WASHINGTON CITY – Outlier Labs and a new nonprofit organization, the Boiling Springs Ecoseum & Desert Preserve, invite Southern Utahns to a Friday night soirée; to come, see and participate in a vision that aspires to enfold one of Dixie’s natural landmarks into a history-making ecoseum – a complex desert preserve centered upon the area’s unique boiling springs. The event will run from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Outlier Labs, 1071 E. 100 South, Bldg. C, in St. George.
The organization’s founders will share their vision for a large conservatory complex at the site of the Boilers in Washington.
The complex will interweave botanical and produce gardens, restaurant, greenhouses, ecological wonders and displays of historical, educational and cultural interest upon the boiling springs and Millcreek Canyon.
It is a vision to create a preserve so important and so attractive that it will draw “a different form of tourism” to the area, Project Director Nicole Warner said.
It is a vision to rescue and restore the natural springs for a new era of public enjoyment.
It is a vision formed on the organization’s stated belief that “the nourishment of the human soul flows from the connections we have with one another, and from the majesty and splendor of nature.”
It is a vision that takes a community to fulfill, and anticipates a return to the community throuh economic growth, educational opportunities and a marker on the map that captures the world’s notice.
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The Boilers
Those long rooted in Utah’s Dixie remember “the Boilers” from first-hand experience or know of them through family history passed down through the ages. Then again there are many who have never heard of the Boilers – a cooling-off hotspot that still sits nearly beneath an Interstate 15 overpass in Washington.
The Boilers was a popular swimming hole during pioneer days and continued as such over the ensuing decades. As late as the 1990s, local residents trekked to the Boilers to swim and play in the water. The pond is fed artesian-style by three natural warm springs that make the soil at the bottom of the pond appear to “boil” as the water bubbles up through it.
Local growth and change have taken their toll on the historic pond over the years. And in 1999, Washington City declared the Boilers a biohazard and fenced off the area to the public – off limits to the public, but inviting to trespassers who would abuse and use the area for dishonorable purposes.
Boiling Springs Ecoseum organization is working to preserve and restore the Boilers and nearby Millcreek Canyon as historical landmarks and natural assets to the area.
Crowd funding soirée
Boiling Springs Ecoseum & Desert Preserve’s first crowd funding event will be held Friday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Outlier Labs.
All are invited to attend at no charge; hors d’oeuvres, drinks and raffle will be offered at ticket prices ranging from $2 to $20.
Entertainment and enjoyment will include a live disc jockey, dancing, fine art exhibits, a silent auction and various opportunities for the community to join in the cause of the Boiling Springs Ecoseum, learn about the project and help spread the message.
Assistant Editor Cami Cox Jim contributed to this article.
Event recap
- When: Friday, May 16, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
- Where: Outlier Labs, 1071 E. 100 South, Bldg. C, in St. George
- No cover charge | hors d’oeuvres, drinks and raffle tickets range from $2 to $20
- RSVP not required but appreciated – RSVP online – TheBoilingSprings.org
- Contact: Boiling Springs Ecoseum & Desert Preserve website or 435-705-1818
Related posts
- Firefighters douse short-lived blaze at ‘Boilers’ spring
- Group has big plans for Boilers, Millcreek Canyon; city council not so sure
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