The Nature Conservancy and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are hosting a celebration of World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 12 at the Scott M Matheson Wetlands Preserve just north of Moab.

“So, this is held in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day. We are going to have it at the Scott M Matheson Wetlands Preserve, just right there in the town of Moab. It’s a really critical wetland area there because it’s along the Colorado River,” said Conversation Outreach Manager, Morgan Jacobsen. Large wetlands can be a rarity along Utah’s portion of the Colorado River and that makes Moab’s wetlands a vital habitat for wildlife. This particular preserve is almost 900 acres is co-owned by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Nature Conservancy.

“People who come will have an opportunity to join wildlife biologists for birding tours. They’ll walk around the wetland and get to observe different kind of waterfowl and birds that are stopping over in the preserve,” stated Jacobsen. The free family event has no cap on registration like most events. There will be other enjoyable activities for guests to learn about area mammals, native fish and amphibians. Guests should keep in mind that dogs and other pets are not permitted on the preserve.

The event will begin at the Kane Creek entrance to the preserve at 934 West Kane Creek Boulevard in Moab, commencing at 9:00 am and concluding at noon. “If you’re excited about spring wildlife, want to have something to do with the family on the weekend of May 12, we hope you’ll join us for this fun Migratory Bird Day,” said Jacobsen. The preserve is open to the public and provides a variety of recreation opportunities that involve wildlife.

For more information on Migratory Bird Day at the Matheson Preserve contact DWR at (435) 613-3707.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY