The following is excerpted from BYU University Relations News. To read the full article, click here.
Just a few miles west of Brigham Young University is a restored wetland—rich with wildlife, native plants and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Provo River Delta Restoration Project includes dozens of ponds and interwoven channels that split and rejoin. The dynamic nature of these braided channels improves water quality, increases biodiversity and produces a floodplain with a high capacity to absorb water. The project has most notably revived the June sucker fish from near extinction to a thriving population.
Recognizing this wetland treasure and hoping to share it with the rising generation, recent BYU graduate Josh Hammari developed a two-day camp to inspire wonder and environmental stewardship in 8-12 year olds.
“You’re not going to want to protect something if you don’t love it,” said Leah O’Barr, a student educator. “And you’re not going to learn to love it if you don’t experience wonder, awe and amazement at how many beautiful things there are in the world.”
With the support of BYU’s Bean Life Science Museum, Hammari created Kayak Camp for his 2025 capstone project in the BYU Master of Public Administration program. Hammari wants students to develop comfort and confidence recreating outdoors and learn science that leads to increased stewardship.
To read the full article, click here.
