'The development of environmental education programs is key to preserving our majestic national parks for future generations,' said Bill Duff, Corporate Manager, Environmental Office, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 'Toyota is proud to be part of this endeavor through our donation to The Yosemite Fund and Yosemite National Park.'

The donation was facilitated through the park's nonprofit fundraising partner, The Yosemite Fund. The park will use Toyota's contribution to support the Yosemite Leadership Program (YLP), a partnership between Yosemite, UC Merced and California State Parks. The internship program provides students with work experience in a park, wilderness education, a living stipend and the opportunity for possible future employment with the park. In addition, Toyota funds are being used to refurbish cabins in the park to be used as dorms for the interns.

'We are grateful for Toyota's generous support of these key educational programs in Yosemite,' said Mike Tollefson, Yosemite National Park Superintendent. 'Toyota's grants, received through our partnership with the Yosemite Fund, ensure that parks and wild places remain relevant to future generations by providing access to higher learning and residential internships in one of America's flagship parks.'

The Wilderness Center on the campus of UC Merced was established in part with funds from the Toyota donation. As the home base of the Yosemite Leadership Program, the Wilderness Center fosters a wilderness ethic among students, as well as assists students and faculty with planning for trips to Yosemite and other national parks and forests.