Zion National Park Forever Project, Zion’s official nonprofit partner, is kicking off its new “We the Keepers” Centennial Celebration and campaign with a special benefit performance by renowned music legend Sting and the Utah Symphony on August 31, 2019.
We’re all aware that there’s a need for more stewardship not only for Zion National Park but for national parks everywhere. The goal for “We the Keepers” is to transform all visitors of Zion National Park and the greater Zion landscape into “Keepers” of those sacred lands, ultimately building a new stewardship model for the next 100 years and beyond.
Zion has become an increasingly popular national park and is the fourth most-visited national park in the US. Over 4.3 million guests visit each year, and each one has an impact on Zion. With the “We the Keepers” Campaign, the hope is that the concert will not only be an incredible way to celebrate Zion National Park’s Centennial anniversary, but that it will bring attention to preserving the park for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Tyler King
Without the awareness and rise to action for Zion when it comes to stewardship, the increased visitation of the national park becomes a major concern. Without volunteers, preservation, upkeep, funding and maintenance, the beauty of the park suffers greatly, and the chance of future generations being able to visit this splendor becomes grim.
The Zion Forever Project commissioned Local Studio, a Utah-based video production company, to create a new visitor center film. This replaces the 20-year-old film that is now shown at the park. The film challenges the viewer to make the shift from just being a visitor to becoming a steward of the land. The new film premiers in November 2019.
Jeff Bradybaugh, Superintendent of Zion National Park, stated, “Those of us fortunate enough to be immersed in its dramatic, living landscape are reminded every day of our charge to conserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of Zion National Park; in perpetuity – a forever mission – and we do so for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.”
More than one million dollars has been contributed to the Forever Project during its first two years, and it has accomplished 36 project goals for Zion and its sister parks, Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring National Monuments. The next project is currently underway with a full list being released this coming November in the 2020 Field Guide. A limited-run exhibit, “Keepers of the Sanctuary: Zion’s First 100 Years”, runs now through December 1, 2019 at the Zion Human History Museum, and this tells the story of the park’s first century.
Photo Credit: Erica Jessop
Join in the celebration this weekend with Sting and the Utah Symphony at Zion National Park and make a commitment to becoming a steward to the stunning beauty to keep it maintained and preserved. All proceeds from the performance will benefit the Zion Forever Project.
