July is Buzzing with Pollinators!

 

Bumble bee foraging on lupine. Photo by Sierra Hastings

The heat of July has ushered in the rush of flowers blooming and the fluttering of pollinator wings. We've been cherishing moments spent with our buzzing friends, from our backyard gardens to the high alpine slopes blanketed with wildflowers.

Wherever you connect with nature, we hope that you've been able to enjoy the company of pollinators as well!

Volunteer Resources

Thank you to everyone who has entered data so far this season! To get started, or for a refresher, explore the guides and resources below:

Volunteer Highlight
Julia Dalesandro

We're excited to introduce a new member of the Utah Pollinator Pursuit community, Julia Dalesandro! Here's what Julia has to say about her experience on the project:

"This is my first year submitting observations in the Pollinator Pursuit App. The project is a great way to connect with nature and at the same time help gather information to benefit our local habitat. I have been surprised and encouraged that I am often able to find bumble bees in my yard in North Salt Lake and on nearby hiking trails. The challenge is getting a good pic that is in focus! Butterflies, however, have been more elusive and my milkweed patch is still waiting for a monarch. "

Thank you for your contributions, Julia!

Our Favorite Pollinator Spots

Looking for more places to bask in the pollinator buzz? Here are some of our favorite spots in or near Salt Lake City where we've been seeing bumbling bees and fluttering butterflies.

Red Butte Garden

Monarch photographed at Red Butte Gardens. Photo by Janice Gardner

For a quiet morning in Salt Lake's foothills, we love a stroll amongst the ever changing blooms at Red Butte Garden. We recommend grabbing a coffee with a friend and perusing the gardens!

 

Trail winding through fields of wildflowers. Photo by Sierra Hastings

For those looking to get off the beaten path, we're loving the pops of wildflowers along the Mill D Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. From Nettle-leaf Mint to the Sticky Geraniums, this trail has something for every pollinator.

 

Pollinator garden at Jordan River Nature Center. Photo by Sierra Hastings

We were delighted to spend a recent Saturday morning at the Nature Center observing pollinators! This charming pollinator garden is tucked away along the Jordan River Parkway and is the perfect spot for escaping the summer heat.

Thank You

Thank you for everything you do to help conserve pollinators in the West! This work would not be possible without the continued support of our outstanding volunteers.

If you're unable to join us in the field this year, there are other ways you can support this project! Please consider supporting this and other conservation work through donating, sharing on social media, or passing this email along to your family and friends.

Don't hesitate to email us at mary@sagelandcollaborative.org with any questions.

 
Sierra Hastings