EXHIBITS

Robert Kemp

ECOSYSTEMS OF NORTHEAST OREGON

Our main exhibit space tells the stories of this special landscape. The forests, rivers, mountains, and canyons of the Wallowa country are complex inter-connected systems.

A conversation about Zumwalt grasses may branch a dozen ways: to aspen, or elk, or people, or climate, or wind. They are intricate. We want to inspire you to see these interactions on the landscape.

ANCIENT FORESTS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

The Ancient Forest Exhibit provides an in-depth exploration of the Blue Mountains' unique old growth forest ecosystems. Count the rings of a local old growth ponderosa pine slab as we dive into the history and unique characteristics of old trees.

Learn about fire interactions, water and resilience relationships and the many species that live within downed logs on the forest floor. Be sure to watch out for owls and bears in the exhibit!

MORAINES AND GEOLOGY OF THE WALLOWAS

The Wallowa country moves at many speeds. The moraines of Wallowa Lake have been here for a thousand generations. Yet, they are a transient feature: hundreds of separate flows have advanced and receded since the Wallowas formed.

The mountains themselves are not so old either: only a tenth the age of their neighboring rocks off the old Idaho "coast". We invite you to learn their story. Take your time.

THE POLLINATOR ROOM

Here you will learn about the biology of pollination and be immersed in the beautiful colors and variety of species that uphold the productivity of our ecosystems. Play an interactive game to learn how pollination works.

Test your knowledge about bees and their mimickers. Experience the butterfly vision simulator and see the many species that help pollinate the ecosystems of eastern Oregon.

THE DISCOVERY ROOM

“Hands on” discovery is our goal here. The Discovery Room provides the venue and tools to interact with many specimens – animal, vegetal, and mineral.

We feel that the guided handling of this collection of curiosities reminds us that discovery does not end when you leave Wallowology. Furthermore, it's great fun to have a room full of rocks, bugs, and skulls!

Practice your wonder here.

BIRDS OF PREY EXHIBIT

Using photos, graphics and interactive displays, our Raptor Room guides you through the lives and science of hawks, eagles, ospreys, and condors.

Photos by Rick McEwan

GREAT BLUE HERON DISPLAY

How hot does it get in a heron nest? How heavy are the birds? Ever wonder how tall a heron is? Numbers are fine, but standing next to one will answer those wonders.

We invite you to explore Rick McEwan’s work on the county’s heron rookeries in this photo exhibit in the loft.

CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA

Most of the loft at the Discovery Center is dedicated to children's activities and learning.

From a library of children's nature books to the ever-popular reading nest, to lessons and story times with staff and volunteers, kids often spend happy hours here exploring all that the loft has to offer.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM & POLLINATOR GARDEN

Follow the spiral maze into our new Outdoor Classroom and Pollinator Garden.

Beautiful blooms, giant rocks, a shaded education space and many lovely corners to explore surround the front of Discovery Center.

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Our incredible volunteer team, Gene and Marilyn Cripe and Jerry ----, worked with community members during our 2021 summer season to rip out massive, old and overgrown shrubs to transform our outdoor area into a beautiful and functional outdoor learning space.

Thank you volunteers for this incredible gift that allows us to teach and learn outdoors right on Main Street!