Great Salt Lake: The Nature Conservancy’s Role as a Conservation Leader

That leadership is rooted in a long-standing commitment. In 1984, TNC took a pioneering step by acquiring 1,192 acres along the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake, becoming the first private conservation organization to protect critical migratory bird habitat in the area. This landmark action safeguarded vital wetlands and established TNC’s Utah chapter, marking the beginning of our enduring engagement with the Lake.

Building on decades of science, habitat protection, policy leadership and public education, TNC continues to advance practical solutions that benefit Great Salt Lake today and position it for the future. Our conservation work in the Great Salt Lake watershed is part of TNC’s ambitious global goal to protect sustainable freshwater sources for people and nature.

TNC’s Conservation Work

TNC’s Great Salt Lake leadership focuses on three areas:  

1. Preserving & Restoring Habitat

TNC has preserved more than 12,000 acres of wetlands and uplands at Great Salt Lake. Today, we manage 10,000 acres across several preserves, including 4,531 acres at our marquee Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve—an oasis for migratory birds that also serves as a buffer against rapid development in Davis County.

Across all of our protected properties, TNC actively manages habitat with the goal of supporting the larger Lake ecosystem. This work continues to evolve as conditions change. Here are a few examples:

Enhancing and Creating New Wetlands

TNC has enhanced or created more than 400 acres of wetlands on our properties, benefitting birds such as white-faced ibis, long-billed curlews and great blue herons. In 2023, TNC collaborated with Equinox Engineering to create 40 new acres of wetlands by building a control structure that diverts stormwater runoff into the preserve. The project cleans incoming runoff and creates a new open freshwater marsh that supports a wide range of wildlife.

Fighting Invasives

TNC uses innovative methods to combat invasive phragmites—a plant that threatens the Lake ecosystem—by deploying specialized equipment such as the Marsh Master, an amphibious machine used to remove dense stands of the plant. We also work with local ranchers to implement targeted cattle grazing, an approach that helps promote the return of native vegetation.

Preventing Pollution

In partnership with Kaysville City, TNC built three wildlife-friendly wetland basins with trash collection systems that filter stormwater and improve water quality.

TNC preserve managers also collaborate with private, state and federal wetland managers to share best practices related to water control, herbicide use, equipment deployment and fire management.

“When TNC started buying land along the Lake’s eastern shore in 1984, we were thinking far ahead,” says Chris Brown, TNC Utah’s director of stewardship. “Today, as we face expanding development, climate change impacts and water shortages, providing protected and stable wildlife habitat is more important than ever.”

2. Transforming Policy & Securing Water

TNC is nonpartisan, science-driven and collaborative. We work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle and a broad range of stakeholders to advance public policies that protect nature and improve the well-being of Utah communities. We also collaborate closely with the government entities responsible for managing Great Salt Lake, including the Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner. TNC’s Utah State Director, Elizabeth Kitchens, serves on the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council.

TNC works with Utah leaders to advance legislation that strengthens Lake management, supports research and modernizes water laws to optimize water use and protect water quality and quantity. Today, we are focused on testing and implementing voluntary water market solutions and flexible instream flow provisions that benefit Great Salt Lake.

3. Educating & Inspiring People

The future of Great Salt Lake depends on whether enough people understand its value and stay engaged over time. TNC continues to expand programs and partnerships that connect people to the Lake and build lasting support for its protection.

At Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, visitors can explore a visitor center with a boardwalk, observation tower, educational displays and a bilingual audio tour. Open year-round and free to the public, the preserve is also home to the Wings & Water Wetlands Education Program, which has introduced more than 25,000 Utah fourth-graders to the Lake’s ecosystem. Building on that foundation, TNC’s Nature Lab program recently created a virtual field trip, bringing lessons from Wings & Water to students around the world.

Our preserves also serve as living laboratories, supporting research by scientists and universities focused on avian habitat, invasive species treatments and groundwater systems. This research helps inform future management while creating opportunities for learning and discovery.

Each spring, thousands tune into TNC’s live kestrel cam for an up-close look at nesting falcons, offering a window into the Lake’s biodiversity. TNC also partners with communities across Utah to support birding celebrations, volunteer projects, wildlife tours and outreach events that help people stay connected to Great Salt Lake and invested in its future.

Looking Ahead: TNC’s Commitment

For decades, TNC has helped lead efforts to protect Great Salt Lake by safeguarding critical wetlands, engaging broad-based coalitions, advancing key policy changes and educating thousands of young Utahns. Today, building on that foundation, TNC remains focused on achieving lasting, meaningful results for the Lake through collaborative leadership and the continued implementation of bold yet practical solutions.