In 1888, Bierstadt became a charter member of the Boone and Crockett Club, North America’s first conservation group committed to preserving and managing wildlands and wildlife.
The club’s founding mission centered on protecting Yellowstone National Park’s animal populations from poachers. Irresponsible hunting had nearly decimated big game animals that resided in the park, including a remnant herd of American bison. For his part, Bierstadt called attention to the plight of bison by wielding the tools of his trade: paintbrush and canvas.
