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Development isn't the only thing sprouting along the Jordan River floodplain.
TreeUtah and the Great Salt Lake Audubon Society have spent years planting native grasses and trees in the river bottoms, and even more will be sprouting soon, thanks to a TogetherGreen grant.
The $15,000 grant, funded by Toyota, will help purchase new native plant species for the 120-acre Jordan River Migratory Bird Reserve, which stretches along the river's east side from roughly 10800 South to 10000 South. Conservationists also hope to use some of the money to boost education and community involvement, said Bruce Heath, Great Salt Lake Audubon director.
The reserve is a narrow length of oasis between desert and mountains for millions of migratory birds, Heath said, many of which fly to South America to Canada and back each year. Agriculture and development have destroyed much of their habitat, and Audubon volunteers have seen large decreases in the number of species passing through during the annual Christmastime bird count.
Different colored flags currently dot the site, marking the new trees and shrubs planted in past seasons.
"The basic idea is to create a multi-level canopy," Heath said. "That way you get different varieties and species."
Volunteer efforts have been key to the area's recovery, and Heath has plans to involve more people with the remaining grant funds. Volunteers are already working on an informational pamphlet and DVD to distribute to nearby homeowners in hopes of encouraging their involvement.
Heath also hopes to involve other nontraditional conservation groups. He hopes to persuade hunters to come and cut down invasive species like Russian olive trees. A healthy reserve means other areas are more likely to stay open to hunting. Juvenile offenders might be tapped as well to do planting and weeding to fulfill volunteer hours.
The Audubon Society and TreeUtah have plenty of community support for the project. South Jordan city has sent employees to replant its adjoining property for its annual volunteer day. The city recently completed a general plan update that created a "natural open space" land-use designation for the area, said Don Tingey, director of parks and recreation.
South Jordan has hired a conservation ecologist to rehabilitate its property in the area, Tingey said, and the city frequently consults with representatives from the reserve to assure their plans will complement one another.
"The wildlife and plant life make you almost feel like you're in this hidden oasis as you're walking along the trail in this suburban community," Tingey said. "We want to preserve that." Join the effort
TreeUtah and the Great Salt Lake Audubon Society are seeking volunteers to help replant the Jordan River bottoms and educate surrounding home and business owners. To volunteer, contact Bruce Heath at the Great Salt Lake Audubon Society at bruce@greatsaltlakeaudubon.org.
The Great Salt Lake Audubon Society is also looking for volunteers for its annual Jordan River Bird count on New Year's Day. To volunteer, contact Jeanne or Ray at 801-532-7384. Bring binoculars if possible. No experience is needed.