Volunteer Event:
Planting Wetland Sod Mats at Farmington Bay WMA

October 9, 2026 9am-3pm

Join Sageland Collaborative, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and conservation partners to plant native wetland sod mats at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) in Farmington, Utah to improve wetland habitat for wildlife like shorebirds, amphibians, and pollinators!

This event is for participants 18 years of age or older.

When: Friday, October 9th from 9am-3pm
Where: Farmington Bay WMA, Farmington, UT (specific meetup details will be shared in a confirmation email following signup).

The project site is approximately a 35 minute drive from the Salt Lake City area. There is cell phone service at the site but no restrooms or potable water. We will provide drinking water, and pit toilets are available at the WMA entrance (a 5-minute drive from the meeting location).

What to expect: We will be planting native wetland species in areas that have been treated for invasive phragmites. Working in teams, volunteers will move and install large premade mats of native vegetation (120–170 lbs) and stake them into the substrate. No prior experience or training is needed, but you may watch this 5-minute video to better understand what to expect. Please be prepared for heavy lifting, bending, and moving materials in wet, muddy, and slippery conditions. We will break for lunch at noon and be finished by 3pm.

What we'll provide: 

• A high-quality, fun, and safe volunteer experience

• Complimentary snacks, and cold beverages

• Gloves and other safety equipment, waders, sun protection, bug spray, and a first aid kit

• Opportunities to learn about wildlife while connecting with restoration practitioners and community members

• Resume-building skills relevant to natural resources careers

What to bring: Bring a lunch, refillable water bottle, sun protection, and bug spray. If you have your own waders, please bring them, otherwise they will be provided. 

What to wear: You'll need clothing appropriate for the weather conditions - we work in rain or shine! Volunteers should dress in layers and wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy (old sneakers, muck boots, waders.)

Attendees are required to fill out Sageland Collaborative’s Volunteer Liability Form & Waiver in order to participate. Minors must have a guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.

Reach out to Emm Clark or Mary Pendergast with any questions or for accommodation requests.

Please RSVP below to register:

Due to limited space, we are restricted to 20 volunteers, so we kindly ask that each attendee RSVP separately.

Funding for this restoration work is provided by the Great Salt Lake Water Delivery Program and is part of the Saving Water for Great Salt Lake: Strategic Native Plant Revegetation After Invasive Phragmites Removal project.