Dive into Discovery: Carnegie Museum’s “Blue Water, Green Spaces” Exhibit Ignites Eco-Consciousness!

In partnership with the Friends of the St. Clair River, this new exhibit ignites your curiosity to explore, appreciate, and protect nature in all its forms! It features many fun, hands-on interactive activities and includes various themed programs throughout the summer!

This special Exhibit runs through September 28, and is $5 per person, or $20 for a family of 4 or more. Children 4 and under are free! Carnegie is free admission.

This spring, the Carnegie Museum in Port Huron is transforming into an interactive hub of environmental exploration with the launch of “Blue Water, Green Spaces,” a captivating exhibit in partnership with Friends of the St. Clair River. This immersive experience invites visitors of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural treasures and inspiring a commitment to environmental stewardship.

“We saw a unique opportunity to combine our strengths,” explained Sheri Faust, Executive Director of Friends of the St. Clair River. “Port Huron Museums’ expertise in exhibit creation and our passion for environmental education have resulted in something truly special for the community.”

“Blue Water, Green Spaces” is more than just a display; it’s an interactive adventure. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a world of “green” themes, engaging with hands-on activities that spark curiosity and ignite a sense of wonder. Imagine exploring a whimsical treehouse, unraveling the mysteries of the water cycle, discovering rare seeds in a seed library and observing live aquatic creatures in a vibrant aquarium.

“It feels like the exhibit is blossoming alongside spring,” noted Emily Reitzel, Port Huron Museums Curator of Collections & Exhibits. “As the weather warms and nature awakens, so does the exhibit, offering new discoveries with each visit.” The exhibit’s six-month run, extending through summer and into early autumn, promises a dynamic and evolving experience.

The exhibit’s name, “Blue Water, Green Spaces,” reflects a shared vision of both organizations, and comes directly from the Friends’ vision statement: “Blue water, Green spaces, Clean air, For all, Forever.” This vision is woven into every aspect of the exhibit, encouraging visitors to embrace a mindset of nurturing nature.

Adventure-seekers will find plenty to explore, including bike trail and kayak simulators, a nature walk with plant identification programs, and in-depth learning experiences featuring Friends of the St. Clair River’s “Local Legends”: the sturgeon, peregrine falcon and monarch butterfly. A surprise fourth ecological icon awaits discovery, adding an element of intrigue to the experience.

“Friends of the St. Clair River’s passion is contagious,” Reitzel remarked. “Their dedication to raising awareness and taking action to protect our watershed is truly inspiring. We hope visitors leave with a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of our environment and a commitment to its preservation.”

“Blue Water, Green Spaces” goes beyond observation, emphasizing stewardship-in-action. Interactive elements like a watershed map, a foraging scavenger hunt, and beach and water cleanup stations will empower visitors to translate their newfound knowledge into tangible actions.

The exhibit also highlights the intersection of nature and technology, showcasing STEM careers and the innovative tools used in environmental conservation. Community partnerships with organizations like the Blue Water Sport Fishing Association and the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, as well as local businesses like Kate’s Downtown, further enrich the exhibit’s impact. Kate’s Downtown will feature a themed menu to celebrate the exhibit’s opening.

Port Huron Museums is also hosting related events, such as a Recycled Fabrics Rug Workshop in April following participation at the Earth Fair in Goodells County Park, extending the exhibit’s reach beyond the Carnegie Museum walls. “We plan to have a mosaic garden stones class as well as some nature-based programs for kids to learn about natural sciences, a scavenger hunt and a nature-walk for all ages,” added Kayla Flanagan, Curator of Programs & Education.

“Blue Water, Green Spaces” is a call to action, an invitation to explore, learn and contribute to the preservation of our natural world. The Port Huron Museums and Friends of the St. Clair River have created an experience that will resonate with visitors long after they leave the Carnegie Museum.

Ready to learn more? Contact Port Huron Museums at www.phmuseum.org to discover how you, your family or your business can partner with their endeavors and support historical, cultural and ecological education and programs. Together, our support can strengthen and grow the recreational and educational opportunities for local St. Clair County families and visitors.

Topics and Activities at a Glance

Some of the topics explored in the exhibit:

  • Unleash your inner explorer
  • Local native plants and seed libraries
  • Pollinators
  • Biodiversity and Recreation
  • Keeping our beaches and water clean
  • Foraging 101

There are also plenty of activities for kids and adults of all ages to engage with and learn from, such as:

  • A Treehouse
  • A Green roof/water barrel/garden – water cycle feature
  • A Seed Library
  • A Bike/trail simulator
  • A Kayak simulator
  • Sandbox beach cleanup
  • Matching animal tracks – sensory table with playdough
  • Plant and insect crayon rubbings
  • Measure yourself next to a sturgeon
  • Where is your watershed interactive map?
  • Foraging scavenger hunt
  • An Aquarium with live animals
  • Build Your Own Macro invertebrate table
  • Lots of other little scenes that will be interactive and cute for photo ops!