Provo River Days connects Summit County headwaters to communities downstream

The Provo River watershed stretches from its headwaters in the Uinta Mountains through Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs and into communities downstream. Provo River Days will bring educational and recreational activities to four sites along the watershed Sept. 12. Photo: Johnny Adolphson

Sept. 12 festival will bring watershed activities to Jordanelle, Deer Creek and other sites along the Provo River

PARK CITY, Utah — A new Provo River festival will take place this month from the upper watershed near Park City to Provo Canyon, highlighting a river system with deep connections to Summit County.

Provo River Days will take place Sept. 12 at four locations: Jordanelle State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Deer Creek State Park and Vivian Park in Provo Canyon.

The Provo River Watershed Council describes the event as a new, multisite community festival designed to connect people with the river through hands-on activities, education, and partnerships. In this way, the watershed extends from the river’s headwaters in the Uinta Mountains to the communities downstream that rely on it.

For Summit County residents, that connection begins close to home. The Watershed Council is currently helping fund a floodplain study of the Provo River headwaters near Kamas. From there, the study will guide a multiphase restoration project to maintain floodplain and aquatic habitat while protecting nearby infrastructure and agricultural lands.

The river then flows toward Jordanelle Reservoir, located in Wasatch County just a few miles from Park City. There, the Provo River fills Jordanelle Reservoir, and together with Deer Creek Reservoir, it helps provide culinary water to users in Wasatch and Salt Lake counties, according to Utah State Parks.

At Jordanelle State Park, Provo River Days activities will be centered at the Nature Center, where visitors can participate in nature journaling and coloring activities. Guided hikes will focus on erosion and watershed health.

The Rock Cliff area of Jordanelle offers an especially close look at the river system. Boardwalks and trails travel through wetlands near the point where the Upper Provo River enters Jordanelle Reservoir, according to Utah State Parks.

At Wasatch Mountain State Park, participants can make water-cycle bracelets and take part in a watershed-mapping exercise. Deer Creek State Park will host a bird walk, fishing, and watercraft activities, including a guided paddle focused on responsible recreation. Younger visitors can also paint birdhouses.

At Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, participants can study aquatic macroinvertebrates and learn about everyday sources of water pollution.

Provo River Days will be held Sept. 12 at Jordanelle State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, Deer Creek State Park, and Vivian Park. Additional information is available through the Provo River Watershed Council.