With the vision and support of Gary Butler, long-time supporter of wild sheep and wildlife in Wyoming, the NBSIA Conservation Education Fund was established in June, 2018. Interest generated from this Fund will be used towards NBSIA’s mission of educating people about bighorn sheep and the conservation of wildlife and wild lands by:
- Educating the public about the life history, ecology, and management of bighorn sheep;
- Developing a long-term partnership by NBSIA with the WY Wild Sheep Foundation and the Wild Sheep Foundation through educational partnerships and cooperative projects;
- Providing educational outreach for partner groups as specified in the NBSIA Education Plan plus mutually agreed upon opportunities for NBSIA outreach.
Gary Butler and his family have long supported wildlife in Wyoming, whether through Gary’s 40-year career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, contributing energy, sweat and financial support towards wildlife conservation or by instilling an appreciation for wildlife and wild country in young people. Gary has been honored not only through the Ron Ball Award and his induction into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame, but his passion and commitment to wildlife lives on in the legacy of conservation funds dedicated to supporting wildlife for the long-term.
The establishment of the NBSIA Conservation Education Fund will focus on education and engagement through NBSIA’s education programs and partnerships. To establish the NBSIA Conservation Education Fund, the Butler Family Foundation contributed $25,000. NBSIA has agreed to build the principal to $250,000 or more within the next ten years. Your donation will be used to grow the principal and only the interest earned will be used to finance NBSIA’s educational efforts far into the future.
We are honored Gary chose NBSIA and are excited for this fund to support education and outreach long into the future. We sincerely hope the Butler Family’s gift inspires others to contribute to this important fund.
