Celebrating 17 Years of EcoTour Adventures: A Community Gathering of Gratitude and Conservation
A letter from our founder, Taylor Phillips:
On Thursday, January 19th, EcoTour Adventures was thrilled to host a celebration in honor of our 17th year in operation. We opened our doors to friends, supporters, and community members—offering over 800 tacos, 25 cases of refreshing beverages, and countless stories from our adventures in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The evening was absolutely unforgettable, and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s support!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community
First and foremost, a huge thank you to everyone who attended, including our partners at the Chamber of Commerce. Their commitment to fostering local businesses in Jackson helps us continue sharing Wyoming’s natural wonders with visitors from around the world. We also want to recognize the many individuals and organizations who stand behind us—referring guests, offering guidance, and literally keeping our wheels rolling!
Growing from a Vision and Cheers to Our Amazing Team
EcoTour Adventures began in 2008 as a family endeavor—just me and a passion for introducing others to Wyoming’s wild side. It’s remarkable to see how we’ve grown into such a devoted team committed to sharing this region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Our incredible staff deserves a standing ovation. From office heroes handling logistics to our five-star guides braving 4:30 AM wake-up calls, this crew is the heart of EcoTour Adventures. They tackle everything from mile-long bison jams to epic snowfall without missing a beat. As the founder, I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of them—they make our vision a reality every single day.
Great Music, Great Food, Great Conversations
No celebration is complete without tunes, so a huge thanks to Rocky and DJ Vert One for providing the beats that kept energy levels soaring all night. Between the fantastic music and the cozy firepit out front, the atmosphere was perfect for connecting with old friends and making new ones.
We couldn’t have pulled off such a memorable evening without the mouthwatering tacos provided by Justin and Jessie—thank you both for serving up a truly delicious feast! We’re also incredibly grateful to Vibrant Events and their zero-waste program, which helped us minimize our environmental impact and keep the event fun and sustainable.
It was inspiring to see so many people—passionate about wildlife conservation and community partnerships—under one roof, sharing ideas and enthusiasm for what makes this region so special.
Our Conservation Mission
From day one, EcoTour Adventures has been dedicated to spotlighting the breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife of this region—while also giving back to ensure future generations can experience these treasures. We extend our deepest gratitude to the agencies and organizations that safeguard our public lands and wildlife populations. Their stewardship allows us to offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing programs that amaze visitors from across the globe.
WYldlife For Tomorrow Initiative
Our dedication to conservation doesn’t stop with our tours. We’re proud to have founded WYldlife For Tomorrow—now a program of The WYldlife Fund—to engage travel and tourism businesses across the state in wildlife conservation. We believe in broadening how wildlife is funded and protected so that bison, elk, wolves, and countless other species continue to thrive for generations. In the past few years, this initiative has onboarded over 85 businesses and raised more than $450,000 to support conservation efforts across Wyoming.
Gratitude for Our Generous Raffle Contributors
A highlight of the evening was our raffle, made possible by some truly generous donors:
- Swarovski Optik for the top-notch binoculars
- Farmstead Cider for delicious local flavors
- Backcountry Rentals for fueling future outdoor adventures
Your contributions added excitement to the event and helped raise awareness for our conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead
This mixer was a testament to the power of community—both local and statewide—to foster responsible tourism and protect the wild places we all cherish. We’re already excited for our next mixer next January, where we’ll once again bring together those who share our passion for Wyoming’s spectacular landscapes and diverse wildlife.
From all of us at EcoTour Adventures:
Thank you for your referrals, your support, and for helping us share and conserve this incredible corner of the world. If you’d like to learn more about our wildlife tours, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing programs in Grand Teton and Yellowstone—or if you want to get involved in conservation—don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s keep exploring, discovering, and celebrating the wild places that continue to inspire us all!
With gratitude,
Taylor Phillips