Currently under production
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FOREST KALEIDOSCOPE
SUMMARY
Thanks to the wealth and variety of their ecosystems, forests play host to thousands of animal and plant species. Nearly one million Canadians depend on forests for their livelihood, and over 10,000 different products come from the forest. But we need to ask ourselves: are we taking good care of our forests? Who should be allowed to manage the riches they offer to us all?
This 1600 sq feet exhibition does not include a guided circuit. Visitors may wander freely throughout, as if they were visiting an actual forest. The design is simple and sober, the emphasis is placed on artefacts. The window displays have been designed to facilitate observation of objects and to simplify transportation to museums across the country. Different types of wood have been used in the construction of the modules. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are offered different points of view and bases for reflection, with photos of children in forest settings to stimulate thoughts about the forest’s future.
Forest Kaleidoscope is a coproduction of EPC for the Musée de la nature et des sciences in Sherbrooke and the Musée régional de Rimouski.
Introduction:
The forest provides a healthy environment for millions of people throughout Canada and houses thousands of animal and vegetable species. For some, the forest evokes reflections of nature, while for others it is an important natural resource, and still others feel that it has been shamelessly exploited. Obviously, there are several different points of view, and each one is very complex. These viewpoints bear witness to a reality that is neither perfect nor necessarily completely negative.
Zone 1: Forests teeming with life
Forests are so much more than just trees! They live and they grow old. The soil, plants and animals that live there come together in an important family called the "forest ecosystem". Nearly half of the entire province of Quebec and 42% of Canada is covered in forest – that’s an immense space! Discover the links in the chain of the Canadian forest ecosystem, from mushrooms to mammals! Learn to differentiate among the 10 major forest regions in Canada, based on climate, topography and soil type. Find out how and why certain disturbances such as forest fires are sometimes necessary to the development and maintenance of healthy forests.
This zone includes nine modules: an introduction; a window display with specimens from the forest ecosystem; a window display with tree seeds and a collection of different wood samples; a computer with an interactive map on the forest regions of Canada; three modules with photos of exceptional forest ecosystems; a reflection on the forest with photos illustrating disturbances in the forest ecosystem; a window display containing specimens of pest insect species and a sample of an elm tree infested with bark beetles.
Zone 2: From forest to house
Follow the timeline to retrace the history of forests in Canada. Did you know that Canadians are the collective owners of 93% of all the forested land in the country? Each province makes its own laws and regulations to ensure that the forest is appropriately managed. You are invited to test your knowledge on the legality of certain forestry practices in Quebec. There are several methods of harvesting wood, and we invite you to learn about them! What is a private forest? Follow the private producers in Eastern Canada and learn about their methods of forest management. Did you know that there are nearly 10,000 products and by-products we can obtain from wood? We need our forests for construction materials, paper, plastic, several food items and even some types of medicine.
This zone includes 16 modules: an introduction; a timeline; one game on forest legislation and another on clear-cutting practices; a computer with a map on the distribution of the various private and public forests in Eastern Canada; one DVD on the “Model Forest” and another entitled “Les bâtisseurs de la forêt”; a module presenting a map of model forests in Canada; a module on which several wood products and by-products from wood are presented, as well as a section cut from an White Elm tree; and finally, a window display containing wood products and by-products.
Zone 3: Forests and human society
Forests have a huge impact on our way of life. The mental image we have of forests, however, varies from one individual to another. For some of us, forests are places we go to relax, for sports or recreational activities. But what about the people who work in the forest? Meet the men and women who have a passion for their work. As well, eco-tourism is an important motor for our economy. Many people engage in snowmobiling, camping, hunting and other means of exploring nature: are these activities compatible with harmonious and sustainable development?
This zone includes two modules as well as a computer to help in discovering the different trades related to the forest industry and a window display with objects and recreational equipment used in the forest.
Zone 4: Forests feel the pressure
Our way of occupying and living on our land has led us to cut down forests over very large areas. As well, the opening up of world markets has forced us to recognize the limits in our relationship to the surrounding forests. On another front, global warming will most likely make its effects felt on the forest very soon. To adapt to climate change as well as to the "new rules" of world trade, research will play a front and centre role. Did you know that 60% of Canada’s population of 32 million is concentrated on only 2.2% of the entire land territory?
This zone includes six modules and a stereoscope, among other features; a window display presenting diverse fruit from trees and another with longhorn beetle specimens. Finally, a module on forest certifications completes this zone.
Zone 5: Let’s play in the trees
This zone is more specifically designed for preschool age children. It is based on an interior module that they are able to enter. There are different games to help the children understand the forest and the life that abounds there. Books and toys on forest themes stimulate the children in playing different roles.
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