Excursions 2022

Joining us in Logan? Want to explore some other places while in Utah? We’ve got you covered!

With three excursion options for #AAMG2022 we are ready to explore Utah scenary, learn about native plants, the ecosystem, and history, and take in some museums together. Join us at the conference, and then explore with us in Utah!

Find one you like? Email aacademicmg[at]gmail[dot]com with your choice and we will get you set up! If you’re not registered for the conference yet, head over to our conference registration platform by clicking here, register, and add to your agenda!

Check out drone footage of Tony Grove and Logan Canyon before you arrive!

Explore the USU Intermountain Herbarium from afar on their website!

June 17 – $25

9am – meet outside the USU Intermountain Herbarium

10am – depart for Logan Canyon/Tony Grove (transportation provided)

11am – hike and learn about the unique species to the area

noon – picnic lunch (provided)

1pm – depart

2pm – return to logan

Led by expert Botanist on Utah Native Plants and former Herbarium Curator, Dr. Leila Shultz will lead guests through the Intermountain Herbarium located at Utah State University, which houses  over 180,000 specimens from the Intermountain region. You will then take a short drive through beautiful Logan Canyon, stopping at Tony Grove for a 1.2 mile easy hike around the lake and a picnic. Dr. Shultz will lead the hike, discussing species along the way. 

Dr. Leila Shultz is Professor Emerita of Botany and former Curator of the Intermountain Herbarium.  She has worked with Utah State University 40+ years, doing field work throughout the Intermountain West and collecting more than 30,000 specimens for natural history herbaria.  She is an author of 49 papers, two books, a monograph, and is a founding member of the editorial committee for the Flora of North America project.  She is passionate about the unique aspects of Logan Canyon, especially regarding the conservation of 13 rare plants restricted to this area.


Check out the Dia Foundation and Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty before visiting

View the Golden Spike National Park details before arriving

June 17 – $65

9am – depart Logan (transportation provided)

10:15am – arrival at the Golden Spike National Historic Park

11am – depart for the Spiral Jetty

11:45am – arrival at the Spiral Jetty, picnic lunch (provided), hike, hear from stewards of the Great Salt Lake Institute and Spiral Jetty

1:30pm – depart

3pm – return to Logan

Co-Led by Jaimi Butler, Coordinator of Great Salt Lake at Westminster College and Jessica Kinsey, Director and Curator, Southern Utah University

Over the past 23 years, Jaimi Butler has helped increase knowledge and shape perceptions of Great Salt Lake through work in the private sector, government, and academia. Jaimi is the co-author of a children’s book about the lake and co-edited the first book devoted entirely to the biology of Great Salt Lake with Dr. Bonnier Baxter.

Jessica Kinsey (BA Art History, MA Museums Studies) is the Executive Director for Southern Utah Museum of Art. She oversees long-range planning of all museum areas including curatorial, learning and engagement, finance, and development. Mentorship of professional and student staff members is crucial to her role because of the organization’s desire to help the next generation of museum professionals find success in their careers. Jessica has received multiple awards for her efforts in community service including Southern Utah University’s award “Community Engaged Exemplar” (2019) which recognizes a staff member that shows leadership in advancing community engagement as a critical component within their higher education institution; forms innovative campus and community partnerships; and engages or influences students to be involved in community service. She also received the “Forty Under 40” (2016) award from Oklahoma Magazine which honors exceptional individuals who have made a significant contribution to shaping the Oklahoma City landscape.


June 17 – $65

9am – depart Logan (transportation provided)

10:30am – arrive to Utah Museum of Fine Arts

noon – picnic lunch (provided)

12:45pm – depart for the Natural History Museum of Utah, University of Utah

2:15pm – depart

4pm – return to Logan

Sonja Lunde, Deputy Director of Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and Jason Cryan, Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Art will each welcome you to their museums before setting you off to explore.

The Natural History Museum of Utah, University of Utah

An architectural marvel, the Natural History Museum Utah will open your mind to the wonders of Utah’s remarkable natural and cultural diversity. Walk through ancient history and see amazing dinosaurs – old favorites and newly discovered species, explore Utah’s diverse ecosystems, see beautiful gems and minerals, view artifacts from prehistoric peoples, and hear stories from today’s native nations. Visit our website to read about the current special exhibit as well as events happening at the Museum:  nhmu.utah.edu.

Currently on view is The Nature of Color, a special exhibit celebrating color in nature and culture, is open through August 14, 2022

More information to come!