Posts by Virgin River Program
Riparian Habitat Restoration: Maintaining a Jewel in the Desert
Riparian habitats have been in decline throughout the southwestern U.S. since about 1900, as water management practices (i.e., river damming, channelization, and water diversion) have reduced the frequency and intensity…
Read MoreThe Remarkable Recovery of the Virgin River Chub
Desert Denizen Beautiful and elusive, the Virgin River Chub is the top native predator in the Virgin River. It is a fast, streamlined fish with a sloped forehead, humped back,…
Read MoreCharting New Waters: The Virgin Spinedace’s Path to Recovery
The Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis) is a unique minnow species found exclusively in the Virgin River’s upper streams across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Despite not being closely related to trout,…
Read MoreBeaver Tales: Southwest Utah’s Ecological Engineers
By Luke Matschek When you look at the seemingly harsh desert landscape and red rock wonderland of southwest Utah, the American beaver (Castor canadensis) might not be the first critter…
Read MoreGila Monsters: Beneath the Scales of Utah’s State Reptile
By Tyson Victor Fall is an excellent time to search for one of Utah’s most iconic creatures, the Gila monster. This large lizard spends most of the summer underground to…
Read MoreDon’t Ditch a Fish!
One small action can turn into an ecosystem’s worst nightmare Have you ever had a pet fish? The underwater world has captivated people for generations, and aquatic pets have become…
Read MoreThe Endangered Species Act: Celebrating 50 Years of Success in Wildlife Conservation
[Originally posted by the U.S. Department of the Interior] This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), providing the opportunity to reflect on the progress made…
Read MoreHow old is that fish?
Comparing age and growth in fish can tell us a lot about the health of Utah fisheries [Originally posted by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] By Chris PenneNorthern Region Aquatic…
Read MoreAsk a herpetologist
Learn more about interacting with Utah’s native reptiles and amphibians in the wild! By Megen Kepas, UDWR Native Herpetology Coordinator [Originally posted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources] Spring in…
Read MoreColor Country Natural Resource Camp
For nearly 30 years, the Color Country Natural Resource Camp (CCNRC) has introduced high school students to natural resource career fields and a variety of recreation activities. The Virgin River Program…
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