The Trust for Public Land Northern Rockies

Trust for Public Land (TPL) creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. We believe access to nature is essential for people and communities to thrive. It isn't a luxury. In a world where isolation and division are on the rise, time in nature can spark hope, build common ground, and bring people together.

In Park County, TPL is leading the development of the community's long held vision of connecting Livingston to Gardiner with a trail. This 56 mile route is part of the Great American Rail Trail, a national effort to connect Washington DC to Washington State. When complete, this separated shared use path will largely follow the old rail corridor west of Highway 89 and will provide a safe, off-road connection for cyclists and pedestrians. This summer, we have the opportunity to construct 3 miles of this generational project through the heart of Emigrant. A paved path will allow locals and visitors of all abilities to slow down, stretch their legs, take walk, push a stroller, or learn how to ride a bike. TPL will be working with the community to tell stories and history through interpretive signage along the trail to highlight what makes this community and landscape so special. This trail will support physical and mental health, improve safety, drive spending at Emigrant businesses, deepen the understanding of place and connect community to each other. 

With your donation during Give a Hoot, we can close the remaining gap of funding needed to fully construct this 3 miles of trail this year. Thanks to investment from people like you, this catalytic segment of trail will demonstrate what is possible. 

While TPL is engaged in the execution of this visionary project, we are grateful and humbled to be working alongside our partners at Park County, Park County Environmental Council, and many local families, businesses and nonprofits. All funds raised through Give a Hoot will support the construction and development of the Yellowstone Heritage Trail.  We encourage you to reach out to our team 
(contact information below) to learn more about the project and how you can help!