Eccles Wildlife Education Center

The new George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay — located on the Robert N. Hasenyager Great Salt Lake Nature Reserve — provides a gateway to the remarkable Great Salt Lake wetlands. The education center and its nature trails are now open to the public.

The complex that makes up the Eccles Wildlife Education Center includes the L.S. Skaggs Wetland Discovery Classroom, an auditorium and an exhibit building.

While visiting this facility, schoolchildren and other guests can learn about the many animal species that depend on the wetlands for survival. You can see firsthand how active wildlife management plays a key role in maintaining this remarkable habitat.

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After a stop at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center, visitors can set out to explore the one-mile nature trail and enjoy a close-up view of wetland wildlife.

Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages and interests — whether they're students, photographers, hunters, birders or local families out for a stroll — will benefit from a trip to the Eccles Wildlife Education Center.

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center is a place where science and imagination go hand-in-hand. It's a place that engages communities and sparks creativity. A visit to the center will increase visitors' knowledge and appreciation of the Great Salt Lake wetlands, expand their understanding of active wildlife management and provide a new place to make lasting memories with friends and family.

WMAs conserve critical wildlife habitats

Utah's waterfowl and wildlife management areas are primarily funded by the sales of Utah hunting, fishing and combination licenses and by federal excise taxes (which are paid on hunting and fishing equipment) — typically, state taxes do not pay for the management and upkeep of these properties. All license sales go toward conservation in Utah, so having a current license is a great way to support wildlife conservation, land acquisition, management and habitat restoration at your favorite WMA and statewide.

Unlike other multi-use recreational public properties, WMAs are managed for the following purposes:

• Conserving critical wildlife habitats
• Helping to minimize and mitigate wildlife damage on private property
• Providing places where Utahns can go to hunt, fish and enjoy wildlife-related recreation