Biodiversity in the Basin

Explore the native plants and wildlife of Basin Recreation's trails and open space!

About

Basin Recreation manages over 2,300 acres of open space and 170 miles of trail traversing an incredible variety of landscapes and ecosystems. From sunny sagebrush and shrub oak communities, to montane aspen groves and wildflower meadows, to dense stands of evergreen, there's a lot to explore!

Get to know your backyard a little better with the resources below. Strengthen your identification skills with our native plant and wildlife guides, and stay up to date on wildflower displays, fall foliage and more with our map of what's in season. While you're at it, join our citizen science projects to gain a deeper connection to the landscape and contribute to local, regional, and international research!


Native Plants

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)

The wide range of elevations, solar aspects, and soil conditions that exist in our canyon have resulted in a variety of unique plant communities in the places we recreate. Summit Park and Toll Canyon open space properties feature expansive mixed fir forests and shady understory, while across the canyon, sagebrush, scrub oak, and sunflowers dominate Rasmussen open space (home to Bob's Basin). Likewise, PRI and Run-a-Muk (receiving abundant sunlight and snowmelt) thrive in spring, while Mid-Mountain's aspen groves shine in late summer and fall.

Want to identify your favorite summer flowers or get the inside scoop on Park City's rare blooms? Check out Basin Recreation's native plant guide. Here we've highlighted both the popular species that characterize our region, and hidden gems we've found on the job.

Click on points to learn about highlighted plants and hit "Animate the Season" to watch spring, summer, and fall unfold. Already on the trail? Use the "What's near me?" tool to learn while you're out. More plants are added all the time; check back throughout the season!

Can't find the plant you're looking for? Post a picture to our iNaturalist page for a quick ID! Find details in our "citizen science" section below.

What's in Season?

So many trails and so little time. It's hard to keep track of what's going on out there! Use this map to see what's in season in different parts of our trail system. We'll highlight first blooms, sunflower displays, changing maples and aspens, and more so you can plan for their peak!

Are we missing something? Snap a photo and email it to seychelle@basinrecreation.org to put your observations on the map!


Wildlife

Trailside winter residents!

Springtime in Willow Creek means Sandhill Cranes; Bad Apple has a resident porcupine (affectionately named Quill Smith) and, of course, Summit Park and Toll Canyon host a robust moose population! Basin Recreation works hard to protect, restore, and improve habitat for our wild neighbors.

This map highlights a few of our open space areas' animal regulars. Scroll around and click on the icons to learn more about Basin-area animals and what they're up to.

This tool is meant to give trail users a sense of what's out there rather than make "attractions" of our wildlife; use common sense and do not seek out animals that don't want to be found. Remember to respect all wildlife, leave plenty of space, and remain flexible. Check  Wildlife Aware Utah's  page for tips before heading out.

If you find a friend on the trail, let us know! Email seychelle@basinrecreation.org with details.

Candid camera! Our wildlife cameras find a variety of wildlife out there - elk, bobcats, hawks, porcupine, and more.


Citizen Science

Add observations to Basin Recreation's iNaturalist to explore the area, identify plants and wildlife, and interact with area naturalists. All observations help Basin Recreation and local land managers track biodiversity and wildlife patterns in our natural areas, and contribute to large-scale biodiversity studies! Just snap a picture and the app will provide identification suggestions; later on, a naturalist, ecologist, or local expert will confirm! Also be sure to check out the project feed and journal to see what's blooming!

Biodiversity in the Basin

Yellow Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus)

Trailside winter residents!