An education and research program in partnership with Yellowstone National Park, Eyes on Yellowstone is made possible by Canon.
Canon's funding for the Yellowstone Park Foundation helps make possible scientific research and innovative programs in conservation, endangered species protection and the application of cutting-edge science and technology essential to managing park wildlife and ecosystems.
Canon technology is used for education to increase access to the wonder and magic of Yellowstone — one of the most recognizable and popular parks in the world (www.windowsintowonderland.org) — and raises awareness about the importance of environmental protection and conservation.
The program consists of a number of initiatives, including:
An innovative view of wildlife in Hayden Valley — Several Canon NU-700N cameras from the Canon Broadcast and Communications division are gathering video of grizzly bears, wolves, bison and the many other animals that inhabit this valley as part of the "Eyes on Hayden" program. These remote control pan/tilt/zoom cameras are protected with a weather-proof housing so they can brave the harsh winter elements. This video footage will be used by scientists to research and study animal activities, including those never before captured on camera. Some images also will be included in Yellowstone's online field trips found on the "Windows Into Wonderland" web site.
Predator Prey on Video — Canon digital camcorders are used in Pelican Valley to capture predator-prey data. Last winter, park employees and students skied into a backcountry winter camp and used the Canon XL1 to capture unprecedented high-quality video footage of predators and their prey.
Mammoth Hot Springs Video — Park scientists and technicians are developing a system to integrate Canon NU-700N cameras with Canon VB-C10 cameras in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of the park. This new technology application will create real-time video that will provide data on wildlife behavior, including elk calving, nesting migratory birds such as raptors and swallows, and the movements of bison.
Yellowstone Park Management — The Canon G2 digital camera contributes to park management as park photographers document resources, infrastructure, field staffing and visitors throughout the park.
Monitoring Steamboat Geyser — Steamboat Geyser has erupted at least 160 times over hundreds of years, spewing water over 300 feet high. Eruption intervals occur from minutes to months. It isn't as faithful as Old Faithful, so newly installed Canon cameras will allow scientists and the public to capture images of the unpredictable geothermal activity.
Tracking Migration — The Canon XL1 and Canon XL1S digital camcorders are recording migratory wildlife groups during winter and spring surveys. Using digital technology will improve the accuracy of the data and reduce the disturbance to animals and park visitors.
Protecting Treasured Photographs — Yellowstone's rich historical legacy includes its collection of nearly 100,000 photographic images that date back to the 1870s by such noted pioneer photographers as William Henry Jackson, F. Jay Haynes and Henry Bird Calfee. Canon is helping Yellowstone preserve these treasures through a massive digitalization initiative. Once completed, these long-stored images can be enjoyed by people around the world.
