The University of Utah Student Life Center, officially known as the George S. Eccles Student Life Center, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote health, wellness, and recreation for students, faculty, and staff. Opened in 2015, the center spans over 180,000 square feet and offers a wide range of amenities, including a cutting-edge fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a climbing wall, and multiple basketball, volleyball, and racquetball courts.
The center also features dedicated spaces for group fitness classes, strength training, and cardio workouts, catering to a variety of fitness levels and interests. Beyond physical wellness, the Student Life Center serves as a hub for student engagement, housing lounge areas, study spaces, and access to outdoor recreation programs like equipment rentals and adventure trips. Located in the heart of campus, the facility fosters a vibrant and active campus community, encouraging students to balance academics with physical and mental well-being.
The Jordan River Parkway in Utah is a cherished multi-use trail system that follows the scenic Jordan River, stretching approximately 45 miles through three counties along the Wasatch Front—Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis. This trail connects numerous parks, wetlands, and recreational areas, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life while fostering a connection with nature.
The parkway is paved, making it ideal for a variety of activities, including walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. It passes through diverse landscapes, from urban green spaces to tranquil wetlands teeming with wildlife, including waterfowl and other native species. Interpretive signs along the trail provide educational insights into the river’s ecology and history.
In addition to recreational opportunities, the Jordan River Parkway is an important environmental and cultural asset. Efforts have been made to restore habitats along the river and improve water quality, enhancing the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. Community events, such as clean-up days and educational programs, further connect residents with this vital greenway.
Accessible from multiple points, including West Jordan, the Jordan River Parkway is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a key feature of Utah’s commitment to sustainable urban living and environmental stewardship.
West Jordan, Utah, is a thriving suburban city located in the Salt Lake Valley, nestled against the scenic backdrop of the Oquirrh Mountains and the Wasatch Front. As one of Utah’s fastest-growing cities, West Jordan combines a rich history with modern amenities, making it an appealing place to live, work, and visit. The city is named after the Jordan River, which flows through the area, and offers numerous recreational opportunities along the Jordan River Parkway.
West Jordan is home to a variety of parks, trails, and community centers, including Veterans Memorial Park and Gardner Village, a charming historic site with boutique shops and seasonal events. The city also boasts a robust economy, with a mix of retail, industrial, and residential developments. Its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and proximity to outdoor recreation contribute to West Jordan’s appeal as a vibrant and welcoming community in the Salt Lake Valley.
The Myers Farmstead Barn, located in the woods of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, outside of Seymour, Indiana.
The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, located near Seymour, Indiana, is a protected area dedicated to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Spanning over 7,800 acres, the refuge features a diverse mix of wetlands, forests, and grasslands, making it an important stopover for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway. Established in 1966, the refuge serves as a haven for hundreds of bird species, as well as deer, beavers, otters, and other wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography. Several walking trails wind through the refuge, offering scenic views of marshes and woodlands. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the area’s ecosystem and its role in conservation. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is a serene destination for nature lovers and an essential site for preserving Indiana’s rich biodiversity.
The Myers Farmstead at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana is a historic site that provides a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past. Located within the refuge, the farmstead dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century and includes remnants of a family homestead, such as a barn, outbuildings, and cultivated fields. The Myers family farmed the land before the area was designated as a wildlife refuge in 1966.
Today, the farmstead is preserved as part of the refuge’s commitment to honoring the cultural and historical significance of the land. Visitors can explore the site while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of the refuge. The Myers Farmstead stands as a reminder of the hardworking families who once lived and farmed in harmony with the landscape that is now a sanctuary for wildlife.
