Speaking Springs Preserve is a nature preserve owned and managed by The Wildlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land conservancy. Consisting of 415 acres (1.68 km2) of land in San Juan County, Utah, the preserve features spring-fed wetlands and dramatic sandstone cliffs in Cottonwood Wash, a red rock canyon within the Colorado Plateau. The preserve is located adjacent to Bears Ears National Monument. More preserves can be found in the list of preserves.
| Speaking Springs Preserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
  Location of Speaking Springs Preserve | |
| Location | San Juan County, Utah |
| Nearest city | Bluff, Utah |
| Coordinates | 37°17′49″N 109°33′41″W / 37.29694°N 109.56139°W |
| Area | 415 acres (1.68 km2) |
| Max. elevation | 4,320 feet (1,320 m) |
| Min. elevation | 4,320 feet (1,320 m) |
| Created | 2023 |
| Operator | The Wildlands Conservancy |
| Website | Speaking Springs Preserve |
Recreation
editThe preserve is open to the public for hiking. Future plans include educational and interpretive programs, which may be utilized by local schools.[1]
Geography
editThe preserve is located within an important water drainage system in the Bears Ears National Monument. The area features spring-fed wetlands and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Seasonal runoff from the Abajo Mountains helps maintain the ecosystem.[1][2]
Flora and Fauna
editThe spring-fed riparian forests and hanging gardens along the Cottonwood Wash support a variety of endemic plants and migratory birds. The area is recognized as a critical wildlife corridor, though specific wildlife species have yet to be identified in public reports.[3] The conservancy's restoration efforts aim to protect and enhance these habitats.[1]
History
editThe Wildlands Conservancy acquired the initial 320 acres of land in 2023 after a 16-month fundraising campaign.[4] The acquisition ensured the land would be preserved for public use and Native American cultural purposes through a cultural conservation easement.[2]
In April 2024, the preserve expanded by an additional 95 acres, bringing the total size to 415 acres.[5]
The preserve holds significant cultural value, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs that remain important to Native tribes. Designs such as horses and other symbols are still used in the traditions of the Navajo, Hopi, and Ute tribes.[6] The easement allows these tribes to co-manage the property, ensuring its cultural and ecological preservation.[2][5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Gulliford, Andrew (September 9, 2023). "Cottonwood Wash, Bears Ears and the character of canyons". Durango Herald.
- ^ a b c Williams, Carter (July 25, 2023). "Why a conservancy nonprofit purchased a 320-acre plot of land in Bears Ears". KSL.com.
- ^ "320-acre Cottonwood Wash property acquired". San Juan Record. July 25, 2023.
- ^ Bree, Jenna (July 25, 2023). "Conservation nonprofit acquires 320-acre piece of private property in Bears Ears National Monument". Fox 13 Utah.
- ^ a b "Donation expands Bluff Preserve". San Juan Record. April 2, 2024.
- ^ Herrera, Jack (January 3, 2024). "Native tribes are getting a slice of their land back — under the condition that they preserve it". Los Angeles Times.