Signs of Spring
Do you watch for robins as a sure sign of spring? Do you look for melting snow or for the first glimpse of flowers? For residents of Washington County, signs…
Read MoreWild Valentines
In the arena of the natural world, victory is achieved by your ability to pass on your genes. That’s why, for most species, love is war. Competition is fierce to…
Read MoreThe Virgin River: Headwaters to Lake Mead
While not as well known as the mighty Mississippi or the grand Colorado rivers, the Virgin River has played a significant role in carving one of the most visited landscapes…
Read MoreRiparian 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…
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