Tree planting set for Saturday in Emigration Canyon

Volunteers are being sought to plant trees from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in Emigration Canyon.

Organized by Salt Lake County's new Office of Township Services, the tree planting is designed to stabilize canyon slopes and minimize the debris entering bike lanes, creating safety problems.

"Emigration Canyon is loved not only by its residents, but also by people countywide," said County Township Executive Patrick Leary, calling the tree planting "an opportunity for all Emigration Canyon users to work side-by-side to improve the safety of this regional asset."

About 1,000 native trees and shrubs were grown specifically for this project at the Utah State University Botanical Center in Kaysville, Leary noted. They will be planted under the supervision of certified master gardeners.

The event is backed by the county's Bicycle Advisory Committee, which is encouraging cyclists to participate.

Volunteers must register to ensure ample supplies of breakfast, water and safety vests are available, said office spokeswoman Stacee Adams. To sign up, contact her at 385-468-7130 or sadams@slco.org, or go to www.admin.slco.org/volunteer.

Because of limited parking in the canyon, Adams encouraged volunteers to bike or carpool.