As we wrap up the 2024 summer season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined Save Our Canyons in our Wasatch Stewardship Projects to give back and protect the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch Mountains. Here’s a look back at what we achieved together this summer:
Millcreek Campground Service (September 14): Save Our Canyons partnered with Archer Mechanical and the Salt Lake Ranger District for a successful cleanup at Desolation Campground. Volunteers gathered early to receive safety instructions before setting out to collect garbage and clear debris from concrete fire pits. This collaborative effort made the campground cleaner and more enjoyable for future visitors, showcasing the importance of community-driven stewardship in maintaining public lands.
Millcreek Trailwork (July 24): The Millcreek Trailwork event brought Service Learning Camp volunteers from Iowa and the Salt Lake Ranger District to Millcreek Canyon. Participants worked on clearing overgrown vegetation along the Red Pine Road and Little Water Trail, maintaining approximately 1 mile of trail. The students learned about the importance of trail upkeep and gained hands-on experience in conservation, making it an educational and rewarding experience in the heart of the Wasatch.
Killyon’s Canyon Garlic Mustard Pull (June 21): Focused on removing invasive species, this event had volunteers tackling garlic mustard in collaboration with Salt Lake County and Utah Open Lands. Despite a storm shortening the event, volunteers managed to remove around 200 pounds of the invasive plant, helping to restore the area’s native ecosystem. The event showed the importance of invasive species management to protect local flora and maintain ecological balance.
Millcreek Campground Service and Structure Removal (May 24): Volunteers from Patagonia SLC joined Save Our Canyons and the Salt Lake Ranger District to restore Millcreek Canyon. The group removed illegal structures, cleared fallen debris from trails, and collected litter, making the area more accessible and cleaner for summer activities.
SOC Kids Hike (May 18): This educational outdoor experience was for 5th-grade students from Canyons School District, who joined Save Our Canyons on a guided hike along Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. Alongside enjoying scenic views, students learned about wildlife, and Leave No Trace principles, and took part in a litter cleanup. This event combined outdoor learning with environmental stewardship, leaving the students with a stronger connection to their local habitats.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Cleanup (May 1): Save Our Canyons partnered with KUHL for a Little Cottonwood Canyon Cleanup, where volunteers were assigned to four major trailheads, including Bell’s Canyon, Little Cottonwood Park and Ride, Grit-Mill, and Red/White Pine Trailhead. Volunteers collected 100 pounds of garbage, contributing to a cleaner environment and setting a strong example of corporate partnership in environmental conservation.
Memory Grove/City Creek Cleanup (April 22): Marking the first event of the season, volunteers from the Black Diamond staff gathered to remove litter accumulated over winter, collecting around 350 pounds of garbage from this popular urban area. The event demonstrated the impact of collective community action on preserving local parks and natural spaces, as well as the longstanding support of partners like Black Diamond in these initiatives.
2024 Wasatch Stewardship Program Totals:
- We worked with 120 volunteers, including an average of 15 individuals per project during our Wilderness Stewardship Projects
- During the 6 cleanup events we had this season, we collected a total of 790lb of garbage
- During the 1 weed pull event we had this season we collected a total of 200lb of invasive Garlic Mustard
- Throughout the season, we tracked 2800 hours of in-kind volunteer hours.
Save Our Canyons wants to say thank you to everyone who helped during our Stewardship season along with the Central Wasatch Commission and the Wasatch Mountain Club for helping fund our programs. - Stay tuned for the 2025 Wasatch Stewardship Program!
