programs and publications about the canyon. The natural history association did just that from the beginning, funding interpretive talks, research and scientific papers. “We were established in 1932, and we have always been there to support our park partner,” said Susan Schroeder, CEO of GCC. “Over the years what we have done to help support the park has changed, but our mission has always been to be there, in the highest use that we can be.” Today that means a lot of things. GCC works with wildlife rangers, trail guides and scientists to maintain and preserve the park. Whether it’s purchasing collars to track the movements of bighorn sheep or hosting more than 360 classes and guided hikes a year, including photography workshops, Colorado River float trips and rim-to-rim backpacking, GCC is instrumental in raising funds and providing support. “We could never replace the park’s funding in terms of the operations of the park,” Schroeder said, “but we can really help with the margin of excellence. We give money to those programs that need the extra boost.” Supporting the park is a life’s mission for Schroeder. Her first visit was a river trip through Grand Canyon in 1985. “I was living in Salt Lake City and I took a river trip. I know it sounds corny, but it changed my life,” Schroeder said. Within three years, she was working at Northern Arizona University to be closer to Grand Canyon. “I pinch myself every morning. I’ve been working here 10 years and every day I leap out of bed, excited to be able to come to work on behalf of Grand Canyon,” she said. Schroeder is proud of GCC’s partnership with the park. Retail revenue from the eight stores GCC operates plays a critical role. Proceeds from the in-park stores go to Grand Canyon National Park, and the GCC location in the Kaibab National Photo by Terri Attridge Photo by Michael Quinn Whether by enjoying the landscape, boating down the Colorado River or learning about the history of the park, visiting Grand Canyon has been a rite of passage for generations. 22 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | FEBRUARY 2019

After a trip down the Colorado River, Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO Susan Schroeder reconfigured her life to be near the Grand Canyon. Photo by Terri Attridge