The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is drying up and molecular biologist Bonnie Baxter’s message is the harbinger of environmental devastation to come. Her unprecedented research of the lake's two major food chains, brine shrimp and brine flies, shows that both are on the brink of collapse due to increased salinization as lake shorelines recede. Millions of birds depend on the GSL ecosystem to refuel making it one of the world’s most important migratory stopovers. Baxter’s micro-level studies show macro-level implications with dire consequences for Utah, and millions of birds with habitat extending from Central America to the Arctic. 

In the following three videos, Bonnie Baxter introduces us to the Great Salt Lake and how she came to pioneer molecular biology research on the lake. In the second video, we learn about the two distinct GSL food chains, and what is at risk.In the final video, Baxter gives us a history lesson to show that we are on a familiar path with a  harsh and salty outcome.  Despite this, her science, optimism, and collaboration with artists brings people to see the lake for what it is: serenely beautiful and essential. Baxter beckons us to swerve with her and imagine a different ending, where  all the lake’s systems that support life thrive in harmonious balance.