2025 is setting in, offering a fresh start and new opportunities to get involved. As you look to find ways to get involved in your community, CNN recommended setting small, manageable, and exciting goals for yourself, so your valuable efforts become long-enduring habits.
Here are some ideas we’ve gathered from our past coverage of the lake and its advocates.
Expand your knowledge
Are you interested in the birds that rely on Great Salt Lake? What about the plants that grow on its shores? Regardless of the topics that excite you, there is likely information out there you can use to expand your knowledge.
Reading books and field guides can help you gain background information. Similarly, seeking out the latest studies from Utah’s lake-minded organizations and universities can help you stay current on scientists’ latest findings.
Consider sharing your new findings with your friends and family, too.
Work to cut your water use
A recent study said Utahns need to cut their water use by an additional 35% to save the lake. 62% of the water headed its way never makes it due to human diversion.
While cutting back may initially appear to be a big undertaking, starting small can help you make a difference over time. For example,Salt Lake County recommended switching some of the lawn in your yard for water-wise plants. One Salt Lake City program even aims to help residents learn how much their landscaping requires. Their pilot program, called WaterMAPS, began in 2023.
For those interested in removing lawns, there may be funds available in your area to help with the switch.
Get involved with lake-focused organizations
Volunteering with local groups is another way to be involved with the lake. For example, Great Salt Lake Audubon hosted bird counts in 2024. Friends of Great Salt Lake hosted a shoreline cleanup.
Not sure where to begin? The Great Salt Lake Collaborative’s newsletter often highlights upcoming events hosted by some of the groups. Alternatively, you can visit the event calendars of specific groups.
Recreate responsibly
When was the last time you visited the lake? Consider making a trip to hike, camp, observe wildlife, boat, or just take in the views. During your visit, make sure you’re taking care of the land you’re visiting.
The National Park Service recommended practicing Leave No Trace principles, including taking trash with you when you leave and disposing of it properly, whenever you venture into nature.
In 2023, collaborative partner Fox 13 reported that 3,000 pounds were collected from the lake’s shores during one cleanup event.
Friends of Great Salt Lake Education and Outreach Director Katie Newburn told the collaborative that trash is detrimental to the ecosystem. For example, it harms water quality and can lead to health problems in animals on the lake’s shores.
Talk to lawmakers
Finally, consider participating in discussions with Utah lawmakers. Make your concerns known to them, as well as voicing support for solutions backed by scientists.
The Audubon Society recommended sending letters or emails to lawmakers, or calling their offices. On its website, the society advised writers and callers to “be brief, specific, and courteous” and always ask for a response.
Additionally, Save Our Great Salt Lake will host a rally Jan. 25 at the Utah State Capitol.
