We often think of nature as a place untouched by humans, but nature is thriving right under our noses in cities and towns across the nation! In fact, our human communities rely on our connections to these natural systems to live and flourish.
The public is invited to learn all about the wild plants and animals that coexist alongside us – in our backyards, along our main streets, and beyond – at the new, immersive exhibit, Nature All Around Us; now open for exploration at The Reading Public Museum and The Nature Place from January 25, 2024 through May 12, 2024.
Nature All Around Us is an innovative exhibition created by the Natural History Museum of Utah and modified for tour by the Science Museum for Minnesota. In fact, Nature All Around Us was developed with the advice of more than 50 experts including urban foresters, conservation biologists, community garden organizers, a river restoration designer, and numerous scientists.
The exhibition introduces visitors to the multiple rich ecosystems that thrive in communities throughout North America and empowers them to discover the amazing biodiversity all around. From specimens to state-of-the-art digital integrations, including 3D mapped projections, a virtual bicycle ride, digital periscopes and multiple fun and challenging games, Nature All Around Us is an engaging, hands-on experience for all ages!
At both The Reading Public Museum and The Nature Place, additional signage and hands-on activities have been added to Nature All Around Us displays to create deeper connections between the lessons of the exhibit and Berks County’s own diverse and dynamic landscape. Nature All Around Us has been uniquely grounded in the greater Reading locale, from local trails and greenways to community science projects.
“Nature All Around Us asks visitors to see familiar places with new eyes and provides opportunities to learn and practice the skills of a naturalist,” said Lisa Thompson, exhibit developer and interpretive planner, Natural History Museum of Utah. “We hope to challenge the notion that urban and natural environments are separate or at odds by showing the many ways they are inextricably linked, and to encourage the public to learn about planning, designing and managing to nurture nature in their communities.”
Nature All Around Us was developed by the Natural History Museum of Utah, in collaboration with the Science Museum of Minnesota. Support for the national tour of Nature All Around Us was provided by My Good Fund and the Joanne L. Shrontz Family Foundation.
In Reading, the exhibit is sponsored by The Neag Foundation, The Wyomissing Foundation, Penske Truck Leasing, The Breidegam Family Foundation, and The Penn Entertainment Foundation.
Several educational programs will be offered to complement Nature All Around Us, presented in coordination between Berks Nature and the Reading Public Museum.
Family Programming
March 2 | 10am-2pm – Explore Nature and Art at the Reading Public Museum! — Nature My Muse
Location: Reading Public Museum
Open to: Public with a suggested $5 donation
March 16 | 10am-2pm – Get inspired by Nature at Berks Nature! — Nature My Muse
Location: The Nature Place
Open to: Public with a suggested $5 donation
April 6 | 10am-2pm – Become a Citizen Scientist at Berks Nature! — Goin’ Buggy for Community Science
Location: The Nature Place
Open to: Public with a suggested $5 donation
April 20 | 10am-2pm – Explore Citizen science at the Reading Public Museum! — Goin’ Buggy for Community Science
Location: Reading Public Museum
Open to: Public with a suggested $5 donation
Girl Scout Workshops
March 2 | 3-6pm – Become an Artist in Nature’s Studio Workshop
Location: Reading Public Museum
Open to: Daisys, Brownies, & Juniors
March 16 | 3-6pm – The Art of the Outdoors Workshop
Location: The Nature Place
Open to: Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors
April 6 | 3-6pm – Citizen Scientists Unite! Workshop
Location: The Nature Place
Open to: Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors
April 20 | 3-6pm – Citizen Scientists Activate! Workshop
Location: Reading Public Museum
Open to: Daisys, Brownies, & Juniors