Jordan River Commission

We are talking about water safety this June! Staying safe around water means paying attention to changing weather conditions before and during your time outdoors. 💧☀️

Water Safety Tip #6: Don’t be on the water during thunder or lightning. This includes swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and boating. Storms can develop quickly, and being on or near open water during lightning increases the risk of serious injury. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get off the water immediately and seek shelter indoors.

Whether you're at a lake, river, reservoir, or other body of water, always check the weather forecast and be prepared to change plans if conditions become unsafe.

Each week, we’ll continue sharing more information about important water safety tips and ways to help protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Have a great and SAFE summer!💙

Trail Thursday🏦

Long before the Jordan River Parkway Trail existed, the river corridor played an important role in early settlement and development in the Salt Lake Valley.

During the construction of the Salt Lake Temple, granite blocks were transported by floating them down the Jordan River into Salt Lake City. At the time, the river served as a natural transportation route for moving heavy materials used in early building projects across the valley.

This is just one example of how the Jordan River has long been connected to the region’s history, not only as a natural waterway, but as a working corridor that helped shape early communities and infrastructure along its banks.

More trail closures along the Jordan River happening this year in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City to close Jordan River bridges for 6 months of reconstruction Salt Lake City will be rebuilding Jordan River bridges in Salt Lake City’s Poplar Grove neighborhood beginning this month.

Wild Wednesdays:🐦Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)🐦

The Downy Woodpecker is one of the smallest and most common woodpeckers you might spot around Utah’s riparian areas, including the Jordan River corridor. These little birds play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control insect populations in trees along the river. Their tongue is coated with sticky mucus, which helps them snag small insects hidden in bark and wood crevices.

👀Where to spot them: Downy Woodpeckers are often found in cottonwood and willow trees where insects are plentiful. Because they’re year-round residents, you can see them in every season. They are often easiest to spot in the early morning as they move along tree trunks tapping for food.

🚣‍♀️ Lake to Lake Paddle Series – Week 3 🌿

Join the Jordan River Commission for Week 3 of our annual Lake to Lake Paddle Series as we paddle from Rotary Park to Millrace Park! This paddle will take place on June 26th, there is no paddle this Friday.

Each summer, we paddle the Jordan River as part of our annual reconnaissance of the river, and we invite experienced paddlers to come along. Whether you've joined us for previous weeks or are looking to jump in for the first time, this is a great opportunity to experience a unique section of the river while helping us observe conditions along the corridor.

⚠️ This is a rigorous paddle series. Participants must provide their own boat and safety equipment and have prior paddling experience.

Come for one paddle or join us for the entire series as we explore the Jordan River from lake to lake.

🔗 Visit our website to learn more about the route, event details, and registration information. Link in bio!

🚨 We still have spots to fill for our Jordan River Canoe Cleanup! 🚣‍♀️

If you have canoe experience and want to help keep our river clean, we'd love to have you join us.

Help remove trash, protect wildlife habitat, and enjoy a unique day on the water with fellow volunteers.

🔗Click the link in bio, then scroll down and click on our Calendar of Events! That will bring you to our website where you will be able to sign up!

We are talking about water safety this June! Staying safe around water means understanding risks and making smart choices before you get in. 💧☀️

Water Safety Tip #5: Never dive into lakes or rivers. Unlike pools, open water has unknown depths and constantly changing conditions. Submerged objects, uneven terrain, and shifting water levels can make diving extremely dangerous.

Whether you're at a lake, river, or another natural body of water, always enter the water feet first and take time to assess conditions before getting in. Making safe choices helps prevent serious injuries and keeps everyone safer around the water.

Each week, we’ll continue sharing more information about important water safety tips and ways to help protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Have a great and SAFE summer!💙

✨Blueprint Jordan River Mondays

The Blueprint Jordan River is our shared vision and action plan for a healthier, more welcoming river corridor. It guides work across seven focus areas like water health, recreation, safety, habitat, and community engagement to help connect people to the Jordan River in meaningful ways.

💙 Focus Area of the Week - Habitat and Natural Systems
Goal 1.3 - Use Regulatory Tools to Limit the Impacts of Development Within the Corridor

Protecting the Jordan River means using planning and policy tools to guide how land is developed near the river. These tools help reduce long-term impacts from growth and redevelopment along the Parkway.

Key strategies include partnering with communities to strengthen riverfront protection ordinances, improving public input on Stream Alteration Permits through the Utah Division of Water Rights, and collaborating with municipalities on land use and zoning to reduce high-impact development near the river.

These efforts help protect water quality, habitat, and the long-term health of the river corridor while supporting thoughtful community growth.

🔗 Feel free to read the Blueprint Jordan River yourself at the link in bio!