OMSI hosts new ‘Boreal Forest’ exhibit

INCLUDES VIDEO TOUR OF EXHIBITION | Discover why much of the forest land we take for granted is important to planetary health and to Indigenous people, in a new exhibition now open at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry …

Visitors learn about the importance of boreal forests at the new Oregon Museum of Science and Industry exhibit called Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In late January, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) opened a new exhibition in their second-floor hall called Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal.

By taking a self-guided exploration of the exhibit, visitors learn that “boreal forests” – located along the northern area of the United States – are home to many animals, as well as supporting diverse human communities.

Hands-on displays help kids get a feel for why boreal forests are important.

These guests learn about the importance of springtime in the boreal forest.

Through static displays, videos, and hands-on activities, this family-oriented exhibit shows that the “boreal forest”, North America’s largest forest, has the most dense concentration of spruce, fir, and pine trees on the planet.

Take a video tour of this new exhibition, now at OMSI:

“What makes this important is that the boreal forest includes nearly a third of the planet’s trees, covering much of Alaska and Canada and extending into the Pacific Northwest,” OMSI Vice President of Learning Experiences Akiko Minaga pointed out.

“Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal was a perfect fit for OMSI, not only because it teaches about the boreal forest, but also because it includes Indigenous voices in the discussion of the health of our planet and climate change – with a tone of hope and resilience,” Minaga told East Portland News.

From the people who live there, to the animals, trees, and plants – guests learn all about the importance of boreal forests.

Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest – made possible by the National Audubon Society with additional support from The Anders Foundation, Charlie and Nancy Hogan, and Anne C. Madison – is now open at OMSI.

Your OMSI admission ticket includes access to Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest; you can visit it through July 6.

For more information about this exhibit, see the OMSI: CLICK HERE.

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