Utah Sustainability
Learning to live in relationship with the Intermountain West landscape
I’ve found that many of the most popular sustainability resources are geared towards the landscape of either the eastern United States or California, which is frustrating considering how drastically different the Intermountain Western climate is from those regions. Below are some resources for sustainability education that is specifically geared towards the Utah landscape.
Classes
Master Gardener: An affordable overview of all the key factors to know when gardening in Utah—run through the Utah State University (USU) extension office. (My understanding is that every state’s land-grant university provides a master gardening program, too.) The courses are run through the regional extension office, so the information is tailored to the specific region. In a state as geographically diverse as Utah, this is pretty important.
*Utah Master Naturalist: Also run through the USU extension office, but this program focuses on teaching awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Utah’s natural environment.
3F Farms: My husband and I took the quail raising and processing course from Sierra and it was honestly amazing. I had never butchered anything before and was quite nervous, but she was mindful and respectful throughout the entire process. She is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to empowering people to produce their own food—all-around great experience.
*Intermountain West Permaculture Design Course: This course is run through USU, this is a course that I am dying to take. They had their inaugural run of it in May 2023 and have said they plan to do it every few years, so keep your eye out if it’s something you think you’ll be interested in for the next time around.
Organizations
Conserve Utah Valley: Non-profit organization committed to protecting and sustaining the canyons, foothills, open spaces, and waters of Utah Valley.
USU Extension Sustainability: Provides credible information and trainings to improve environmental, social, and economic conditions. Lots of free resources listed on their page.
USU Extension (General): In addition to the sustainability extension information, USU also maintains credible information about food preservation, local pests and diseases, gardening, etc. through their general extension program. You’ll find conventional farming/gardening techniques shared here as well as more holistic approaches, but there is a lot of really helpful, region-specific information online, as well as affordable community courses available at seasonally appropriate times.
*Mushroom Society of Utah: Non-profit organization that provides public education on mushrooms. It’s on my list to join them for one of their forays to learn more about the mushrooms in the area.
*Indicates resources that I haven’t personally used yet, but are on my radar to dive into when I’m ready.
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As part of my Resource Index series, I consider this article a living document and may update it as I find other relevant resources that have staying power over time. To hear more about what I’m reading in real time and to support my work, please consider subscribing below.
