Endangered dwarf bear poppy blooms at nature preserve

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) - The endangered dwarf bear poppy is growing and blooming in an 800-acre parcel set aside as a preserve.

The Spectrum reports (https://bit.ly/240CYN4) the nonprofit Nature Conservancy set up the White Dome Nature Preserve.

The Nature Conservancy’s West Desert Regional Director Elaine York says the dwarf bear poppy is found in five places in Washington County and nowhere else in the world.

She said the only way to protect the plant is to buy its habitat.

The conservancy acquired the 800 acres over the course of several years.

People driving off-road vehicles previously used the land.

All-terrain vehicles have left ruts and trails in the dirt.

The preserve is now fenced in.

Horseback riding and mountain-biking is prohibited.

Several hiking trails are open to the public.

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Information from: The Spectrum, https://www.thespectrum.com