Astoria Park Conservancy has officially received the Business Emerald Sustainability Tier (BEST) Certification, recognizing the nonprofit as a leader in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic vitality in the Greater Yellowstone region.
Awarded by the Riverwind Foundation, the BEST Certification is a rigorous, six-month leadership program that guides organizations through the creation and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability action plan. Astoria Park Conservancy’s plan reflects an ongoing commitment to climate action, protection of natural resources, investment in the community and responsible management of energy and wastewater systems.
“We are honored to join a distinguished group of sustainability leaders committed to protecting the natural beauty and ecological integrity of our region,” said Paige Byron, Executive Director of Astoria Park Conservancy. “This certification affirms our dedication to ensuring that Astoria serves not only as a place of wellness and connection, but as a model of environmental and social responsibility.”
The Riverwind Foundation’s BEST Program is recognized for its high standards — comparable to the world’s most comprehensive sustainability benchmarks. Certified organizations receive annual guidance, resources, and peer collaboration opportunities to help them continuously improve and innovate in their sustainability practices.
Bari Bucholz, Manager of Educational Programming, and lead on the process said,“The BEST certification process challenged us to take a thoughtful, comprehensive look at how Astoria Park Conservancy operates — from waste diversion and product choices to staff training and community engagement. It helped us identify where our values could show up more clearly in our day-to-day decisions, and it laid the groundwork for continuous improvement across all of Astoria’s systems.”
By achieving BEST Certification, Astoria Park Conservancy underscores its role in supporting a resilient and thriving Jackson Hole community, while minimizing environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.
“Astoria Park Conservancy demonstrated incredible effort and teamwork to meet our rigorous sustainability standards. From water conservation and protection to investment in equal access and community wellness, they understand the connection between a values-driven, thriving organization and the health and well-being of our community and ecosystem,” said Shannon Shuptrine, Riverwind Foundation Executive Director. “They are true leaders in the nonprofit community and are amazing stewards on the land. If every small to medium sized entity built such a thoughtful Sustainability Management Plan, it would have a profound impact on lowering emissions and providing energy cost savings and other benefits for the whole community.”
For more information about the Riverwind Foundation and the BEST Certification Program, visit https://www.riverwindfoundation.org/. To learn more about Astoria Park Conservancy’s mission and sustainability initiatives, visit https://astoriapark.org/.
About Astoria Park Conservancy
Astoria Park Conservancy’s mission is to connect the community through inspiring experiences in nature that improve livability, health and well-being. Astoria is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donor-funded park, stewarded by Astoria Park Conservancy. Astoria’s nearly 100 acres include critical wildlife habitat and wetlands, a commercial public hot springs facility, and once completed, trails, community gathering places, wellness classes and much more. Its vision is that time spent at Astoria will foster healthier and happier individuals and a more broadly connected community.
About the Riverwind Foundation
The Riverwind Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on uniting businesses, organizations, and communities in minimizing ecological impacts across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Through education, training, and collaboration, it supports sustainability leadership that benefits the environment, economy and future generations.
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