The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay just upped its game for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, rolling out a brand-new viewing platform and trail for an upgraded outdoors experience. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) showcased these attractions during a recent Friday event, offering an accessible vantage point for visitors to enjoy the local avian population and wetland vistas.
Though the Eccles Wildlife Education Center has been welcoming guests since 2018, financial hurdles delayed the construction of the 24-foot square viewing deck included in the original scheme. Last summer witnessed the completion of this platform and the Hasenyager Legacy Trail, named after Robert N. Hasenyager, an ardent wetlands advocate and seasoned DWR employee. However, the finishing touch, informative signage, was only recently installed, rounding out the project. "The viewing platform and connected trail will enhance the visitor experience by providing an ADA-accessible structure with a raised deck area, allowing for improved viewing opportunities of the surrounding area, including the great blue heron rookery and the wetlands," said Ashley Kijowski, as per the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
The center, nestled against the southeast shore of the Great Salt Lake, boasts key wetland real estate within the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, encompassing over 300 acres. This piece of land not only serves as a nature reserve but also plays a critical role as a habitat for millions of migratory birds seeking a spot for nesting, stopover, and wintering. Kijowski added, "These wetlands aren't wild by accident — they're carefully managed by dedicated wetland biologists who work year-round to maintain and improve habitat for the birds that depend on these areas," as obtained by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
The appeal of the Eccles Wildlife Education Center isn't limited to just the new platform and trail. Visitors have a full suite of activities to choose from, bird-watching with personal or borrowed binoculars, strolling through a 1.6-mile nature trail loop winding through wetlands, capturing sunrise and sunset photography that's second to none, and engaging in various educational events tailored for families throughout the year. Located at 1157 S. Waterfowl Way in Farmington, the center opens its doors Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, the surrounding trails are accessible any day, at any daylight hour, and on holidays as well. While admission is free, those over 18 looking to access the Farmington Bay WMA need to hold a valid hunting, fishing, or combination license.
