The world will be very different 150 years from now, but at least one thing won't have changed much – if an unusual fundraising effort is successful.
Yellowstone, the first U.S. national park, was established 150 years ago, in 1872. Today, anyone can help the park preserve its majesty into the future by purchasing an "Inheritance Pass," which guarantees a year's entrance to the park – in the year 2172. It also gives the buyer a pass good for one year from the date of purchase. So you can enjoy Yellowstone now, and leave a treat for your great-great-great-grandchildren, too.
According to the National Park Service, sales of Inheritance Passes (which cost $1,500) will help maintain wildlife and natural resources in the park for decades to come. Yellowstone, which is located mostly in Wyoming but also extends into Montana and Idaho, is famous for its many animal species, majestic natural beauty, and the "Old Faithful" geyser. The iconic park welcomes nearly five million visitors a year, on average.
Where the bison (and dozens of other mammal species) roam:
- Yellowstone is the only place in America where bison have roamed since prehistoric times.
- Yellowstone lies atop one of the largest active volcanoes on Earth; while still active, it has not erupted for 70,000 years.
- More mammals live in Yellowstone than anywhere else in the continental United States; it is home to 67 mammal species.