Unique Biodiversity of Washington County
Saturday, July 25, 2026 – 10am
A Cosmopolitan Event at Silver Reef
Washington County is an area of unusual biodiversity. An impressive variety of plants and animals
call Utah’s Dixie home. Over 100 species of plants and animals found here don’t exist anywhere else
in Utah. This extraordinary biodiversity is the result of several factors working together to create an
environment that is uniquely its own.
Directions
About the Presenter
Marshall Topham is a biologist, educator, and longtime advocate for Southern Utah’s natural resources. He
holds degrees in Zoology, Botany, and Tropical Biology and has taught biology and environmental science at
both the high school and university levels for more than four decades. Marshall served as the lead biologist in
the development of Washington County’s Habitat Conservation Plan and has advised management of the
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve for over 20 years. A Qualified Biologist for Endangered Species, he has helped
lead numerous conservation and environmental education initiatives throughout the region. His deep
knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife makes him a respected voice on the biodiversity of
Washington County.