Enjoy Utah’s thriving ecosystem!

Did you know that brine shrimp – the same sea monkeys you used to order from comic book ads – are so plentiful in Great Salt Lake that they feed millions of birds stopping over during their migrations and support a multi-million-dollar commercial harvest?

It’s just one of the interesting facts you can check out this spring as you explore Utah’s thriving ecosystems. Start with a visit to the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, where exhibits, presentations, and educational programs provide the background you’ll need to fully appreciate your outdoor adventures. Or you can go to its website, thelivingplanet.com, for a downloadable videogame that puts you in charge of maintaining your own aquatic ecosystem.

Another great choice is the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, where Utah’s ecosystems are included in its expansive exploration of the region’s natural wonders.

Now, head out with fresh eyes and fully enjoy our beautiful state!

• Take along a camera! There’s an abundance of wildlife supported by Utah’s ecosystems and now that you know what to watch for, capture them in action! You’ve already done your research and know where to find your subject. Next comes patience as you look for a simple backdrop, find the right angle, and wait for that perfect shot.

• Grab a couple fishing poles and enjoy the bounty of Utah’s waterways. While there are plenty of trophy-level fishing spots within minutes of the region’s cities, they’re tucked into natural escapes from the bustle of everyday life. And there’s nothing like fresh fish grilled to perfection to top off the day!

• With a new appreciation of Utah’s ecosystems comes a renewed commitment to protecting them. While water districts such as the Granger-Hunter Improvement District are diligent stewards of water and waste management, it’s important for all to practice water conservation. Leave the ecosystems as you find them, carrying out everything you bring in and never dumping pollutants into the waterways. If you come across something endangering the health of our ecosystems, report it to authorities.

Now that you’re in the know, get out there and enjoy Utah’s amazing ecosystems!