Dinosaurs, desert plants, and butterfly wings will all take center stage as the Natural History Museum of Utah and Zions Bank team up to bring a unique science experience to Manti through their annual “Traveling Treasures” outreach initiative.

The public is invited to attend Community Science Night on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zions Bank, 1 S. Main St., to celebrate the arrival of this year’s exhibit, Defense Experts. The event will feature hands-on science stations, educational activities, and a chance to interact with museum experts — all at no cost to the community.

The exhibit, which is on display during regular bank hours from March 28 to April 24, highlights the many ways organisms have evolved to protect themselves. From the thorny defenses of prickly pear cactuses to the startling eye spots on moth wings and the iconic spikes of the Stegosaurus, *Defense Experts* invites visitors of all ages to explore nature’s most ingenious survival strategies.

“This exhibit really showcases how creative evolution can be,” said Jason Cryan, executive director of the Natural History Museum of Utah. “From plant traps to animal mimicry, the natural world is full of incredible defenses, and we’re excited to share them with communities across the state.”

In addition to highlighting adaptations in plants and animals, the exhibit also explores the concept of defense in human history — specifically among Native American communities. Native Americans have the highest record of military service per capita of any ethnic group in the United States. For many Indigenous people, military service continues the honored tradition of the warrior, committed to defending and preserving their communities and cultures.

“The ‘Defense Experts’ exhibit offers a fascinating look at the resiliency of life, from plants to people,” said David Warren, manager of Zions Bank’s Manti branch. “The museum always does a great job making science and history accessible.”

Developed collaboratively by museum educators, designers, volunteers, and Zions Bank staff, Traveling Treasures features objects and specimens from nearly every collection at the Natural History Museum of Utah. It is designed to bring the excitement of natural science and cultural heritage to Utah communities that might not otherwise have access to museum resources.

The Manti stop is one of 11 locations on this year’s Traveling Treasures tour, which stretches from Ogden to Monticello. The program has been running for more than 20 years and aims to connect Utahns of all ages with the wonders of science, nature, and history.

The April 15 Community Science Night is free and open to the public, with no registration required. For more information, including a complete list of Traveling Treasures locations and event dates, visit https://nhmu.utah.edu/travelingtreasures.