Events start at 10 a.m. with Yellowstone superintendent Suzanne Lewis hosting the opening of the building. This is the first major new visitor center in Yellowstone in 30 years. Interactive exhibits feature the geology of the world's first national park and the supervolcano, which lies beneath Yellowstone.
An evening lecture by University of Utah geophysicist Robert Smith is among the other opening day events.
The center cost $10.5 million and was funded in large part ($8.6 million) by entrance fees to the park. The Yellowstone Association donated more than $1 million to the center.
Avalanche Center Fundraiser
Black Diamond Equipment and Uinta Brewing Company are hosting the 13th annual Utah Avalanche Center Fundraiser party Sept. 14 at the store, 2084 E. 3900 South, East Millcreek.
Funds raised at the party benefit the Utah Avalanche Center, which provides daily avalanche advisories.
Tickets are $30 per person before Sept. 9 and $35 subsequently, and are available at the store.
Rendezvous and Howl
The High Uintas Preservation Council is holding its annual Rendezvous and Howl on Sept. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Mirror Lake Amphitheater in the Uinta Mountains.
There will be an update on the issues facing the High Uintas at 1 p.m., followed by the howling at "Howl Ledge."
For more information, send an e-mail to info@hupc.org or visit http://www.hupc.org.
Albion Basin hike
Sandy Parks and Recreation and REI are holding a hike Saturday in the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon starting at 9 a.m. The two-hour hike is suitable for beginners, with an elevation gain of 500 feet. Call 801-568-2900 to register and for more information. There is a $4 fee to participate in the guided hike.
Mid-Mountain Marathon
The Mid-Mountain Marathon is Sept. 9, with an 8 a.m. start at the Silver Lake Lodge at Deer Valley Resort and ending at The Forum at The Canyons. The almost-level single-track trail runs at about 8,000 feet. The race is presented by the Mountain Trails Foundation and Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District. Visit http://www.mountaintrails.org for more information.
Birding at Jordanelle
Great Salt Lake Audubon is holding a birding trip to the Jordanelle Wetlands below the dam Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants should meet at the parking lot west of the Salt Lake REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South. Call Kathy Coleman at 801-944-5773 if you plan on attending.
Free REI clinics
Learn how Life Flight is used to rescue stranded hikers tonight at 7 at the Sandy REI store, 10600 S. 230 West. Life Flight is the only civilian air ambulance organization in the United States certified to perform external hoist missions.
Salt Lake residents Mark Bennett and Robyn Rogin have spent the past five years sailing in Mexico and across the Pacific to New Zealand. Hear their story and see the pictures Tuesday at the Salt Lake store, 3285 E. 3300 South, in East Millcreek. The clinic starts at 7 p.m.
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To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@ sltrib.com or by mail to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
