For a quarter of a century, Backyard Birds has proudly stood as Salt Lake City’s hub of birding excellence, earning its reputation as Utah’s oldest, fully independent retailer of wild birding supplies. It continues to provide nature enthusiasts and gift seekers fresh, low-priced seed, a wide assortment of feeders, birdbaths and bird houses along with one of the area’s most unique selections of garden decor and gifts.
Founders with a Passion for Birds: Trace Sweeten and Rob Blackhurst
The story began in 1998 when business partners Trace Sweeten and Rob Blackhurst decided to venture into the world of birding and nature retail. As entrepreneurs, they had owned and operated The Bay, a popular dance club in Salt Lake City during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.
According to Blackhurst, “We opened the store because we love birds, nature, and gardening. It’s been a pleasure for us over the years to see so many people in this community share that passion and go out of their way to support our store.”
25 Years of Growth and Dedication
Since its inception, Backyard Birds has experienced remarkable growth. From humble beginnings with two owners and one employee, it has evolved into a dedicated team of seven, including store manager JB Leonard and assistant store manager Sarah Carver.
The location, housed in a former gas station in Sugarhouse, has undergone a captivating transformation. One of the old oil change pits was converted into a stunning 50-gallon pond and stream surrounded by a wooden deck.
Two rescued magnolia trees adorn the store, while textured walls with a sunny glow and a marble-like concrete floor add charm inside. Outside, a courtyard houses birdbaths and fountains, framed by a rustic rebar fence and a welcoming archway. In 2018, a covered 23-ft by 13-ft pergola was added for a weatherproof shopping experience.
(Backyard Birds, sponsored) We opened the store because we love birds, nature, and gardening. It's been a pleasure for us over the years to see so many people in this community share that passion and go out of their way to support our store.
Unparalleled Selection and Recognition
As the only store of its kind, Backyard Birds takes pride in offering a shopping experience not found anywhere else. In the 1,400-square-foot space packed with birding supplies, shoppers will also find spicy pickles, a line of colorful, comfy “mismatched” socks, the area’s largest selection of Woodstock windchimes and during the holidays, a festive rollout of unique decorations that include “edible ornaments” for birds.
In 2016 Backyard Birds added to its reputation the distinct honor of being named Retailer of the Year at the North American Wild Bird Expo, having been chosen from among a nationwide list of nominees.
Community Support and Gratitude
The continued success of Backyard Birds is owed to the unwavering support of the community and loyal customers. Over the past 25 years, the product selection has steadily expanded and the customer base has grown.
To express gratitude and celebrate the 25th anniversary, the store is giving back to valued patrons. Throughout the month of October, anyone visiting the store can enter to win prizes [no purchase necessary], totaling over $1,000 in value.
Join Our 25th Anniversary Celebration and Win Prizes
Grand Prize: A $500 Backyard Birds Gift Certificate
Second Place Prizes: Five Winners will each receive a $100 Backyard Birds Gift Certificate
Third Place Prize: A Windsinger Chimes of Athena from Woodstock (valued at $140)
Fourth Place Prize: An Anniversary Chime from Woodstock (valued at $65)
Fifth Place Prizes: Two Winners will each receive a Crystal Suncatcher from Woodstock’s Rainbow Makers Collection (valued at $22-$35)
(Backyard Birds, sponsored) For a quarter of a century, Backyard Birds has proudly stood as Salt Lake City’s hub of birding excellence, earning its reputation as Utah's oldest, fully independent retailer of wild birding supplies.
Reaching the store is easy and free of road construction from 900 East to 2700 South or driving south on Highland Drive from 2100 South to 2700 South or from 1300 East to 2700 South.
“The 25th-anniversary celebration is not just about marking a milestone,” said Sweeten, “but about expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who have made this journey possible.”
Location: 2698 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah
Store Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Saturday