Why Utah’s wetlands around the Great Salt Lake may matter more than you think

FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4) — Wetlands around the Great Salt Lake are vital to the health of Utah’s ecosystem — but did you know that wetlands can also filter out pollutants in the water?

Roughly 350,000 acres of wetlands surround the Great Salt Lake, most of which are managed to support bird populations.

“It’s a great stopping point mid-migration… think of it like a McDonald’s on a road trip. The birds come here to fuel up,” Ashley Kijowski, coordinator at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center told ABC4.com.

At Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, about 18,000 acres are maintained by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, with 12,000 acres of impounded ponds that can be adjusted for water levels and habitat needs.

About 12 million migratory birds rely on these wetlands to rest, refuel, and even nest. Experts say these ecosystems also play a crucial role in filtering pollutants from the water.

“Wetlands do act as a natural filter for water. So when the water pools up in wetlands, some pollutants and metals will be absorbed by the plants on the surface. And then a lot of the water will filter through the groundwater and that purifies it as well,” Kijowski added.

Wetlands also decrease carbon dioxide, which makes them a natural ally in reducing greenhouse gases.

As water pools and slowly moves through wetland areas, contaminants and heavy metals are absorbed by the plants, and much of the remaining water filters naturally into the groundwater.

Ronni McDonough, a bird enthusiast based in Salt Lake City, said she has spotted a ton of nesting migratory birds.

“We’ve seen a lot of birds. We saw a pheasant, an osprey, a bunch of ducks, a crane. Yes. Oh, Meadowlark Redwing blackbirds. Yeah. Wonderful,” McDonough said.

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is hosting ‘Great Blue Heron Day’ on April 19. Visitors can view the herons that are nesting with other fun crafts and activities for families to enjoy.