S.J. (1893-1983) and Jessie E. (1896-1982) Quinney Natural Resources Library
Utah State University’s S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources has a long tradition of providing mini-libraries for its students. Both the Fisheries and Wildlife Library and the International Range Management Library were started informally when faculty members decided to combine their own books and journals into two small rooms so that others could come and borrow them. However, most of the information necessary for teaching and research was still scattered among offices and labs. In view of that, the administration initiated a plan to build, staff and fund a state-of-the-art electronic library capable of supporting the college’s departments, institutes and centers.
In October 1992, the Quinney Natural Resources Library was officially created in a 7,000-square-foot space on the USU campus. The $1.6 million facility was funded by a generous gift from the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation. The library was built to house a collection of 80,000 books and focuses on materials for natural resources research and teaching.
Mason Wildlife Exhibit
The Mason Wildlife Exhibit features fascinating displays about North America’s indigenous wildlife. From the mighty black bear to the timid chukar, the exhibit is an outstanding place to learn more about these creatures that are so integral a part of the natural environment.
The exhibit is dedicated to increasing knowledge of, and appreciation for, the diverse wildlife of Utah and surrounding areas, as well as explaining the role of wildlife management in conservation. Founded in 2017, the exhibit has close to 60 kinds of fish, mammals and birds from all over North America. All the species found at the exhibit were donated by Jerry Mason.
Jerry was an avid hunter, angler and outdoorsman. He loved exploring the outdoors and enjoyed sharing his passion by organizing trips and expeditions with family, friends and local scouting groups. Throughout his life he worked to maintain a section of the High Line trail system in the Uintah Mountains of Utah.
As a volunteer for a number of local and state groups, Jerry committed himself broadly to conservation efforts involving wetland preservation and protection of wildlife habitat.
*Note: All bios are current and up-to-date as of Summer 2022.