Wild About Utah

Years ago, when I taught at Mount Logan Middle School in northern Utah, we ran two-week outdoor-based summer school programs. The model, “Bringing Literature to Life,” was the mastermind of two now-retired teachers, Dave Anderson and Bryce Passey. Teachers offered a variety of summer courses around this theme—all were funded by grants. Each session was …

Continue reading "Summer School: How to Make Tent?"

Driving the return road from our family’s trip to Goblin Valley, I scoured the lonely San Rafael landscape, searching for something to keep me alert. Suddenly, a shadow peeled off the ground and drifted into the sky. Was that an eagle? A second later, I sighed. That was no eagle. It was a blasted crow. …

Continue reading "I’d Like to Report a Murder"

I just got back from a voyage across the North Sea and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about the stunning landscape – Huge blocks of black basalt rock rising out of the sea. No trees in sight. But always a scattering of sheep grazing wherever grass has been able to grow. It being Spring, there …

Continue reading "Working sheep dogs are a joy to watch"

As dawn breaks, I find myself with a fellow birder at Lytle Ranch on the Beaver Dam slope, elevation approximately 2000 feet. With the binoculars and cell phones, birding apps in hand, we begin our search. By nightfall, we will be at Kolob Reservoir elevation, a bit over 8000 feet. Our list of birds observed …

Continue reading "A Washington County Big Day"

I collapsed in a tangled heap of rope at my campsite in the Teton’s North Fork of Cascade Canyon after summiting the Grand Teton. I was alone, unprepared, but couldn’t resist the summit climb. Why would someone of normal mind risk life and limb for such a foolhardy venture? Since that climb, I’ve summited many …

Continue reading "Sacred Mountains and a Beautiful Spirit"

Dr. Joseph Kozlowski Last month, I ran a segment on how students engaging in nature-related art helps them develop appreciation and awareness for the natural world around them. Today, I am joined by Gabby Johnson, who works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, who is here to share …

Continue reading "Participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Program"

Today’s Wild About Utah is in both Spanish and English. The Spanish version is be read by Carlos Ramos. You can also listen to this story in Spanish this Wednesday evening between 9:01-9:06 or online. My name is Kate Hunter, Director of Education at Stokes Nature Center, and I love all of the trees of …

Continue reading "Mountain Mahogany"

La historia de hoy está en inglés y en español. Para escuchar la traducción al español nos puedes sintonizar los miércoles a las 9 pm o en línea en UPR.org Este artículo fue escrito por Kate Hunter, directora de educación en Stokes Nature Center y una apasionada por Utah Me encantan todos los árboles del …

Continue reading "Caoba de Montaña"

When I moved to Mendon in 1980, a neighbor asked me if I’d like to go along with her to feed calves at a local dairy farm. I jumped into her car and off we went. When the calves saw us coming, holding bottles full of warm milk, they let out what sounded to me …

Continue reading "Milking Cows – Then and Now"

I have the distinct privilege of working part-time at the Canyonlands Research Center, operated by The Nature Conservancy in Utah’s southeast corner. I live in northern Utah, so when I’m down there in the warmer months, I usually camp alongside some cottonwood trees that line the stream course of Indian Creek. The trees and shrubs …

Continue reading "Birds calling in the night"