University of Utah
Tier2-2: Wildlife Habitat

A formal wildlife habitat program per se does not exist campus-wide at this time. That said, many birds, small mammals, and insects find habitat on University of Utah grounds. The University is located in the foothills of the Wasatch mountains and the north and east boundaries of campus are largely adjacent to protected public lands (Salt Lake City Public Utilities Watershed and USDA Forest Service, Wasatch-Cache Naional Forest). Two habitat conservation programs of note include the Red Butte Garden Natural Area (80 acres) and the Heritage Preserve conservation easement held by local land trust Utah Open Lands. "Within the garden itself we do create wildlife habitat by maintaining the Natural Area of the Garden by maintaining the native flora and weed removal. This provides habitat for an endless number or creatures, bird, birds of prey, Quail, rattle snakes, pollinators, badgers, ferrets, and bats just to name a few. We also have Cottam’s Grove that we maintain that is a carry over from the days that Dr. Walter Cottam conducted hybrid oak research on campus." (Rita Dodge, Conservation Director). Heritage Preserve: "The University of Utah, with the assistance of Utah Open Lands, has preserved over 480 acres of undeveloped land bordering the eastern edge of the University of Utah and its Research Park; ensuring its scenic, natural, and recreational values forever. The University’s conservation easement donation to UOL demonstrates its commitment to preserving one of the state’s most valuable assets: the unique balance between urban living and the natural environment. Under the agreement with Utah Open Lands, the University and the general public will have access to the Heritage Preserve for hiking, non-motorized biking, photography, and nature study." (Utah Open Lands website).