Utah Botanical Center551

The Utah Botanical Center is Utah State University's 100-acre demonstration garden. It features a large variety of drought tolerant plants that are native to Utah. USU uses the center to host workshops and community events, and conducts research, demonstrations, and courses to inform, inspire, and guide us toward a more sustainable future. Specific on-site offerings for children include school field trips, scouting programs, summer camps, and youth fishing camps. Family Nights are held three times each year, featuring crafts, garden walks, animal shows, and games. Check the UBC website for details on children and family programming at the center.

The Utah House is a model sustainable learning center at the UBC. The house and the grounds around the structure demonstrate how a home can be built and landscaped in ways that promote energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable resources, and healthy indoor environments. It is open Mon-Fri 1pm-5pm & Sat 10am-2pm. The house can be rented for private functions; call for details.

Plants aren't the only things to see at the botanical center. Birds are often found in abundance, especially on the ponds. Families can rent Birdwatching Backpacks for $6 at the Utah House; the packs have binoculars, field guides, bird lists, etc. to help folks see and identify the birds on the grounds.

Fishing is allowed at the center's four ponds; anglers must have a valid fishing license if over the age of 13. The daily limit is four fish of any kind (largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish). There is no size limit on any of the three species. Non-motorized watercraft is allowed on the ponds.

Tours of the greenhouse are available by appointment. Call to schedule a time.