The Kennecott Nature Center of Murray provides opportunities for
thousands of children from Murray School District and selected
Granite fourth-grade classes to enjoy observing and learning about
nature up close and hands on. Dedicated in September 1999, its
mission is to enrich our community through an appreciation of
nature and to foster stewardship of our natural resources. The 1600
square foot classroom-like Center is nestled on the second largest
weland site of the Jordan River in Murray, Utah. This location is a
peaceful, natural spot preserved in an urban setting that overlooks
a beautiful bend in the river.
Wetlands are areas where the soil is saturated for some part of
the growing season. Hydrophytic (water-loving) plants grow in the
moist soils of the wetlands, forming swamps, marshes and wet
meadows. Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on the
planet. They are rich in nutrients and support abundant animal
life. In the wetlands before you, all living together, there are
animals that crook, buzz, hum, sing, nest, burrow, swim, crawl,
float and fly.
The Jordan River is an important environmental corridor. The
river links Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake, providing hundreds of
acres of riparian wildlife habitat. Riparian habitat is found along
the Jordan River where cattails, willows, and cottonwoods are the
predominant vegetation. Thousands of animals depend on this Jordan
River Riparian habitat.
Before the Salt Lake Valley was settled, the Jordan River was a
broad stream that wound though the valley floor to the shores of
the Great Salt Lake. Its myriad of horseshoe-like bends sprawled
across a wide floodplain, creating spacious wetlands and providing
a lowland riparian habitat for amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Overtime, the river’s natural meander was altered; deepening
the river bed, straightening the river course and removing the
oxbows and wetlands diminished the Jordan River’s ability to
support riparian vegetation and to sustain life.
Today, few stretches of valuable wildlife habitat still occur
along the Jordan River. Opportunities exist to preserve the
remaining open areas and restore the natural features and beauty of
the river. Here are a few things all of us can do: •Contact
local, city and county officials: encourage them to protect the
remaining open space along the river
•Become involved with groups that support the river
•Participate in cleanup efforts
•Stay on trails
•Respect the vegetation and wildlife
Contaminated storm water, resulting from rain and snow, is a
serious threat to the wetlands and the wildlife that lives along
the Jordan River. It is our responsibility to do all we can to
preserve these wetlands and control the storm water as we can. In
the Salt Lake valley, storm water drains directly into our rivers
and creeks untreated. Let’s do our part.
To log this cache:
1. Go to the site, take an OPTIONAL photo of yourself or
group.
2. Estimate the size of the wetland before you.
3. List some ways we can effect storm water quality.
and 4. List some wildlife you may have seen in the wetland on your
visit.