In its first round of grants for 2014, the Glacier National Park Conservancy is awarding $227,655 — up more than $22,000 from 2013.

As the official nonprofit fundraising partner for Glacier National Park, the Conservancy raises money for critical projects that protect and preserve the park for generations to come.

Together with Glacier National Park administration, the Conservancy identified key priorities for 2014 and funded them with the help of individual and business partner support.

The initial round of 2014 grants cover three categories: preservation, education and research:

v Preservation programs are designed to enhance the Glacier experience.

In 2014, grants will be used to repair the bridle path overpasses at Many Glacier Hotel, upgrade the Sunrift Gorge-to-Baring Falls Trail, provide interpretation interns for the Hudson Bay and West Lake districts, and fund the Native America Speaks program and printing of a variety of free publications available to the public.

v Education programs engage youths in Glacier Park with the goal of creating future conservationists and include the Discover Glacier education program, Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program and “Half the Park Happens after Dark,” the Glacier astronomy program.

v Research programs are dedicated to protecting and sustaining Glacier’s wildlife and habitat and include the fisher survey, harlequin duck study and the Citizen Science program which collects scientific data about animal populations in the park.

“These programs would not be possible without the help of generous donors in our community and around the country,” said Mark Preiss, president/chief executive officer for the Glacier National Park Conservancy. “By keeping conservation as our constant guide, Glacier National Park will continue to wow the world ... one visitor at a time.”

A second round of Conservancy grants is expected to be announced this summer.

For more information, call 892-3250 or go to https://glacierconservancy.org.