A Thank You & New Adventures
Authored by Brian Tonetti
I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to accept a new position and will be saying goodbye to my role as Executive Director of the Seven Canyons Trust. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the last ten years. I look forward to new adventures and continuing to watch as the Seven Canyons Trust flourishes.
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my role as Executive Director with the Seven Canyons Trust. I am deeply proud of the transformative work we’ve accomplished together. From the Three Creeks Confluence to the Seven Greenways Vision Plan and beyond, these efforts have solidified the foundation for a century of work in repairing our Valley’s hydrology—and it isn’t done alone. It’s the passionate supporters that make it happen. Our Board of Trustees, elected officials, donors, teachers, students, business owners, developers, partners, and residents, like you. It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you all!
As a student, plugging away with classmates in the bowels of the School of Architecture at the University of Utah on the beginnings of what would become the Seven Canyons Trust more than ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined all that we’ve been able to accomplish. I am incredibly proud of this work. It is not every day you get the opportunity to take a school assignment out of the classroom, create a full-time job, and, more importantly, a sustainable nonprofit organization around it.
It is through hard work, determination, and grit—blood, sweat, and tears fed by our life-giving creeks—that we’ve made it here. And, not just mine, but all those involved. This has been an incredibly hard decision, one of the most challenging I’ve made. Nonetheless, I’m proud to have planted the seed and I’m excited to watch as the organization grows.
While it is bittersweet (and hopefully not goodbye forever), I am incredibly optimistic about the future and continued progress of the organization. The Hidden Waters installation will shed light on our buried creeks through artistic expression and narrative over the next ten years until the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Furthermore, the Winter Games will bring a great deal of attention to our Valley and millions of eyes from across the globe. What an opportunity to showcase our stewardship by uncovering and restoring the buried and impaired creeks! The lifeblood, the green veins of our oasis on the desert’s edge.
Where should we start, you say? The Seven Canyons Trust partnered with the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency to create a design that reimagines a former rail line into a trail and creek corridor. The City Creek at Folsom Trail project will create a thriving ecosystem and community connection from the west-side and newly minted Power District (complete with dreams for a future Major League Baseball stadium) to the Downtown of Utah’s capital city. Why not there?
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support this vital work. It is needed now more than ever. Become a leader and support this watershed cause!
I won’t lie, this will be a difficult transition—we appreciate your patience as the organization begins the hiring process. Keep your eyes peeled for a job posting for the next Executive Director to lead the organization and Salt Lake Valley towards a healthier hydrology. If you or a friend, family member, or colleague would be a good fit, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@sevencanyonstrust.org.
As for me, I’ve accepted a position with Alta Planning & Design, where I look forward to pushing the Intermountain West towards a more sustainable future through the creation of active, healthy communities. As I look back at all our projects, programs, and events, I can’t help but smile at the endless memories, shared successes, and deep connections I’ve built with you all over the last ten years.
With that, and for the last time, I say… cheers to 100 years! Here’s to new beginnings and exciting adventures ahead!
To a healthier hydrology,
Brian
