Summary: In this episode of the Color Country podcast, Stephanie DeGraw interviews Tiffany Stofer, the Director of Development at the Zion Forever Project. They discuss the 2024 field guide projects, including the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center and the partnership with the Dixie National Forest. They also discuss the importance of public support and donations in funding these projects. Other topics covered include the Floor of the Valley Trail in Zion National Park, the expansion of dark sky programming, and the mountain lion study in Zion National Park.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Zion Forever Project
02:01 Raising Awareness and Funds through the 2024 Field Guide
04:57 The Importance of Public Support and Donations
06:35 Expanding Partnerships with the Dixie National Forest
07:25 The New Cedar Breaks Visitor Center
09:34 Extending the Parus Trail and the Floor of the Valley Trail Initiative
11:01 Expanding Dark Sky Education
15:24 Addressing Various Projects and Improvements in the Parks
21:49 Mountain Lion Research in Zion National Park
26:00 Getting Involved and Supporting the Zion Forever Project
Takeaways
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The 2024 field guide highlights key projects in Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, and the Dixie National Forest that need funding beyond what the federal government provides.
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Public support and donations are crucial in funding projects and programs in the parks, including educational experiences, staffing needs, and infrastructure updates.
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The Floor of the Valley Trail in Zion National Park aims to provide a safer route for pedestrians and bikers and address sewage infrastructure needs.
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The Zion Forever Project is expanding dark sky programming in collaboration with the park and incorporating indigenous night sky heritage.
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A mountain lion study is being conducted to track the habitats and movements of these apex predators in the Zion ecosystem.
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Volunteer opportunities are available through the National Park Service and the Zion Forever Project to support the parks and their initiatives.