USU Botanical Center



The USU Botanical Center is a botanical garden and a Utah State University distance education site located in Kaysville near Salt Lake City, Utah. The center offers educational opportunities for children and adults, all backed by USU Extension. It is home to an arboretum arranged according to the irrigation needs of its more than 300 trees and shrubs, gardens and home landscapes that demonstrate wise water use and research aimed at conserving the region's rich array of plants.

History
Originally located in Farmington, the garden moved to the current location in Kaysville in 1999. The USU Botanical Center is the result of a partnership between Utah State University, public agencies, individuals, civic groups, businesses, and foundations. Construction for the "Utah House," a demonstration project of an energy efficient home, was completed in 2003 at a cost of $500,000. The 2300 ft2 house recycles waste water and rain runoff and has straw-bale walls.

The Gardens
The USU Botanical Center also features an urban fishery, walking and biking trails, wetland areas that support birds and other wildlife, a volunteer-tended garden that provides fresh produce to local food banks, a seasonal farmers market and classes, workshops, educational field trips and other events.

The center offers a farmers market from July through September which features local produce, gourmet foods, and artisans.