Swaner to open “Life on the Edge” exhibit exploring extreme environments

Visitors can program a rover to explore the Atacama Deseret and scan for signs of life. Photo: Swaner Preserve and Ecosystem

PARK CITY, Utah — The Swaner Nature Preserve and EcoCenter will open a new exhibit, “Life on the Edge,” running from January 24 through May 10. The exhibit explores Earth’s extreme environments and how they help scientists understand possibilities for life elsewhere in our Solar System and beyond, according to Swaner staff.

The hands-on exhibition features a movable video microscope to investigate bacterial colonies in a Winogradsky column, and a computer activity where visitors can code a rover route through Chile’s Atacama Desert and scan the environment for signs of life. Guests can also explore realistic models of hydrothermal vent communities and learn about the diversity of deep-sea creatures and how they survive in such harsh conditions.

“What excites me most about Life on the Edge is how the hands-on activities make big scientific ideas accessible to everyone,” said Swaner Visitor Experience Coordinator Brianna Cencak. “Visitors can explore, experiment, and experience what it’s like to investigate extreme environments just like real scientists.”

Regular admission to Life on the Edge is $7 for ages 3–64, $6 for visitors 65 and older or with a valid military ID, and free for ages 0–2. Swaner members receive free admission. The exhibit is also free to the public on January 24, February 22, March 20, and April 15. More information on exhibit details and events is available on Swaner’s website.