The Utah State University Botanical Center is currently operating with free public access from dawn until dusk, according to information released by the university. The facility, which serves as a hub for education and demonstration, allows visitors to explore its grounds 3/365 days a year without an admission fee.
Botanical Center Visitor Information
The Botanical Center's grounds are designed specifically for educational and demonstration purposes. While the university does accept donations to support the site, there is no required fee for visitors to walk the gardens. The center also permits both amateur and professional photography on the property without charging additional fees.
For those interested in membership, the university offers annual options including a $35 yearly rate for individuals and a $50 yearly rate for families. Members receive several specific benefits, such as invitations to members-only classes, discounts on public events, a monthly gardening newsletter, and access to discounts from various nursery partners.
Watercraft and Pond Regulations
The center provides specific guidelines for pet owners and anglers visiting the Kaysville Ponds. Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds, though the university notes that pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. For those looking to fish in the Kaysville Ponds, a fishing license is required for all anglers aged 12 or older, as the ponds are stocked and regulated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR).
While non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks are permitted, visitors should note that there is a specific canoe/kayak access dock located at Barton's Pond near the 9/11 memorial. However, the university does not recommend swimming in the ponds due to public health concerns, noting that the pond water is sourced from stormwater which can carry various contaminants.
Parking and Facility Access
Logistical details for visitors include specific parking instructions to ensure smooth access to the property. The university encourages guests to use the paved lot located on the northeast end of the property, situated in front of the Kaysville Education Center, or the gravel lot found on the south end of the property.
Parking near the ponds is restricted and is not permitted beyond the locked gate on 676 South. While this gate may be opened during specific events, parking beyond it is strictly limited to those attending those scheduled programs. Additionally, the university prohibits all parking along 50 West.
Educational Facilities and Programs
The Kaysville Education Center serves as a primary hub for the university's regional operations, functioning as a Utah State University statewide campus for students earning degrees. The building also houses the offices for both the university and the USU Extension faculty and staff.
Other specialized areas of the center include the Utah House and the Wetland Discovery Point. These locations are utilized for various 4-H programs, clubs, classes, and community events. While the Botanical Center does not rent its venues or garden spaces for private weddings or personal events, community members can contact the Davis County Extension office to inquire about public or community-partnered event opportunities.
Master Gardener Program Reach
Beyond the Botanical Center, Utah State University maintains a wide-reaching horticultural presence through the USU Master Gardener Program. The program is currently active in 13 different locations throughout the state of Utah.
These program locations include Box Elder County, Cache County, Carbon County, Davis County, Emery County, Iron County, Kane County, Salt Lake County, Summit County, Tooele County, Utah County, Washington County, and Weber County. For residents in counties not explicitly listed in the primary program directory, the university directs them to contact their local USU Extension office to check for available gardening or horticulture classes.
Gardening Resources
The university also provides various digital resources for Utah gardeners, including information on Utah pests, online gardening courses, and USDA Hardiness Zone maps. These tools are intended to assist residents with local environmental challenges such as monitoring Utah freeze dates.
