Post-Forum Field Trips
Trip 1: South shore of Great Salt Lake
Colorful sky at Great Salt Lake by Charles Uibel
Saturday, May 12.
Departs 9 AM.
Lunch provided.
Cost: $10
Join us for a day-long excursion to the south shore of Great Salt Lake, where we will explore the shifting boundaries between urban and industrial development, protected wetlands, and the southern shoreline of the Lake. Dr. Ty Harrison, retired Professor of Biology at Westminster College will be joining us.
We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at the entry road gate to the Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve. This is on the north side of the North Temple frontage road via the 7200W. exit of I-80, exactly 9 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. We will car-pool into the Reserve to spend several hours observing plants which mark the 1980’s high shoreline, learning about the unique halophytic plants of the playas, observe the shorebirds during their nesting season, and conditions permitting walk along GSL shoreline to the south end of the oolitic barrier dunes to the west of the Reserve. Spring flowers will likely be in bloom. We will stop at the Lee Creek /Audubon property to explore more oolitic dunes. Lunch will be at the Great Salt Lake Marina and visit the Great Salt Lake Overlook there.
The Kennecott Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve is habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl as well as wildlife. An estimated 120,000 waterbirds use the wetlands each year and more than 150 bird species have been sighted. This Reserve is one of Kennecott’s most significant achievements in protecting the environment in the Salt Lake Valley. By restoring and enhancing the wetlands, we created a protected area that provides feeding, staging, and breeding habitats for thousands of migratory birds. Rain or shine. Carpooling suggested. Bring boots/Wellies Contact Cindy Lund for details – smch2do@gmail.com
Trip 2: Spiral Jetty
Rescheduled for Fall 2012 due to the high water level. Please contact Heidi for more information heidi.nedreberg@gmail.com
251-4 David Maisel
Saturday, May 12th
Departs at 8 am.
Lunch provided.
Cost: $10.
Join us for an exploration of Robert Smithson’s famous land art installation, the Spiral Jetty, located in the dynamic north arm of Great Salt Lake. Guided by art historian and Jetty expert Hikmet Loe, you will experience this incredible work of art up close, learn about its history and future, and see the impact of fluctuating lake levels on the landscape chosen by Smithson for his stark work. Lunch provided. Must provide own transportation. Rain or Shine.
Contact Heidi Nedreberg for details – heidi.nedreberg@gmail.com
