Last week, two staff members of Utah Open Lands headed to the Charles Jewell and Erma S. Richins Heritage Ranch Preserve to observe the Sage Grouse mating ritual, known as the "Sage Grouse Strut," a remarkable event that occurs at early sunrise during March and April in the birds' breeding grounds, or leks. Sage Grouse, typically elusive creatures blending into their sagebrush habitat, emerge in open areas like leks to court potential mates. Development poses a significant threat to Sage Grouse habitat, emphasizing the need for habitat protection. The Charles Jewell and Erma S. Richins Heritage Ranch Preserve, protected by Utah Open Lands in 2007, hosts one of Northern Utah's most active leks. Taylor Null, one of the staff members in attendance, shared, "The Sage Grouse Strut was an amazing experience. Watching and listening to the calls in the silence of snowfall was unlike anything I've experienced. Waking up early and watching them at the break of dawn was well worth it." This encounter underscores the vital role of conservation throughout Utah in protecting wildlife habitat, and UOL continues its diligent work to protect habitats essential for species survival across the state.