Zion National Park is a haven for over 1,000 plant species, creating a biodiversity hotspot where unlikely neighbors like ferns, cacti, and conifers thrive side by side. Among its most remarkable ecosystems are the park’s hanging gardens—lush pockets of life sustained by water seeping from sandstone cliffs. These unique habitats are home to rare plants like Clausen’s Violet and Joanna’s Thistle, species found nowhere else in the world.
However, climate change and habitat loss threaten these fragile ecosystems. To combat these challenges, Zion is launching the Hanging Garden Conservation Project, combining cutting-edge hydroponic technology, community involvement, and strategic conservation to protect these irreplaceable plants.
“This project not only enhances conservation efforts for our rare plant species but also represents a commitment to educating and engaging our community in preserving the unique biodiversity of Zion National Park,” said Darrin Gobble, Project Lead.
At the core of this initiative is the transformation of a long-unused fountain at Zion’s headquarters into a hydroponic system—a modern, soil-free method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water. This system replicates the precise conditions of Zion’s natural hanging gardens, providing a controlled environment where Clausen’s Violet and Joanna’s Thistle can thrive.
