Field Trips for Adults and Families

Summer - Fall 2009 Field Trips

Nature Walk: Trees of the University of Utah Campus

Saturday, July 18th
9:00 am - Noon
Fee: $15/person; $12/UMNH Member
Guide: Mitchell Power
Meeting Site: Front steps of UMNH (1390 East Presidents Circle)

Join us for a tree and plant tour of the University of Utah campus, led by Assistant Professor of Geography and UMNH's Garrett Herbarium Curator, Mitchell Power. This tour will take participants a walking tour from lower campus to upper campus/ The tour will begin in Cottam's Gulch, then meander through some of the oldest and youngest tress on campus, visit a small native plant garden, and then finish with a tour of the trees around Presidents Circle.  The legacy of Dr. Cottam's oak hybrid research will be discussed as will the historical importance of campus as the former state arboretum. In addition, the ecology and natural habitats of individual plant species will be described. If time allows, a short tour of the Garrett Herbarium will provide a unique opportunity to see one of the Museum’s most valuable collections.

Register online or call 801.581.5567

Field Trip: Alpine Ecosystems

Saturday, August 1st
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fee: $25/person; $20/UMNH Members
Guide: Mitchell Power
Meeting Site: UMNH (1390 East Presidents Circle)

Join Assistant Professor of Geography and UMNH's Garrett Herbarium Curator, Mitchell Power for a field trip to the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon. On the way up the canyon, participants will explore several distinct ecological “life zones” including the lower montane oak woodlands through the upper montane subalpine and alpine plant communities. The trip will take us to a trailhead above the Alta ski resort where we will hike about a mile roundtrip into Cecret Lake. We will explore and discuss plants, geology and ecological processes along the way. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Transportation, hand-held magnifying glasses (hand lenses) and identification books will be provided.

Register online or call 801.581.5567

Range Creek

Friday and Saturday, August 21st and 22nd
$150/person; $130/UMNH MembersGuide: Jim Lindsey
Planning Meeting: August 18th, 5pm at UMNH

Hidden in the Book Cliffs of eastern Utah, Range Creek Canyon contains an entire system virtually untouched since the departure of its early residents, the Fremont Culture, which flourished from 400 to about 1300 AD. The location is so remote that there is none of the usual looting and vandalism seen in more accessible sites. The ruins and other remains of these ancient people in Range Creek are not the grand cliff dwellings such as ones seen in Mesa Verde. But what you see here is impressive nonetheless, especially the intact granaries, with roofs still in place, so stout and weatherproof all these centuries later that corncobs remain inside. With the aid of binoculars, elaborate rock art can be seen high on the cliff walls. Our tour of this amazing location will leave from UMNH at 6:00 am and travel to the Book Cliffs. We’ll then follow a steep rough road and stop at a fabulous overlook for photo opportunities and a geological overview from your guides. Once at the locked gate that protects the canyon, your guides will escort you to the upper part of the canyon where you’ll explore by foot, nearby rock art sites while learning more about Fremont Cultures, preservation issues, cultural traditions, rock art styles, and the areas amazing history. The trip fee includes 4WD-vehicle rental, one night of camping at Green River State Park, an entrance permit & 1 sack lunch.

Details of needed equipment & the itinerary will be provided during the August 18th meeting.

Participants should be able to hike 4 miles round trip on mostly level surfaces, with some optional side trips to get closer to sites. Binoculars will be provided to view more remote sites. Class size limited.

Register online or call 801.581.5567

What past Field Trip participants have said....

"We had an amazing time with our group. I never knew that the Great Salt Lake was such an interesting place. I always just thought it was a big, smelly lake. I was so wrong!"

"Our guide was very well informed. She answered all of our questions and had us thinking about our surroundings in a completely new way."

"Definitely worth the money. The Museum has very knowledgeable guides and offers interesting field trip locations."