—WHAT THIS IS—

THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ is a storytelling project dedicated to preserving the lived stories of the people who shaped Yellowstone—particularly the generations from the 1950s forward, and the wider park community that defined that era.These stories shaped how the park was understood, lived in, and cared for—carried through rangers, staff, families, concessionaires, outfitters, and the communities connected to it.Much of it was rarely written down.
It was learned over time—
in the work,
and from those who had been there longer.The project is taking shape through campfire gatherings—where firsthand voices and short documentary film come together as part of a cohesive evening—alongside a growing body of storytelling.

—A LINEAGE OF STEWARDSHIP—

The work was carried across generations.Carried across the people and communities connected to it.
They were responsible for how the place functioned—and endured.It was learned on the ground.
And passed from one person to the next.

—WHY IT MATTERS—

Every generation inherits Yellowstone differently.What remains depends on what is carried forward.As those voices grow fewer, what is remembered depends on what we choose to carry forward.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Lori Nuss, FounderI grew up with the quiet hum of ranger life in my bones. My father wore the flat hat for 35 years in Yellowstone, and my grandfather owned and operated Camp Trails, a backcountry youth camp in the park, from 1928 to 1958.My memories of growing up in Yellowstone so often return to stories around campfires—ranger tales, close calls with grizzlies, backcountry patrols, and the occasional tourist mishap.THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ continues that tradition, carrying the lived knowledge of the park forward through the voices of those who know it best.I’m just one storyteller.
But I carry the echoes of many.

Braeden Meyer is a filmmaker and artist whose work explores the relationship between people, science, and the natural world. Working in an observational documentary style, he brings a thoughtful lens to stories shaped by place, memory, and lived experience.

Linda Howard is a lifelong caretaker of public lands whose work centers on human stories and place-based memory. As Program Production & Storyteller Coordination, she brings decades of interpretive experience and care to the storytelling at the heart of this project.

FOUNDING LEGACY SUPPORT

THE REAL YELLOWSTONE™ is being carried forward with the support of those who feel a deep connection to Yellowstone.Pat and Ginger Povah, of the Hamilton Stores legacy, are the founding legacy supporters of this work.Their connection to the park spans generations—reflecting a long-standing presence in the life of Yellowstone and the people who have experienced it.This work continues to take shape with others who share that connection.

SUPPORT THE WORK

This work is being carried forward with the support of those who have stepped forward.If this resonates, you’re invited to take part in the work.

• Contribute to the Work

• Season One Artwork

• Business Sponsorship

• Gatherings and Events

STAY CLOSE TO THE FIRE

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