FARMINGTON, Utah — The wetlands surrounding the Great Salt Lake serve a greater purpose than just scenic beauty and wildlife viewing — they play a powerful role in both supporting bird migration and naturally cleaning water.
Spanning nearly 350,000 acres, the wetlands around the lake are carefully managed, largely to sustain the millions of migratory birds that pass through the region each year.
Ashley Kijowski, coordinator at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, explains that these wetlands are essential pit stops for birds making long journeys. “It’s like a McDonald’s for birds during migration,” she said. “They stop here to rest and refuel.”
Farmington Bay: A Key Wetland Hub
One of the largest managed wetland areas is the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, where the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources oversees about 18,000 acres. Of that, roughly 12,000 acres consist of impounded ponds, which allow managers to control water levels and create optimal habitat conditions.
These wetlands are crucial for about 12 million migratory birds annually — providing places to rest, feed, and even nest during their travels.
Nature’s Own Filtration System
Beyond their role in wildlife conservation, wetlands also perform a natural and often overlooked environmental service: filtering pollutants.
“Wetlands work like natural water purifiers,” said Kijowski. “When water collects in these areas, contaminants and heavy metals are taken up by plants. The rest of the water gradually filters down into the groundwater, cleaning it in the process.”
This process helps reduce pollution and also contributes to the fight against climate change by lowering carbon dioxide levels, thanks to the carbon absorption abilities of wetland vegetation.
Birdwatchers Flock to the Bay
Bird lovers like Salt Lake City resident Ronni McDonough have found Farmington Bay to be a haven for viewing a variety of species.
“We’ve seen everything from ospreys and pheasants to cranes, ducks, and even meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds,” she said. “It’s a great place for spotting nesting birds.”
Upcoming Event: Great Blue Heron Day
For those interested in experiencing the wetlands firsthand, the Eccles Wildlife Education Center will be celebrating “Great Blue Heron Day” on April 19. Families can come to view nesting herons and enjoy bird-themed crafts and activities.
- Warm-Up for Easter Sunday as Light Showers Graze Northern Utah - April 28, 2025
- Jazz Suffer 14th Loss in 15 Games After 121-110 Defeat - April 28, 2025
- Nearly 50 International Students Lose Visas in Utah, Prompting Student Reactions - April 28, 2025
