Great Salt Lake Institute
Great Salt Lake
As one of the extreme ecosystems of the world, where life is test to its limits, GSL provides new territory for exploration and stewardship.
Spiral Jetty
We are committed to protect and value Spiral Jetty as a unique, world-renowned artwork, and as a place where we can conduct valuable research on the Great Salt Lake.
Teacher Resources
We support field trips, teacher training, and curriculum development centered on the Great Salt Lake.
PELIcam
PELIcams help researchers understand the effects of water diversion and climate change on the migration patterns, breeding behavior, and survival rates of pelicans on Gunnison Island.
Events
In the News
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National Media Tap Westminster Scientists as Drought Grips the West
July 29, 2021
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Biology Students Contribute to Water Exhibition at Utah Museum of Fine Arts
May 10, 2021 | Arikka Von, Dir. Strategic Communication
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NASA's Search for Life on Mars Underway with Help from Great Salt Lake on Earth
February 18, 2021
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Book by Westminster College faculty, students a 'call to action' to protect Great Salt Lake
November 1, 2020 | Deseret News
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Westminster Scientists Warn Great Salt Lake is Disappearing in New Book
September 30, 2020
Publications
Great Salt Lake Biology
Director of the Great Salt Lake Institute, Dr. Bonnie Baxter, and coordinator, Jaimi Butler, edited and published Great Salt Lake Biology. This book includes many Westminster faculty and students as authors. This is the first book ever centered on Great Salt Lake biology. Authors explore the lake from the microbial diversity to the invertebrates and the birds who eat them. Unusual perspectives are included, including the impact of tar seeps on the lake biology and why the Great Salt Lake may help us search for life on Mars. The role of human perceptions and our effect on the biology of the lake is also considered.
The Great Great Salt Lake Monster Mystery
Director of the Great Salt Lake Institute, Dr. Bonnie Baxter, and coordinator, Jaimi Butler, published the children’s book The Great Great Salt Lake Monster Mystery, which follows children as they look for the fabled Great Salt Lake Monster while discovering brine shrimp, birds, salt, and much more.