How We Help Wildlife Thrive
Utah Wildlife Connectivity Working Group
The Utah Wildlife Connectivity Working Group is a collaborative group of scientists, wildlife managers, and planners that works to improve wildlife connectivity in Utah. The Working Group was formed after the unanimous passage of House Resolution 13 in the 2020 Utah State legislature, which calls for local and state investment in creating wildlife connectivity and promoting roadway safety.
Working Group members share in peer-to-peer learning, update each other on relevant work, and present ideas for helping Utah’s wildlife to migrate and thrive alongside the roads, and highways, powerlines, and other infrastructure that our growing cities and towns need.
The Working Group is open to anyone who is knowledgeable of and involved in their respective professions, communities, or organizations in improving wildlife connectivity. If you are interested in learning more about the Working Group and getting involved, please email WCWG@utahwildlifefederation.org.
Wildlife Walls
The Utah Wildlife Walls project uses art to celebrate Utah’s diverse wildlife heritage. This is a statewide initiative to create monumental wildlife murals in each of the state’s 29 counties, promoting community engagement and appreciation of our state’s local wildlife heritage. Alongside this program is the “Celebrate Utah Wildlife Contest” a free multi-media contest inviting Utahns of all ages to submit Utah wildlife-inspired content for a future traveling exhibit that will tour the state for celebration events.
To learn more about and enter into the Celebrate Utah Wildlife Contest,
Utah Wildlife Summit
Identify out-of-the box ideas that could address the challenges wildlife face in Utah and how enthusiasts can help.
March 16th
8:30 AM light breakfast + check in, wrap up by 5:00 PM
Eccles Wildlife Education Center
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Have honest conversations about the challenges facing wildlife and Utah’s communities
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Learn from each other and brainstorm conservation solutions
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Build relationships with wildlife enthusiasts and Utah wildlife management.
Shaping Utah Wildlife Policy
The Utah Wildlife Federation provides information and helps give Utahns a voice in the legislative and regulatory process.
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In 2023 UWF, in partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Wildlands Network, helped build bipartisan support in the legislature to provide $20 million for building wildlife crossings. Ask Utah's representatives to support this work here.
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In 2022 UWF helped secure $1 million in seed funding for wildlife crossings and fencing improvements in Echo Junction, where I-80 and I-84 intersect near Coalville, Utah, to increase road safety and protect wildlife from vehicle collisions.
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At the federal level, we are giving Utahns a voice in a nationwide coalition to pass the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This bill would increase federal funding for the Utah Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies around the nation to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
Sign up and Get Involved in our State Legislature!
If you’re interested in following our policy work, sign up for updates here. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to stay informed about important wildlife policy decisions and to make your voice heard in the legislative and regulatory process. With your support, we can work together to ensure that Utah's wildlife and its habitats are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Other Ways to Help
There are other ways you can support the Utah Wildlife Federation. Donating to our organization is a great way to contribute to our efforts to protect Utah's wildlife and its habitats. Your donation can help fund important conservation programs, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
You can also symbolically adopt a Utah wildlife animal through our adoption program. By adopting an animal, you are not only supporting our organization but also helping to protect the species you have chosen. As an adoptive parent, you will receive an adoption certificate, a species fact sheet, and other special gifts. Your contribution will go towards funding research, conservation efforts, and habitat protection for your chosen animal.
Together, we can make a difference in protecting Utah's wildlife for generations to come. Thank you for considering supporting the Utah Wildlife Federation!
Gardening for Wildlife Habitat
The Utah Wildlife Federation invites you to bring your support for wildlife to your backyard and communities in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife programs! Many species of native wildlife can benefit from you turning your own small patches of Earth - from your yard, garden, workplace, schools, and places of worship - into thriving habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Learn how to certify your backyard today by clicking here!
