Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge that was established in 1928 by an act of Congress. The refuge protects the lower part of the Bear River and its wetlands delta within the northeastern part of the south arm of the Great Salt Lake. The Refuge is an 80,000 acre mosaic of open water, mud flats, wetlands, and uplands, and hosts millions of migratory waterfowl each year. It is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a hemispheric network of protected sites that have been purchased from willing sellers. The flooding of the refuge during the high water period of the mid-1980s provides a central scene for Terry Tempest Williams’ acclaimed Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place. In 2005 a new wildlife education center was opened to provide more opportunities to (human) visitors to learn about the Reuge and the critical role it plays in protecting migratory bird habitat.

Photo from 1932. Looking East from H line into Unit 3. North side. New bayonet grass growth as far as eye can reach. This was all dry mud flats last year (1931) with no growth whatever. Courtesy: U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey. Utah Writers' Project. From Classified Photograph Collection, copyright Utah State Historical Society.

Click here for the full oral history with Lynn De Freitas

Lynn de Freitas was born and raised in New Jersey. She is an avid birder and environmental activist who focuses on the ecosystem of Great Salt Lake. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Friends of Great Salt Lake, a non-profit organization that works to preserve and protect the GSL ecosystem, as well as educate and create public awareness about issues concerning the Lake. Lynn began her involvement with Friends in 1994, and in 1996, she was promoted to President of the Board of Directors. Lynn also serves as a full-time volunteer. Prior to her involvement with Friends, she worked as High School Library Media Coordinator for public and private schools.

West of Brigham City, Utah. View of the Headquarters. Utah Writers' Project, circa 1932. From the Classified Photograph Collection, copyright Utah State Historical Society.

Click here for the full oral history with Terry Tempest Williams

Terry Tempest Williams was born in California and raised in Salt Lake. In this interview, she talks about her family’s history in Utah and growing up near the Great Salt Lake. She also talks about developing an interest in nature at an early age. She discusses her education, her mentors, and her time as a student at the University of Utah. She talks about her work with the Utah Museum of Natural History and her career as an educator. Terry goes on to describe the process of writing her book Refuge. She also discusses her involvement with the University of Utah’s Environmental Humanities Program. Finally, Terry describes some of her favorite places and memories of the Great Salt Lake.

West of Brigham City, Utah. Sick ducks being treated at the Refuge. Utah Writers' Project. Circa 1932. From the Classified Photograph Collection, copyright Utah State Historical Society.

Photo from September 10th, 1906. Image shows a marsh land that is part of the Bear River Duck Club. From the Shipler Commercial Photographers Collection, copyright Utah State Historical Society.