Kicking Off a Big Season for Our Conservation Projects
Despite the new challenges brought about by COVID-19, our conservation projects have started. And they're doing better than ever. We're seeing growing numbers of volunteers, exciting web connections with participants, and a successful start to our busiest season.
We're especially excited to offer projects that allow volunteers to contribute to conservation while staying safe.
Wild Utah Project and our partners practice social distancing while planting sedges, willows, and pollinator-friendly plants to heal a degraded stream. Photo by Jordan Nielsen at Trout Unlimited.
Our Current Projects
Missed out on our recent trainings? No problem! You can watch the trainings and access materials on our website. Each of our current projects can also be done independently, allowing for social distancing.
Monarchs and other pollinator populations are declining rapidly across the West. Help us answer questions about the species to improve future plans for their conservation. This project can be done as close to home as your yard or neighborhood!
With climate change, chytrid fungus, and development as just some of their threats, boreal toads need your help. Join our project to expand understanding of this mysterious species and ensure future conservation plans are based on science.
Analyze image data from our volunteer-monitored wildlife cameras. Contribute to a large-scale picture of wildlife in the Wasatch, laying the groundwork for effective development and conservation planning. Image analysis will begin later in the season.
A Warm Welcome to Our Summer Research Assistant
We're excited to welcome Lily Bosworth to our team for the summer! Lily, a recent University of Utah graduate, is researching the impact of beaver dam analogues (BDAs) on water movement and storage in streams. This will help project planners navigate water rights and make stream restoration work more effective.
She says, "To me, this project is exciting because it's the full package, both in terms of active, boots-on-the-ground restoration rooted in science, and as an opportunity for personal growth as a young scientist. This data will help to inform where BDAs are the most appropriate restoration tool, and increase certainty about water use in our arid home."
Black Rosy-Finch Volunteer Highlights
We've just wrapped up the 2019-2020 season of our Black Rosy-Finch Study. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who made this season possible. Until next year!
We'd like to highlight two volunteers who have been an important part of the project this season: Ty Peterson and Beth Cottam.
Ty Peterson, an avid skier, had an experience this year that most birders only dream about. While filling feeders at Alta, he was "swarmed by a madhouse of birds, mostly Gray-Capped Rosy-Finches, with a few Black Rosy-Finches mixed in." He estimates there were more than 75 birds! He also says, "It makes me feel good that my hikes to the top had a little more purpose to them than just to ski down."
Beth Cottam has this to say about her experience: “Birding helps me stay connected to myself, but it’s not always easy for me to find the time, so my 2019 New Years’ Resolution was to go birding more. Volunteering was a way to force myself out. It also helped improve my birding skills. I look forward to continuing with the Rosy-Finch project to see how things continue to change and learn more about these birds.”
Collective Action for Conservation
We're grateful to Wildlands Network, science writer Mary Ellen Hannibal, and all our attendees for a great conversation last Thursday. If you missed our "Collective Action for Conservation" web presentation, you can view it here.
Thank You
Thank you so much for your dedication to Utah's unique wildlife. This work is only possible because of your generosity.
Now more than ever, our conservation projects are vital to the well-being of humans and wildlife. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating so this work can continue.
Visit the project page on our website to learn more about our conservation work, and please contact us with any questions.