DAVIS COUNTY - It has been said that Utah is an outdoor paradise, and it’s true. Whether it’s hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, or the myriad of other outdoor activities available, there’s something for everyone to do, see and enjoy, and ‘Celebrate Utah Wildlife’ wants to keep it that way.

Brett Prettyman, Chair of the Board for the Utah Wildlife Federation, has dedicated much of his life and career to the goal, of preserving not only the beautiful environment in Utah but particularly the wildlife that inhabits it. That is precisely why his partnership with local artist Chris Peterson was only natural.

The two recently came together to create the Celebrate Utah Wildlife initiative after Peterson created the beautiful cutthroat trout mural at the Neighborhood Hive market in Salt Lake City, and has expanded to be an ambitious project designed to add a wildlife-themed mural in every county in the state.

“We want the community engaged”, said Prettyman, saying that their goal is not only murals, but to “represent all different kinds of wildlife in Utah, and represent all the people that love wildlife.” All of which were the driving force behind the recent Celebrate Utah Wildlife art competition.

The competition drew in almost 1,000 entries from across the state, all creating handmade art, digital art, video, songs, and more celebrating the rich ecological diversity here in the Beehive State. The competition was intense, but Davis County had not one, but three local winners! 

Allen Jorgensen, Harmony Ferrill, and Camille Christensen each took home awards in videography, handmade art, and digital art respectively. At 10 years old, Camille Christensen was among some of the younger competitors, but that certainly didn’t stop her from bringing her A-game: the young artist took second place in the Digital Art competition for her age bracket.

“I was very surprised. I didn't know what to expect because I didn't know how many people my age submitted digital artwork.” said Camille, adding that she hopes people have been inspired by her piece to go out and see the wildlife for themselves.

Handmade Art second-place winner Harmony Ferrill cited local wildlife she befriended during the pandemic as one source of her inspiration:

“I knew what wildlife I saw most often and found myself drawn to: our local murder of crows. I've read stories of families that have left nuts and treats out for their local crows and have won their loyalty. In one recollection, the crows left the gift of soda pop tabs threaded onto sprigs of pine.” 

“During the pandemic, when the isolation felt overwhelming, we had our local murder of crows who patrolled the neighborhood, hanging out in the ancient trees surrounding us. I loved hearing them call out to each other and we kept them rich in unsalted peanuts that we left on our patio table. While I haven't noticed any gifts to show their gratitude yet, I still continue to hold out hope that the crows and I will be future best friends.”

Brett Prettyman said this certainly wouldn’t be the last contest Utahns see. With a goal to put a wildlife mural in every county in the state, there are bound to be plenty of opportunities to host another contest. As Prettyman put it, they’re “really excited to host it again.” For more information on future contests, the contest winners, and how to get involved, residents and readers can visit www.celebrateutahwildlife.org.