SOUTH JORDAN — The weather is finally warming and drying, at least for a few days, and TreeUtah is looking for volunteers who want to bask in the spring sun and plant some trees at the group's ecological-restoration site along the Jordan River.
The group will be planting seedlings at the site, just north of 10600 South along the banks of the river, the following days:
Today, 1-4 p.m.
Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
Friday, 11:30-4 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Volunteers will plant currants, sumacs and willows as part of the group's project to reintroduce native species and weed out the invasive grasses, tamarisks and Russian olive trees that have taken over after being introduced by early ranchers in the area.
Ninety-eight species of birds rely on Utah's river-bottom habitats. Some use the areas on a permanent basis, others as a stopping point on their yearly migrations, and still others for building nests and producing offspring.
But early settlers also flocked to areas like the Jordan River bottoms to build farms and pastures for their animals. And they brought with them grasses for their livestock and hardy shade-providing trees that can be grown easily despite the valley's dry climate.
For the past 10 years, TreeUtah and its partners have been chopping down the tamarisks and Russian olives, taking machetes to the thistles and planting seedlings of native species. The first seedlings they've planted have been golden currants, which grow fairly easily, provide berries and insects for the birds and give shelter to less-hardy native plants.
Volunteers at the plantings will be given an educational overview of the restoration effort and an orientation to the site. They can also see a planting and watering demonstration, and organizer Vaughn Lovejoy touts it as "a chance to connect with nature and your community" and a "breather from everyday worries" — not to mention the chance to do a little bird-watching.
Volunteers are asked to bring shovels, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bug repellent. They should wear heavy shoes, gardening gloves and layered clothing.
The site is just off 10600 South, west of I-15 in the river bottoms. Heading west from I-15, drive through the first signaled intersection (Jordan Gateway) and continue for about a block. Turn left at the next traffic light, Riverfront Parkway, and then take the first left after that. Turn left again at the second driveway. Pull up to the northwest corner of the parking lot and park next to the road, not in front of the businesses.
Walk east along 10600 South for about a block, cross the Jordan River and walk down the small paved road into the gated area.
If weather is questionable on the day of the project, call TreeUtah at 364-2122 and press 1 to find out of the project is still planned. Planned projects are assumed to be on unless the message on the machine indicates otherwise.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com