The new planned state prison and Inland Port will place prisoners and employees closer to the extensive wetlands and the mosquitoes they naturally produce. Attempting to control mosquitoes is likely to create some serious problems. These noxious biting insects are pesky, and they carry a variety of diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, Zika and dog heartworm. They … [Read more...]
Spelunking in Utah – Exploring the Vast World Beneath – Cavers Take Their Sightseeing Underground
Utah is an outdoor playground on all levels, from 13,528 feet atop Kings Peak in the Uintas to 1,227 feet below ground in Main Drain Cave — the deepest cave in Utah and 11th deepest in the nation. The Beehive State’s underground world, shaped by water, minerals and time, is filled with colorful formations like helictites — hollow twiglike deposits of calcite or aragonite — and … [Read more...]
Five Best Hikes in Utah: Exploring the Majesty of Utah Through Hiking
The diverse landscape of Utah is unlike any other state in the nation. Unique red rock formations, towering mountain ranges, and stunning lakes and waterfalls dot the landscape of this spectacular state. All of this beauty is a boon for hikers looking to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Here are five of the best hikes in Utah to consider for your next outdoor … [Read more...]
Utahns’ Love Affair with Cottonwood Canyon
The love affair with Cottonwood Canyon began long before the Mormon Pioneers settled Salt Lake City in 1847. Fremont Indians inhabited caves along the canyon nearly a thousand years ago. Just a short ways up Little Cottonwood Canyon, Fremont pictographs can be found, depicting hunters, who took advantage of the bountiful fauna that is still present in the canyons today. The … [Read more...]
Mix safety with scenery while visiting Zion National Park
It's no walk in the park Angel’s Landing is one of Zion National Park’s most noted and popular destinations. The 1,488-foot feature winds through a path of constantly rising slick rock and exposed cliffs. The sights are unlike any other in the world. But the hike is also one of the most dangerous in the world. Even when conditions are perfect, the trail involves an … [Read more...]
A Labor of Love: Arborist Christopher Little cares about trees
Arborist gives urban trees a trim Christopher Little makes his living climbing trees. Kids might dream of growing up and having a job that includes tree climbing, but Little made it a reality. Little is an arborist. “An arborist is someone who works with trees in an urban setting. As opposed to a forester, an arborist works on trees at homes and properties removing … [Read more...]
A Short Introduction to Utah Native Trees
While there are roughly 45* native tree species in Utah (an exact consensus cannot be found), this list highlights just seven, selected for their prevalence and curiosity and arranged according to elevation. Enhance your next outing by stopping to commune with them. Listen for a moment. Take the leaves and limbs in your fingers, inspect them, ponder their design. You don’t … [Read more...]