in 2008 ending with his retirement in 2011. David served as a member of the Publications Committee and, during the

last year of his second term, served as the committee’s chair.

Derek Gallagher, WNPA director of publications, retired in June 2011 after fifteen years with the association. He oversaw the publishing of dozens of books and trail guides for retail, and hundreds of free publications for WNPA-affiliated parks.

Carla Van West retired from WNPA’s board of directors in 2011. She served two consecutive five-year terms and was reelected for a third term in 2007. During her board tenure, Carla served on the Nominations, Strategic Planning, and Per-formance Review committees. She is pictured here receiving a special achievement award from Executive Director James E. Cook at the Denver board meeting.

After a nationwide search by WNPA’s board of directors, James E. Cook was appointed executive director in 2011. James was the obvious choice to lead the association through a period of significant change. He has many years of experience in nonprofits, proven management skills, and a love of our national parks. He is enthusiastic about finding new and creative ways to support the National Park Service, and his face-to-face contact with NPS staff has strengthened our association’s connections with the parks we serve.

LeAnn Simpson retired as executive director after seven years at the WNPA helm. During her time with the association, she was instrumental in guiding us

through a period of expansion and, most recently, a time of economic challenges. Her support of education, research, and interpretation in our

national parks was valued by all and evident in her many achievements.

WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY and commitment of our many volunteers and members, WNPA would not be able to achieve its core mission of ensuring that our national parks are increasingly valued by everyone. In 2013 WNPA will celebrate its 75th anniversary. We have thrived for so long thanks to the plentiful contributions of our supporters.

Our volunteers inspire us daily. Your donation of service is an enormous resource and plays a key role in making our accomplishments possible.

Our members remind us why this proud organization was formed. Your passion to protect and preserve our national parks is at the core of all our endeavors.

We are tremendously grateful and forever indebted to everyone who has helped this organization support our national parks.

If you’re interested in becoming a member or volunteering, please call (800) 910-9672, or send an email to [email protected]. Download a volunteer application at www.wnpa.org/volunteer_app.pdf, or contact our human resources manager at [email protected].

Manfred (Manny) Fleischer 1933–2011

Manny Fleischer was one of the first to volunteer at West-ern National Parks Association’s new headquarters when it opened in Oro Valley in 2002. At the time of his death in August 2011, he had volun-teered nearly 2,000 hours, working first in the warehouse and then in Publications. He was retired from Columbia House Records where he supervised that com-pany’s nationwide shipping operations, skills put to good use at WNPA. So much was he valued at WNPA that he was nominated for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for 2006, receiving a letter and certificate from Governor Janet Napolitano noting Manny’s “dedication to community and special spirit of service.” He leaves behind many friends among the staff and volunteers at WNPA.

Thank You!

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STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS Year Ended September 30, 2011

CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS Revenues and support: Sales $9,258,436 Less: cost of goods sold (4,878,680)

Gross profit 4,379,756

Contributions 4,366 Investment income (loss) 125,854 Memberships 59,279 Creative services 84,320 Other revenue 4,288

Total revenues and support 4,657,863

Expenses: Personnel expenses 3,414,335 General and administrative 543,450 Selling expenses 360,611 Depreciation expense 114,814 Creative services expenses 72,320 Donations to National Park Service 720,553

Total expenses 5,226,083

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS (568,220)

NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 9,392,371

NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $8,824,151

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION September 30, 2011

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,308,205 Investments 1,212,627 Accounts receivable, net 92,065 Inventories 4,493,884 Prepaid expenses and other assets 50,909 Property and equipment, net 2,122,647

TOTAL ASSETS $9,280,337

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

LIABILITIES Accounts payable 146,282 Accrued expenses 238,021 Amounts due others 71,883

Total liabilities 456,186

NET ASSETS—UNRESTRICTED Property and equipment 2,122,647 Board designated for future donations 759,806 Available for operations 5,941,698

Total net assets 8,824,151

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $9,280,337

2011 AID TO THE PARKS: $4,337,163 99% OF GROSS PROFIT ON SALES

Operating activities attributable to aid 3,616,610Interpretive programs 582,278Research 56,348Pre-publication/production expenses 35,363Other 32,530 Free publications 14,034

2011 Financial Summary

Karen Wade, Chairman National Park Service, Retired Fortine, Montana

James Brooks, Vice Chair President and CEO, School for Advanced Research Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nancy Laney, Secretary/Treasurer Executive Director,Tucson Botanical Gardens, Retired Castle Hill, North Carolina

Christine Szuter, Advisor 2007–2009 Board Chair Director & Professor of Practice, Scholarly Publishing Certificate Program, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona

Edward B. Danson, Director Emeritus

Marilyn Alkire Attorney (non-practicing) Castle Rock, Colorado

Bill Broyles Author/research associate, University of Arizona’s Southwest Center High school teacher, Retired Tucson, Arizona

Jeffrey Froke Environmental consultantCo-founder, Santa Lucia Conservancy Pebble Beach, California

Eugene Gieseler Attorney, Duffield Young Adamson & Alfred, P.C., Retired Tucson, Arizona

David Laird Owner, rare-books website Director of University of Arizona Library, Retired Tucson, Arizona

Edna Romero Potter School administrator, Retired Taos, New Mexico

Bill Shaw Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Science, University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona

Kim SikoryakChief of Interpretation and Education, National Park Service, Retired Golden, Colorado

Sue Sirkus Senior Philanthropy Officer, The Nature Conservancy of Arizona Tucson, Arizona

Carla Van West Director of Preservation Research, SRI Foundation Rio Rancho, New Mexico

WESTERN NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION 2010–11 Board of Directors

WNPA BOARD COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS FOR 2011

James E. Cook, Executive Director (as of January 2011)

LeAnn Simpson, Executive Director (Retired January 2011)

Scott Aldridge, Chief Operations Officer

Nancy Kroell, Human Resources Manager

Katie Walter, Director of Human Resources

Chris Anderson, Director of Marketing

Derek Gallagher, Director of Publications (Retired June 2011)

Dana Garza, Chief Financial Officer

2010–11 HOME OFFICE SENIOR STAFF

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEKaren Wade, ChairmanJames Brooks, Vice ChairNancy Laney, Secretary/TreasurerChristine Szuter, Advisor 2007–2009 Board ChairJames E. Cook, Executive Director (nonvoting)

AUDITMarilyn Alkire, ChairDavid LairdKim Sikoryak

FINANCENancy Laney, ChairJames BrooksEugene Gieseler Sue SirkusChristine Szuter

NOMINATIONS & GOVERNANCEBill Shaw, ChairMarilyn AlkireBill BroylesDavid LairdNancy LaneyChristine Szuter

PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS, & SERVICESJeffrey Froke, ChairJames BrooksBill Broyles David Laird Edna Romero Kim Sikoryak

RESEARCHBill Broyles, ChairJames Brooks Jeffrey FrokeBill Shaw Carla Van West

STRATEGIC PLANNING & PERFORMANCESue Sirkus, ChairNancy LaneyCarla Van West Christine Szuter

Above: Research into the resonance with visitors of national park educational programming was conducted at numerous parks, including Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, pictured here.

Written and edited by Laurie Miller with contributions from Dan Stebbins

Designed by Theresa Reindl Bingham

Photographs courtesy of:

Scott Aldridge—inside front cover, pages 1, 9 (lower right), 10, 11, 13 (upper right, middle), 14, 15 (left), inside back cover Ernesto Burciaga–back cover

James E. Cook—page 5 (far left) Larry Kolvoord, Austin Statesman—page 13 (lower right)

David Grant Noble—self-portrait, page 14 Connie Rose—page 9 (mugs)

All other photographs courtesy of the National Park Service

Map, page 12: Eureka Cartography

Pie chart, page 16: Theresa Reindl Bingham

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In 2011 WNPA funded a study of ancestral Puebloan agricultural fields at Bandelier National Monument, pictured here.

Documents

2011 WNPA Annual Report