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Exhibits

The American Mastodon Discovery Dig

The American Mastodon Discovery Dig is a huge favorite with patrons! The exhibit consists of life-size Mastodon replica bones, including a "crawl-through" rib cage and hip bone, portions of the skull and femur, and several fascinating fossils embedded in the foundation of the dig area. The area is filled with recycled rubber mulch and many large brushes intended for digging, exploration, and discovery. The 150-lb Mastodon head looks very authentic. The furry head is located directly above the American Mastodon Discovery Dig Site and is complete with ears, eyes, mouth, tusks, and a realistic-looking trunk. This addition adds another educational (and impressive!) element to the nature center exhibit area.

Aqua-Wall

The Aqua-Wall houses live animals in the nature center that can be viewed at many different levels. The Aqua-Wall was painted by wildlife artist Lori Taylor and includes both soil and aquatic habitats. The wall also consists of several 3-D panels and flip-up sections to discover what is hiding under the soil and water. Come check it out!

Natural History Exhibits

The acrylic cases are arranged at different heights on the tops of earth-toned pedestals. Each natural history exhibit will be alternated periodically throughout the year with taxidermy mounts, rocks or fossils and other items found in nature, to make full use of the exhibit area and to enhance the public's knowledge of local wildlife.

Honeybee Observation Hive

Our new live honeybee observation hive features see through glass windows that allow you to see these busy bees hard at work with your own eyes! Watch them come and go as they tend to their hive, store up honey for the winter, and leave to pollinate the flowers at the Nature Center.

Children's Nature Area

The children's nature area has oak cabinetry that was built by volunteers who are City of Troy employees in the Streets and Water divisions. The oak cabinetry was all custom made and has "cubbies" for nature books, puzzles, log building blocks, animal furs and skulls, and even an animal "dress up" area. The large tree, that is part of the mural includes animal cutouts that children can interact with and a banner displaying the namesake of the Nature Center, Lloyd A. Stage.