The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is currently hosting an engaging and informative exhibit titled ‘Life on the Edge,’ which invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of extreme environments. Running until May 10, the exhibit combines interactive elements with educational insights to illuminate the adaptations and survival strategies of life in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. According to Visitor Experience Coordinator Bri Cencak, the exhibit aims to deepen our understanding of how life thrives in extreme conditions, which can also provide clues about potential life beyond our planet. ‘Life on the Edge’ presents a diverse array of environments, from the icy realm of the Arctic to the scorching heat of deserts and the depths of our oceans. The exhibit highlights how organisms adapt to these varied conditions, offering insights not only into terrestrial life but also into the possibilities of extraterrestrial existence. Cencak notes, “The main idea is showing how understanding extreme environments here on Earth helps us understand if there is life beyond — in the solar system, on other planets, and in space.” Panels throughout the exhibit detail the various adaptations necessary for survival in extreme conditions, making the information accessible and engaging for a wide audience. A standout feature of the exhibit is a miniature Mars Rover that visitors can program to search for signs of life. This interactive station has quickly become a favorite among attendees, especially children. Cencak elaborates, “You have to really think about where you want the rover to go and utilize the coding to run the program so it moves to the right area.” This hands-on experience not only encourages critical thinking but also simulates the real-world challenges faced by scientists testing rovers in environments similar to Mars, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile. Another interactive element of the exhibit showcases a microbial colony in a glass tube, emphasizing the biodiversity that exists even within our own backyards. “I love microbes because they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors,” Cencak says, highlighting the richness of life that is often overlooked. This part of the exhibit aims to show visitors that life can be found in the most unexpected places, including the soil beneath our feet. The exhibit also features a section dedicated to animal adaptations, where visitors can learn about specific species that thrive in extreme environments. “Animals have to have certain and special adaptations to survive in those types of environments,” Cencak explains. This section includes interactive wooden pieces with magnets allowing children to create their own animals, further enhancing the educational experience. While the reading level of the exhibit is geared toward upper-elementary school students, its interactive features will also captivate younger visitors. The EcoCenter has supplemented the exhibit with costumes that allow children to role-play as extreme explorers. These outfits range from heavy coats and ski goggles for arctic exploration to sun hats and sunglasses for desert adventures, making the learning experience both fun and immersive. In addition, the EcoCenter has introduced a community art wall, where visitors can collaborate on creative projects, designing tools or creatures that could survive in extreme environments like the deep ocean or Mars. Cencak emphasizes the importance of community engagement, stating, “We encourage people to work together, use their creativity and figure things out.” Adjacent to the art wall is a cozy lounge filled with children’s books related to various environments, enriching the educational experience. The Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter is also partnering with the Park City Library for a series of story times, including a pre-kindergarten event on February 26 and a bilingual family session on February 28. These events will feature hands-on activities and crafts linked to the themes of the exhibit. “I love doing things with the library because we get to go over there and hang out,” says Cencak, adding that participants will receive tickets to the exhibit. In an effort to make the exhibit accessible to all, the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter will open the exhibit for free on specific dates, including February 22, March 20, and April 15. “We don’t want costs to be a barrier,” Cencak emphasizes, noting that a free ticket request form is available on their website. The EcoCenter's collaboration with the Kimball Art Center enhances the experience with an exhibit titled ‘Returning to Wonder,’ which is currently showcasing themes of awe and curiosity about the world around us. Cencak believes that both institutions are committed to fostering curiosity and imagination through their respective exhibits. The ‘Life on the Edge’ exhibit not only provides an engaging educational experience but also highlights the interconnectedness of life and the environment. As Cencak notes, “It shows how everything is so interconnected, and without one, you wouldn’t have the other.” ‘Life on the Edge’ Exhibit Details: - When: Through May 10 - Where: Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, 1258 Center Drive - For more information, visit: swanerecocenter.org.