Water, endangered species in spotlight

The newest exhibit at The Living Planet Aquarium brings Utah endangered species and water conservation into the spotlight.

The Utah Waters Gallery, which opened last week, emphasizes the need for conservation and preserving natural resources. It is home to some of Utah's endangered and threatened species, including boreal toads, woundfin, June suckers, least chub and Columbia spotted frogs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and formal dedication of the exhibit was held June 12. Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert spoke at the event and helped cut the ribbon. The gallery was made possible through a partnership between The Living Planet Aquarium, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Division of Water Resources and Central Utah Conservancy District.

Cavett Eaton, director of education and programming for the aquarium, said he designed the exhibit from the perspective of a fourth-grader's science journal, using facts and stories to teach the message about our connection to the environment. He used his nephew, Caleb, 10, as his inspiration.

Eaton said he's pleased to see the exhibit go from bare walls to being covered with information, photos and quotes.

"(The exhibit) shows both sides — the issue and the resource," he said. "Three weeks ago this was brown walls. (Seeing it all done) is exciting."

Reed Harris of the Department of Natural Resources feels the exhibit is doubly effective because it focuses on endangered species and water conservation. Most exhibits highlight one or the other without emphasizing that the two are connected.

"Visitors can recognize, by seeing this, the need for conservation and the need for programs to protect the species," he said. "I think this exhibit really brings it all together. It's nice to see."

Krissy Wilson, program coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, has been working intensively with the aquarium on the gallery. With the 200,000 visitors who come to the aquarium each year, she says it has great potential to reach a large audience.

"It's an educational opportunity to be exposed to issues of conservation and making sure species are protected," she said. "It's a great project. We plan on getting bigger and expanding."

Visitors were charmed with the new exhibit. Anne Pays of Murray, said her daughter, Amanda, 8, is already sensitive to endangered species and what she can do to help them. Pays hopes the exhibit helps people appreciate their water privileges.

"Water is a gift to us. We need to treat it with dignity and care for it, so we have it for our kids in 50 years," she said.

Lilian Rea of American Fork felt that even seeing the exhibit is beneficial.

"Knowledge is power, so when people know, they can do something about (a problem)," she said.

The Living Planet Aquarium is located in Sandy at 725 E. 10600 South. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. One day admission is $8 for an adult, $7 for seniors and students and $5 for children 3-12. For additional information, visit www.thelivingplanet.com or call 495-4448.

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com