New Exhibits at Science Center | Gallery - carriagetownenews.com

New Exhibits at Science Center | Gallery - carriagetownenews.com

New Exhibits at Science Center | Gallery - carriagetownenews.com

Posted: 03 Mar 2020 07:56 AM PST

RYE — The Seacoast Science Center (SSC) has opened two all-new, highly interactive exhibitions, "Restoring Reefs" and "NH Beaches". The exhibits will help people understand the ecological importance of these habitats through engaging activity stations, live animal tanks, and interpretive programming. 

"Restoring Reefs" teaches about the variety of natural reef systems that exist in our ocean and coastal waters. The exhibit features two 400-gallon living coral reef habitat tanks; one showcasing a healthy system with brilliantly colored fish and coral, and the other showcasing a stressed reef environment, demonstrating the effects of compromised ocean conditions. 

"Restoring Reefs" also includes a captivating clown fish tank, interactive video library, and an imaginative play station where visitors of all ages can explore the meaning of color at the reef and in their own lives.

"Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, home to more than a quarter of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, birds and more," said Karen Provazza, SSC Director of Marketing. "Yet, coral reefs are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Scientists warn reefs habitats are dying off due to warming water, ocean acidification caused by a rise in carbon dioxide, and other human impacts. Restoring Reefs' motivates visitors to consider how their lifestyle impacts ocean health and offers tangible actions that will make a difference."  

Closer to home, "Oyster Reefs in Great Bay", tells the story of the keystone species, oysters, essential for keeping the estuarine ecosystem in balance, and the work being done to restore oyster reefs in New Hampshire.  

"NH Beaches" helps visitors gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of our coast; a place not only enjoyed by humans, but habitat to any array of wildlife whose well-being depends upon it being a healthy, balanced ecosystem. Upon entering the gallery, you experience the sights and sounds of the beach and are invited to sit on a small-scale lifeguard chair (a perfect photo-op!).

A sand table, where imaginative play is encouraged, includes model animals and plants with codes, that when scanned, launch videos that dive deeper about the species and related conservation topics. Everyone can contribute to the "My Happy Place" mural to share their thoughts of what the beach means to them.

A 12-foot wave action tank puts visitors in control of the surf as they learn about coastal resiliency and the influence of different shoreline features. Naturalists have the ability to change substrates to demonstrate wave impact variations related to natural and man-made features. This exhibit station will help teach about the importance of planning to protect our coast, and the people and wildlife who live there, from the threats of climate change.

The "Pollution Tank," which contains an array of litter and marine debris collected along the shore of Odiorne Point State Park over the course of a year, makes an impactful statement about human activity and ocean health. After viewing this display, visitors can engage in the Trash Travels activity and try their hand at directing landfill, recyclable, and compostable items to their appropriate collection bin and learn more about the importance of the five R's: refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling, and rotting.

"These exhibits were designed to immerse our visitors in a beautiful, compelling space that evokes a strong appreciation for the importance of our coastal and ocean environment," said Director of Mission Kate Leavitt. "Here on the Seacoast, we are fortunate to have extraordinary natural treasures nearby. Our goal is to connect people to the wonder of the ocean, encourage them to enjoy our marine resources, and inspire them to protect our natural environment for future generations." 

The Seacoast Science Center is open daily and is located in Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. For more information, call 603-436-8043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.

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