Farewell Summer

We’ve been busy this summer! There’s just over 20 Saturdays from May 1st to October 1st, and our three person team has:

• had booths at 8 community fairs
• worked with hundreds of volunteers at more than 20 weed pull events
• helped 2 Boy Scouts with their Eagle project
• attended 6 community council meetings
• held 3 community workshops for our project with Salt Lake County and CDEA.

And we’re not done yet. There’s still more work to do along the Jordan River before the snow falls in this valley.

Over the last four months, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to my fellow Salt Lake Valley residents face to face. Many of you listened carefully while I explained the JRC’s purpose, and watched eagerly when I demonstrated how to fix a flat tire. I’ve been inspired by those
of you who showed up early for Saturday morning weed pulls and stayed late to help me clean-up. I’ve felt a sense of wonder when I watched your children (of all ages) get down on their hands and knees and draw pictures of their favorite trail activity, plants, or animals on a sidewalk chalk art map of the Jordan River–a sneaky way to get in a brief watershed lesson. And most of you kept me on my feet (and toes) during those community fairs with river stories, questions about the trail and its completion, and excitement for the new Trail Map.

Here are the top three things I’ve heard from you or your neighbors at each event:

1. People love the trail. They really love it!
2. People use the the trail. For riding bikes, for jogging, for walking the dog–people are using the trail.
3. “Nature and open space in the middle of Salt Lake City!” People believe the Jordan River is an undervalued asset in this Valley hope the work making it a great destination continues.
4. Bonus! People are excited to learn about and are supportive of the Jordan River Commission.

I leave every event surprised that you are willing to spend your valuable time talking to me about the Jordan River and trail.

Yes, I’ve been busy this summer but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it because, like you, the Jordan River is something I care about. I live less than a mile from its banks, and long before I worked for the JRC, I used the trail to run my dog, go to the library, attend my community council meetings, and buy produce from the farmer’s market. Twice a day I get to pedal over the bridge at 500 N on my way to and from the office. That’s two times a day that I get to look at a tree’s reflection in the water, hear the birds sing (and occasionally a downy woodpecker pecking on a power line), and say hello to fellow friends of the Jordan River.

Thank you for a wonderful Summer!