Wild Episode 54: Virgin River Program
In this episode of “Wild”, DWR Southern Region Native Aquatics Biologist Melinda Bennion and Steve Meismer, the Virgin River Program Local Coordinator for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, talk…
Read MoreRed Hills Desert Garden: a refuge for Virgin River Chub
The Red Hills Desert Garden is an oasis located in the red hills overlooking St. George. The garden is maintained by the Washington County Water Conservancy District, a partner agency…
Read MoreUtah Wildlife News: Woundfin Recovery Efforts
In recognition of Endangered Species Day, the Utah Department of Natural Resources highlighted recent conservation successes for the native woundfin. The work reflects ongoing recovery efforts by the Division of Wildlife Resources and its…
Read MoreSpecies Spotlight: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
While walking the trails along the Virgin River in the summer, you may be lucky enough to hear, or maybe even see an endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Currently the Virgin River Program is working with local partners and agencies to protect and restore critical willow flycatcher habitat, with some encouraging results.
Read MoreSigns 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,…
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