History

The Colorado Plateau is a unique ecosystem with 10% of its plant species found nowhere else. Moab, settled over 100 years ago near the Colorado River, is home to diverse pollinators, including beetles, flies, butterflies, birds, European honey bees, and approximately 900 native bee species. Residents are working to preserve this biodiversity by cultivating drought-tolerant and native plants.

Utah, despite being the second driest state in the U.S., has some of the highest per capita water use, much of it for landscape irrigation. Moab’s agricultural history has shifted towards a tourism-focused economy, yet many urban landscapes fail to reflect the area’s ecological richness.

In 2013, the Grand County Conservation District organized a workshop to promote pollinator-friendly landscapes. This inspired collaboration between local groups, leading to the Moab Bee Inspired Gardens (BIG) Initiative in 2014. The initiative, supported by Utah State University and other local organizations, focuses on improving pollinator habitats, conserving water with appropriate plants, and including food sources for pollinators and humans.

Key projects include installations at Rotary Park, USU Moab, and the Youth Garden Project, which integrates native plants and efficient irrigation. Moab BIG projects are expanding to areas such as the Goose Island Campground, Mayberry Native Plant Propagation Center, and urban locations around town.

These gardens are part of a walking tour identified by BIG signage, with plans to extend along the River Road. By offering research opportunities and inspiring sustainable practices, Moab BIG demonstrates the potential for landscapes that support both ecological and human communities.