Salt Lake City is beginning development of a new Public Lands Master Plan. As an important first step, the city is calling on all community members to help reimagine the future of our Public Lands: the nature in our city that enhances the quality of our lives. The Public Lands Master Plan will establish an inspirational framework to guide how we grow and prioritize investments for the next 10-20 years within the three public lands divisions (Parks, Trails & Natural Lands, and Urban Forestry). |
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Richmond Park Community Garden |
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The Wasatch Community Gardens, Salt Lake City Public Lands, and Central City neighbors worked together to establish Salt Lake City's eighth community garden - the Richmond Park Community Garden on 444 E 600 S. Although some finishing touches still need to be completed before the garden is fully completed, gardeners were able to grow some amazing things this season.
Wasatch Community Garden (WCG) has served the Wasatch Front residents for over 30 years. Through garden space and educational efforts, WCG has improved the quality of life for many communities, one harvest at a time.
Enjoy these photos of Richmond Park Community Garden's first growing season!
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Modelport Road Improvements |
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Last week, parks staff made improvements to the road leading to the Modelport (7595 West California Avenue).
Model airplane enthusiasts should now have a much easier time accessing this unique site.
If you've spent time at the Modelport this summer, share you pictures and videos with us on social media!
Twitter and Instagram: @SLCPPL
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The Trails & Natural Lands Division is now hiring for two new Volunteer, Outreach, and Education Specialist positions. One position will focus on communications, the other will focus on stewardship. Both of these roles are part-time, hourly positions.
Those with a passion for conservation and love of Utah’s natural areas are encouraged to apply!
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Every spring, monarch butterflies begin their migration from Mexico or the California Coast to breeding habitat in the US and Canada – one of the greatest migrations on Earth.
Unfortunately, the monarch butterfly population out west has declined 99% since the 1980s, due to loss of breeding habitat, increased use of pesticides and herbicides, and climate change. East of the Rockies the decline is nearly as drastic. In Salt Lake City, we have been working to combat this significant loss by restoring native habitat at Fairmont Pond, and we have great new – it’s working!
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Rachel Taylor, Research Associate for Southwest Monarch Study, got permission to create a monarch waystation at the Fairmont Park Pond in 2018, and was successful with weeks. The city embraced this idea and has been working to enhance this habitat for the past two years – all culminating in the first ever resident male monarch, who has declared the area his territory for the past 2+ weeks! He spends his time watching for females to visit the abundant native nectar sources we have planted – and has successfully mated with female monarchs who have deposited their eggs on a variety of milkweed planted throughout the area. Milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars can eat, and we’ve made sure they have lots of native options in this amazing habitat. |
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The International Peace Gardens, located along the Jordan River on 9th West and 10th South, is one of two peace gardens in the United States. It was founded in 1939 by Mrs. Otto Wiesley, Citizen Chair of the Salt Lake Council of Women, as a lesson in peace and understanding between nations. Its dedication was planned to coincide with the Centennial Celebration of 1947, but World War II ironically interrupted progress, delaying its opening to 1952.
Each participating Utah-based nation group has a section to beautify at their expense, maintained by the Salt Lake City Parks Division. So far, twenty-eight countries from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia are represented, symbolizing the true spirit of democracy and world peace, history, literature, and many lands' cultural heritage.
Images by Special Collections, J. Willard Marriot Library, University of Utah
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What to Expect with Salt Lake City's Public Lands in the Wake of COVID-19 |
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Like many organizations and industries around the world, Salt Lake City Corporation and the Public Lands Divisions have altered operations in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for a potential economic downturn. These changes have and will continue to impact the appearance of SLC parks and public spaces.
You may notice longer grass, garbage that is not emptied as often, repairs that may take longer than in previous months, and less manicured flower beds and potted plants downtown. Please know that SLC Parks, Trails & Natural Lands and Urban Forestry will continue to perform maintenance services at all City owned public lands facilities, however it may be less often.
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Fortunately, during the pandemic our parks and other public lands have been filled with users who have found respite in the outdoors during these troubling times. Despite these changes, our open spaces have been just as popular as ever before.
We ask that the members of our community continue to be patient with us as we all adjust to this new normal. The parks, trails, and natural lands will remain open for all to use. Please continue to maintain 6 ft. between you and other users.
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Follow our weekly hashtags #WildlifeWedneday and #slcParkHistory to learn more about our city!
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