S C A V E N G E R H U N T
Welcome to Open Streets SLC! You have found the Nature on Main Scavenger Hunt.
Here, we ask you to identify an aspect of nature along Main Street and answer a question about it that relates to the natural history of the Wasatch Front. Stops are numbered north to south, but you can start anywhere. Answer as many questions as you like. At the end of the Scavenger Hunt, go to the City Creek Center activity hub to learn more and find fun activities!
Stop 7: A rare native tree
Look at the large tree across Main Street.
It’s a rare native tree in downtown Salt Lake. Native tree species are scarce here due to a few factors—there weren’t many trees in the valley to begin with, and the trees that do grow here naturally aren’t ideal for urban streets due to shape, brittle branches, or shallow roots. Many have a hard time in the hot and hardscaped urban environment.
Most of the trees planted in the city are from other parts of the world, chosen for their ability to thrive in the urban environment. As a result, Salt Lake City has a highly diverse urban forest, with over 300 tree species, even though only a few are native – a forest planted by the people for the people!
The Main Street Promenade Study plans to add about 285 new trees downtown, doubling the urban forest along Main Street. This will provide shade, improve air quality, reduce traffic speeds, and enhance biodiversity.
Still, some native trees do grow in the city. This one likes dry foothill and valley locations and is well suited to low-water use landscapes.