Farmington Bay volunteer honored with ‘Birder of the Year' nomination after more than 20 years of service
FARMINGTON, Utah () — Volunteers across the state help the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fill in the gaps with programs and facilities here in Utah. One of these volunteers received a special nomination for his dedication.
In Farmington, volunteers help the provide a gateway to the Great Salt Lake Wetlands. When you get there, you might meet Larry McClurg. He's been welcoming guests and sharing this beautiful part of our state for over 20 years.
'It's such a neat place, there's wildlife, there's scenery. It's beautiful,' Larry McClurg explained.
Just west of I-15 in Farmington sits the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, an 18,000-acre wetland complex that is managed for waterfowl and a variety of water birds. It's a place many may not have noticed.
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'I don't know the percentage, but I would guess it's pretty high of people who don't even know this area exists. That's why I try to inform them,' McClurg shared.
This place has been a weekly stop for 85-year-old McClurg. He has been volunteering at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center off and on for more than 20 years.
'When people come in to visit us, they need some information. So I give them information about the Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area,' McClurg said.
It is volunteers, just like McClurg, who help make the education center work. They host students on field trips and anyone else who wants to learn about the 18,000 acres for migratory and nesting shore birds.
Ashley Kijowski is the coordinator for the center. She explained that the volunteers help to make up the difference at the center. They clean, they maintain the grounds, and they help run the education center when visitors arrive.
'I honestly think we couldn't do anything that we do out here without our volunteers,' Kijowski said.
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Ashley has been so grateful for the volunteers — she nominated McClurg for the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Birder of the Year. McClurg thought it was unnecessary, but he did it.
'I think there are people more qualified than I am, but I said yes, I would,' he said.
For the people McClurg has helped, his 20 years of kindness and wisdom have made a difference as he shares the beauty of this part of Davis County.
'The more you learn about nature, the more beautiful this world is,' McClurg shared.
There are events throughout the year at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center; you can learn more about them on their Facebook Page.
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Hamilton Spectator
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Here is what to do for Father's Day weekend in Hamilton
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Elle
a day ago
- Elle
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I visited the friends and family that made him. We shared our stories of him and expressed our disbelief that he's no longer here. Jamaica feels different now, but that doesn't mean bad. This time around I relished my time there. Each moment spent is an invitation to add my stories to his and to build a version of Jamaica that belongs to me too and just like he showed me his Jamaica - this is the one my future children will inherit. I know now that returning to his home isn't something to be feared. Just like his Julie mangos, it's a place to be savoured. A safe haven. As long as I touch grass in Jamaica, or feel sunshine on my skin I know that my beautiful sunny dad is with me. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member todayHERE.
