Caring for canyons | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

During this season of giving thanks, I thank our community for its teamwork in stewardship efforts in our canyons. This summer and fall, locals came out in force to improve trails, plant native trees and wildflowers and pull invasive weeds.

More than 800 volunteers (200 kids!) participated in on-the-ground projects, spending long hours in the sun, swinging heavy hand tools and pulling stubborn plants in the Cottonwood Canyons and greater watershed environment.

Special efforts included: 15 Eagle Scout projects, participation by more than 20 area businesses and organizations, including Wasatch 100 runners, REI, Backcounty.com, church groups. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude ski resorts hosted volunteer project days.

As many who frequent the canyons know, ours is one of the nation's most heavily-used watersheds and national forests, so giving back is critical. These efforts protect our drinking water, ensure trails stay in good shape and maintain sensitive areas critical to native wildlife and vegetation.

Thanks for your spirit of cooperation.

Jessie Walthers Cottonwood Canyons Foundation

Holladay