Lee Creek near Magna

Beneath the wide Utah sky, Lee Creek whispers stories of the Great Salt Lake. Lee Creek isn’t just a creek. It’s a vital thread in a vibrant tapestry of life. This area, the Lee Creek Natural Area, is a haven for birds migrating across the hemisphere. It’s part of a larger conservation effort, including the Kennecott Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve and the South Shore Preserve. Lee Creek flows into the southern arm of the Great Salt Lake, known as Gilbert Bay. This bay, recognized as an Important Bird Area, underscores Lee Creek’s significance. Lee Creek hasn’t always been a sanctuary. It once suffered from neglect and misuse. Trespassing and motorized vehicles damaged the habitat. But in 1996, a partnership formed to heal the land. The National Audubon Society, Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, The Nature Conservancy, the Mitigation Commission, and the Utah Division of Water Quality joined forces. Their efforts have revitalized Lee Creek. Now, American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Marbled Godwits, and Snowy Plovers thrive here. The Lee Creek Natural Area is a dynamic ecosystem. Salt, water, and land interact in a constant dance. Water levels shift across the shallow, salty shoreline. This creates a unique habitat where salt-tolerant plants like pickleweed and iodine bush flourish. Insects like brine flies and beetles provide food for migrating and nesting birds. American Avocets, Long-billed Curlews, and Spotted Sandpipers are frequent visitors. In spring, thousands of Snowy Plovers arrive to nest and raise their young. Lee Creek offers the closest public access to the Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City. Here, you can experience the tranquility of open water and vast skies. Birdwatching, photography, and scenic viewing are welcomed. Remember, this is a protected area. Respect the wildlife and leave no trace. Lee Creek’s story is one of resilience and restoration. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a reminder of the beauty that can thrive when we care for our natural world.