Great Salt Lake Nature Reserve
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Great Salt Lake Nature Reserve

The Eccles Widlife Education Center is under construction.

IMPORTANT: The nature reserve and its trails are temporarily closed while the new education center is being built.

A NEW EDUCATION CENTER is being constructed at Great Salt Lake Nature Reserve at Farmington Bay to provide a fun, unique place for people of all ages to enjoy. Once it's built, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center will be a gateway to wetland experiences for you and your entire family, offering programs for youth and adults from birders to hunters, families and tourists.

The site of the new education center is temporarily closed, including walk-in access and all trails. You may still enjoy the larger Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area using the main access road on 1325 West. The Eccles Widlife Education Center is expected to open to the public in late summer 2018.

Located in the Great Salt Lake wetlands, Farmington Bay is a birder's paradise. Millions of migratory birds and shorebirds visit this area each year, taking advantage of its unique ecosystem. This remarkable place is within just a few minutes' drive of the densely populated Wasatch Front.

If you have questions about the Great Salt Lake Nature Center, please contact a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office. If you would like to become an education or community partner, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Artist rendering of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center.

Artist rendering courtesy of Van Lewis, Method Studio Inc.

Artist rendering of the George S. and Delores Dor Eccles Wildlife Education Center.

Artist rendering courtesy of Van Lewis, Method Studio Inc.

Nesting season access restrictions

Nesting season at Farmington Bay WMA is from March 1 to September 15. Vehicle access is restricted to the main road, ending at Goose Egg Island. During this time visitors must stay on the dirt roads and trails at all times.

Dogs are not allowed at Farmington Bay WMA and the Nature Center during nesting season. From September 16 to February 28, dogs are allowed on the Nature Center trails, as long as they are leashed.

Horses are not permitted at any time, and fishing is never allowed.

See a PDF trail map of the Nature Center.

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