Beaver, Wasatch Wildlife Watch, and More!
Visiting our Stream Restoration Sites
Along with community science volunteers and our agency and nonprofit partners, we work to create climate adapted watersheds resulting in connected riparian corridors, resilient wildlife populations, and thriving agricultural communities. Last month, we hosted our friends from the Wilburforce Foundation to see our stream and riparian restoration projects first-hand.
Photo of a Wasatch beaver courtesy of Carol Orr, Program Associate at the Wilburforce Foundation
We visited beaver dam analogues that are holding up to the strong spring flows. The benefits of these human constructed beaver dams include raising water tables, increasing water retention in ponds, and encouraging riparian vegetation to release water over longer dry periods. Visit the Wilburforce Foundation website to learn more about our partnership and the amazing benefits of beaver.
2019 Wasatch Wildlife Watch
2018 was the first year of a five-year study to collect wildlife habitat usage and occupancy data on the landscape. This year, community science volunteers have been collecting wildlife images in the Central Wasatch Mountain Range using motion activated trail cameras. These images will enable us to better understand the potential influences of human development and recreational traffic to wildlife habitat use. To learn more, visit KPCW radio to hear from our Conservation Biologist, Dr. Mary Pendergast, and University of Utah Ph.D. candidate, Austin Green.
Community Science Volunteer Spotlight
Sarah Ann Woodbury is a communications expert who has been working with us for nearly a year on our outreach. Environmental writing is Sarah’s passion, and we are truly grateful for her donation of time and talent. From writing stories for our social media posts to designing our first ever project informational brochures, her creative talents are helping us reach new audiences.
This summer, Sarah is joining us in the field for our Amphibian and Aquatic Habitat Assessments. Since graduating from Utah State University with a degree in environmental studies in 2017, she has found ways to make a difference in Utah’s environmental community. Her goal is to one day pursue a master’s degree in ecology.
v"The first time I met with Wild Utah Project, I could feel the team's passion and dedication practically seeping out of the walls, and I wanted to be a part of it. Despite their small size, the group leads effective conservation projects that are of deep importance to wildlife and wildlands. I’m grateful for the support the team has given me as a volunteer—they’ve taken time to teach me new skills and have treated me with so much warmth. If you’re considering donating or volunteering, I’d encourage you to do it!"
-Sarah Ann Woodbury
Sarah is also an avid watercolor painter. You can check out some of her beautiful creations on Instagram at @sarah.ann.illustrations.
We are so thankful for our team of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. If you would like to join us, let us know by signing up!