What do moths and dinosaurs have in common? Find out at free Science Night

From the scary stares of moths to the sharp spikes of the Stegosaurus, the “Defense Experts” exhibit showcases how organisms – from plants to dinosaurs — have developed unique ways of defending themselves. Photo: Zions Bank.

PARK CITY, Utah — The Natural History Museum of Utah and Zions Bank will host a free community science night on Sept. 12 at the bank’s Park City branch, featuring hands-on activities that explore how organisms, from plants to dinosaurs, defend themselves in nature.

The event runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Newpark branch at 1483 Newpark Boulevard. Interactive science stations will be staffed by experts from the museum and local partners, including Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter.

The science night celebrates a traveling exhibit called “Defense Experts,” which will be displayed at the branch from Sept. 2 to 26 during regular banking hours. The exhibit showcases defense mechanisms ranging from moth eyespots to dinosaur spikes, highlighting how plants and animals have evolved unique survival strategies.

“The exhibit offers a fascinating look at the resiliency of life, from plants to people,” said Britney Comer, manager of Zions Bank’s Newpark branch. “The museum always does a great job making science and history accessible.”

The display also examines the role of defense in Native American communities across the West, noting that Native Americans have the highest per capita military service record in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Dr. Jason Cryan, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah, said evolution has equipped creatures with innovative defense mechanisms that the exhibit aims to showcase.

The museum and Zions Bank have partnered for more than 20 years to bring natural history collections to Utah communities. This year’s traveling exhibit will visit 11 communities statewide, from Ogden to Monticello.

The Traveling Treasures program features specimens from nearly every collection at the museum and was developed by educators, exhibit designers, bank personnel and museum volunteers.

More information is available at nhmu.utah.edu/travelingtreasures.