Historic hops: Park City’s century-old plants power modern conservation efforts

Summit Land Conservancy's Hoppy Hour is set to take place Oct. 10. Photo: Summit Land Conservancy

The program, now in its 10th year, engages participants in the collection of wild hops, which are used to brew a local ale in collaboration with Top of Main Brewery.

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit Land Conservancy will celebrate a decade of its unique blend of conservation and craft beer at the 10th Annual Hoppy Hour, scheduled for Oct. 10 at Top of Main Brew Pub.

Earlier this summer, the conservancy’s Hops Hunters program led 55 volunteers on a hike to harvest wild hops growing in Park City and Summit County. “We have quite a following. Many people hike with us year after year and harvest every season. And we have new people joining us each outing too. It’s a great way to learn not only about the hops, but about local history, geology, flora and fauna,” Tisovec shared. The program, now in its 10th year, engages participants in the collection of wild hops, which are used to brew a local ale in collaboration with Top of Main Brewery.

“We’ve known the hops were out there for many years and we used to just harvest them,” said Top of Main master brewer Nils Imboden. “Then we met Cheryl Fox as we were harvesting hops along the Rail Trail. She reminded us the lands where the hops grow were protected under conservation easement, and a partnership was born.”

The wild hops, originally brought to the area by miners more than a century ago, continue to thrive in Park City. Planted for both brewing and medicinal purposes, these hops can still be found near historic buildings, collapsed houses, and streambeds.

“It’s amazing that hops plants were brought to Park City and planted here over 100 years ago. These plants are still growing and producing hops after all these years,” said Amy Tisovec, outreach specialist for Summit Land Conservancy.

Due to this summer’s high temperatures and late-August rains, the hop yield was lower than usual. However, the quality of the harvest remains strong.

“We’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. It’s what makes brewing with wild hops unique,” Imboden said.

The result of the harvest, a light beer called “Clothing Hoptional,” features honeydew melon and citrus notes, with earthy flavors and a hint of spice. The brew, made with local ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the brewery, will be available for purchase in 16-ounce cans exclusively at Top of Main Brew Pub.

Hoppy Hour will take place from 6-9 p.m. in the brew pub’s private upstairs room. Tickets, priced at $20 online and $25 at the door, include two drink vouchers, appetizers, and a chance to win prizes from local businesses such as KÜHL, Fjallraven, and Christy Sports. Proceeds from the event will support Summit Land Conservancy’s efforts to preserve land and water in the Wasatch Back region.

Founded in 1998, Summit Land Conservancy protects more than 18,900 acres of open space, including Round Valley, Quarry Mountain, and the McPolin Farmlands.

For more information about Summit Land Conservancy’s work or to purchase tickets for Hoppy Hour, visit wesaveland.org.