This natural history exhibition is called:

"Pathways to Discovery ... Exploring Tidewater Country".

The new exhibit creates a natural environment representing the Lower Umpqua Region; which, in turn, is representative of the "Tidewater Country" of the Oregon Coast.

The visitor will journey through a series of linked ecosystems, traveling on a trail that winds its way up to a weather station overlooking the Umpqua River and traveling down again to the dunes and ocean. The themes will be presented by a variety of interpretative delivery systems, using a multi-sensory approach.

In order to gain the attention of young audiences, this exhibition has been intentionally designed as physically inter- active, with an element of fantasy that offers up a strong sense of playfulness and magic. Paralleling and weaving in and out of fantasy will be the scientific information that is the current standard of identification and management. A simulated environment of texture, sight, and sound will blend these two elements together.

Rumpies (River Umpqua Elves) will guide visitors through the exhibits. Rumpies are comical and strange creatures, but they respect and honor the environment.

Time Tunnel

We enter the exhibit through a mountain tunnel, a passage of sound effects and narration, that leads us on a timeline of geologic events. In the tunnel, we find a children's book of information. At the end of the tunnel, we encounter bright lights, wind sounds, and the giggle of Too Too Tunies.