Megan, age 14, is a lifelong wildlife observer and conservationist.  She has dreamed about visiting Yellowstone National Park to view and study its unique geology, flora, and fauna especially wolves, bears, and birds of prey.  “The park was magnificent with spectacular views including gorgeous yellow aspen trees and extraordinary diversity.  Megan was mesmerized by her surroundings during the entire trip!”, her mother shared.   

Megan’s extensive park research proved indispensable to her experiencing magic everywhere she traveled.   

While in the Upper Geyser Basin, one of her park ranger guides taught her to scientifically predict and measure Old Faithful’s next eruption and key geyser hydrothermal features including new cracks and fissures along with wildlife tracks.  “It was amazing standing in a volcano caldera that began forming over 2 million years ago,” Megan expressed. 

Her Lamar Valley tour led by the Yellowstone Forever Institute Program Director was incredible.  He taught her new wildlife spotting and behavior skills and critical ecosystem details which will aid her park preservation and education goals.  Their sightings included bison, elk, grizzly bears, mountain goats, pronghorn, a coyote and badger cooperatively hunting, a golden eagle, a Swainson’s hawk, and a Harlan’s red-tailed hawk.  He also facilitated her meeting acclaimed wolf researcher and author Rick McIntyre. 

At the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Megan’s behind the scenes tour included assisting staff with wolf and American river otter feeding and enrichment activities and learning about regional wildlife conservation and rescue efforts.  She loved seeing many animals and birds (especially Acadia the northern saw-whet owl) in close proximity. 

Megan’s trip highlights also included her Yellowstone Forever cabin (with an elk herd bugling and grazing outside!), Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the Grand Canyon waterfall, Grand Teton Mountain Range, Hayden Valley, Isa Lake Continental Divide, and Yellowstone Lake…and sightings of bald eagles, a grizzly bear with 2 cubs, least chipmunks, and trumpeter swans.  “I am eternally grateful to have visited this majestic place preserved for all generations.  This trip brought my family even closer together because my health issues have been challenging.  I could have stayed in beautiful Yellowstone forever.” 

“My family’s cohesion, strength, and resilience were tremendously impacted by our time spent together in the most beautiful, tranquil place,” her mother said. 

We are incredibly happy that Megan experienced this once in a lifetime trip.  We are thankful for partnership with #ChartwayPromiseFoundation who helped to fund this Dream, and to Yellowstone area leaders who resonated with Megan.