Conserving and Celebrating

Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, the wetland mecca of Utah’s west desert, will celebrate a 50th “birthday” this year! A lot of water has passed “under the water control structure” during that time and we invite all interested members of the public to join us in recognizing this august milestone. Many things have changed over the years but the commitment of the Refuge to providing outstanding wildlife habitat and protecting the biodiversity of this desert oasis has not.



To celebrate this notable benchmark, we will be hosting an exciting opportunity for natural history fans. Billed as a weekend of Wildlife, Wildlands, and History, this opportunity will provide visitors a chance to discover the very diverse array of natural history study that can be found by visiting the Refuge. Much more than just a haven for wildlife, the Refuge is a bastion of natural history in the broad context of the term.



Wildlife, Wildlands, and History will offer natural history seminars in six different topics dealing with the natural history of the Refuge and the environs surrounding it. They will offer a unique opportunity to natural history lovers to spend time in the field with experts who are intimately familiar with the topics listed.

Participants will accompany instructors for three-four hour classes in any of three sessions (two on Saturday, one Sunday). A potluck dinner is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Saturday. There will be a “campfire” presentation by Refuge Manager Jay Banta as well as a few “surprise” speakers. It is sure to be a fun evening with some very memorable reminiscing about 50 years of providing critical wildlife habitat in the most unlikely of places and you won’t want to miss this rare opportunity.





The level of instruction is suitable for anyone with a sincere interest in learning more about the Refuge. The seminars are designed to promote dialog and the exchange of ideas among the participants and faculty.

The dates for the seminars are Saturday May 9th, 8 AM to approximately 9 PM. This time includes two field seminar sessions, the potluck dinner, and the after dinner presentations. The third field seminar session will be held Sunday, May 10th from 8 AM to noon. We will hold the seminars rains or shine so come prepared for the possibility of precipitation.

The Refuge is located approximately 135 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Commuting time is approximately 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City, with half of that distance being gravel roads. From Delta it is approximately 1.5 hours driving with 22 miles being gravel road.





Registered participants will be permitted to camp on the Refuge at designated sites on Friday May 8th and Saturday May 9th. All camping sites offered are primitive.
The registration deadline is Friday May 1. Each session is limited to a maximum of 20 participants and we expect many to fill quickly. Registrants should indicate a second and third choice for each session if they want to have the best chance of attending three different seminars. Space remaining in any seminars may be filled at the beginning of that session. Only by pre-registration can you be guaranteed space in any seminar! You will receive notification confirming your registration.

CLASSES OFFERED & Instructors

1. Fish Springs Archaeology Rachel Quist
2. Fish Springs Geology Matt Affolter
3. Fish Springs Field Botany Rodd Hardy
4. Terrestrial Birds of Fish Springs Terry Sadler
5. Aquatic Birds of Fish Springs Tom Neuman
6. Fish Springs: Crossroad of History Jay Banta & Joe Nardone



I hope you will be able to join us. It will be a fun weekend and an grand time. The registration form is available on our website at http://www.fws.gov/fishsprings/ Please don't hesitate to give us a call at (435)831-5353, ext 2 or email us at fishsprings@fws.gov for more information.