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Tauck's Support of our National Parks
The Company and the National Parks
From its founding in 1925 as the nation’s first licensed tour operator, to its reputation today as the world’s leading tour company, Tauck World Discovery has been an active and innovative supporter of America’s National Parks. This support includes providing travel experiences to dozens of parks, philanthropic grants, and innovative volunteer programs.
Tauck’s relationship with America’s National Parks began in 1926, when founder Arthur Tauck, Sr. first brought guests to Great Smoky Mountains National Park… in his Studebaker! Today, the company’s 30 most popular North American itineraries result in 120,000 park visits annually to more than 50 National Parks across the country. To see a list of all the parks we visit on our journeys, please click here.
Philanthropy and Volunteerism in the Parks
Tauck’s Destination Grants program provides funding for preservation at sites visited by Tauck guests. This program began in 2000 when Tauck pledged $250,000 to the restoration of ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park in honor of the company’s 75th Anniversary. A significant number of subsequent destination grants have also supported national parks including, Ellis Island National Monument, Yellowstone National Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, Saguaro National Park, Bandelier National Monument and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
In addition, between 2002 and 2007 Tauck partnered with the National Park Foundation (NPF to support a range of preservation projects and innovative volunteer programs, as well as a joint public awareness campaign. In 2008, Tauck World Discovery made a $90,000 grant to preserve and rehabilitate the Hammond Cabin on the White Grass Dude Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Tauck World Discovery continues its commitment to the Parks and other venues of historical, environmental and community importance.
Volunteering on Tour
Tauck is also very committed to promoting volunteerism in our National Parks. After several years of sponsoring employee volunteer activities in the parks, Tauck introduced “on-tour" volunteer options on select journeys in 2003. Guests have the option to give several hours of their vacation to help preserve the parks. To learn more about our volunteer efforts in the National Parks and elsewhere, please click here. 2008 saw the recognition of our 10.000th Tauck volunteer in Yellowstone National Park. In 2009 the on-tour volunteer experience for guests moved to Grand Teton National Park where Tauck looks forward to celebrating another 10,000 volunteers.
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