Sandy, UT—The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation donated $2.2 million to the Antelope Island Learning Center and Utah Water Ways for Utah’s water conservation and educational outreach efforts.

Funding for the Antelope Island Learning Center will be routed through the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for entrepreneurial thought in conservation and will create an educational curriculum for the Antelope Island Learning Center.

“The Miller Family Foundation is committed to help address the state’s water challenges,” said Greg Miller, trustee of the Miller Family Foundation. “Utah Water Ways and the Utah Department of Natural Resources are finding innovative ways to educate Utahns and ensure a sustainable water future.”

In April 2022, Antelope Island State Park announced plans to renovate and expand the visitor center and include a new, state-of-the-art learning center and giant screen 3D theater. The new Antelope Island Learning Center will showcase the soon-to-be-released 3D film, “Secrets of Great Salt Lake.” The theatre is expected to host over 100,000 visitors annually and will increase visitation to Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake.

“We are grateful for the Miller family’s commitment to water conservation,” said Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “We are excited to start educational outreach programs to Utahns, encouraging them to come to the Antelope Island Learning Center and learn about the unique history and needs of the Great Salt Lake.”

The Antelope Island Learning Center is anticipated to open in July 2025.

In partnership with Ducks Unlimited, revenue from the ticket sales of the film will be used to fund conservation projects on the Great Salt Lake. 

Utah Water Ways promotes water conservation, educates Utahns about water needs and informs individuals and businesses about their role in addressing Utah’s water issues. Funding from the Miller Family Foundation will be used for public messaging campaigns and educational outreach to inform Utahns about actions they can take to conserve water.

“By bringing together government officials and the private sector, Utah Water Ways will create next-level public education, programming and policy discussions about Utah’s water reality and future,” said Tage Flint, executive director of Utah Water Ways.

To learn more about the Antelope Island State Park visit: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/

About the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment.

About the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation

The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation of Dundee, Illinois, is North America’s leading advocate for innovation, efficiency, and entrepreneurial thought in conservation. It also is a global leader in conservation communications, having led the creation of the award-winning IMAX giant screen film “Wings Over Water” and the upcoming “Secrets of Great Salt Lake.”

About Utah Department of Natural Resources 

The Utah Department of Natural Resources is one of the state’s largest agencies and helps ensure the quality of life of Utah residents by managing and protecting the state’s natural resources. The department includes eight divisions: State Parks; Outdoor Recreation; Oil, Gas and Mining; Forestry, Fire and State Lands; Water Resources; Water Rights; Wildlife Resources and the Utah Geological Survey. The Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office and the Office of Energy Development were also aligned with DNR in 2021 to provide closer coordination.

About Utah Water Ways

Established through HB 307 (2023 GS), Utah Water Ways is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership dedicated to coordinating efforts within Utah to optimize the use of the state’s water resources. We are dedicated to promoting the proper use of water and educating citizens and businesses alike about efficient water use in the state, in an effort to meet the State’s water conservation goals.

Media Contacts:

Jenny Teemsma

Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

[email protected]