Beyond the Trees

Since May is “tree and forest month,” it is the perfect time to unveil the exhibition Beyond the Trees. Presented at Québec City’s Musée de la civilisation from May 12 to September 12, 2010, it is a veritable foray into the heart of the Canadian forest. The exhibition is a production of the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, in collaboration with Musée de la civilisation de Québec and the Montréal Science Centre, through a partnership agreement between the three museums. This exhibition has made possible by the contribution of the Canadian Department of Natural Resources. Alcoa is a partner for all Musée de la civilisation programming.

Beyond the Trees, the forest reveals its secrets! At once a working environment, a source of income and raw materials, a place for recreation, and a source of artistic and literary inspiration, the Canadian forest occupies nearly half of the country and is vital to its economy. Alive, abundant, and constantly changing due to human activity and natural phenomena, the forest also boasts astonishing biodiversity.

Featuring 125 objects, multimedia components, and numerous interactive activities, Beyond the Trees invites visitors to discover the influence this major natural resource has on our daily lives in an inspiring experience designed to feel like a walk through the woods. It presents the scientific and technological heritage associated with the forestry industry, from the forest’s many uses to wood processing and natural disturbance management techniques. It also looks at the considerable contribution forestry workers have made and how their jobs have changed since the 19th century.

One agreement, three exhibitions
“Musée de la civilisation is delighted to welcome this exhibition, which is the result of a partnership agreement between the Montréal Science Centre, the Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, and Musée de la civilisation for the production and circulation of three science-themed exhibitions. Beyond the Trees, which was produced by the Canada Science and Technology Museum, is the wonderful conclusion of the scientific triptych that began with the exhibitions Autopsy of a Murder at the Montréal Science Centre and The Odyssey of Light at Musée de la civilisation. Since its inception, Musée de la civilisation has chosen to build partnerships with institutions and organizations at home and further afield. These partnerships are of indisputable importance for the future of institutions like ours. The agreement signed between our three institutions shows just how important these fruitful professional relationships are to us,” said Musée de la civilisation interim director Danielle Poiré.


A heritage, an industry, a habitat
The exhibition is built around six major themes. First, it presents an overview of Canada’s eight forest regions, which are each identifiable by their own specific composition and dynamics.

Then, in a section simulating a glacier, visitors can discover the complex ecosystems of the forest as well as the various phases of its evolution since the last glacial period.

Visitors later can learn about the tools scientists use to study trees and geological phenomena, as well as the fundamental role fires, storms, diseases, and insects play in forest regeneration. There is also an interactive component that offers information on the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, which is recognized worldwide.

Later in the exhibition, visitors can learn about the role science and technology have played in forest management and wood processing over the years.

Lastly, the exhibition demonstrates the capital importance of wood and paper in the country’s economy.

Know how to plant a tree?
A captivating educational zone, presented in the exhibition room
Know how to plant a tree? is a family workshop that begins May 15. It is designed as a fun questionnaire that asks young people and families to take up one of the greatest challenges we face today: harvesting the forest’s resources while protecting it for future generations. The workshop puts their forest knowledge to the test as they attempt to reforest an area of forest that has been burned by lightning, infested with insects, harvested for lumber, or cleared to build cities. In this fascinating workshop, the choices visitors make can either help the forest grow anew or contribute to its sad demise! Presented weekends only from May 15 to June 23 and September 6 to 12, and daily from June 24 to September 6.

Beyond the Trees, a highly instructive exhibition on the Canadian forest that’s well rooted in our lives! At Musée de la civilisation in Québec City, May 12 to September 12, 2010. A production of the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, in collaboration with Québec City’s Musée de la civilisation and the Montréal Science Centre, through a partnership agreement between the three museums. This exhibition has made possible by the contribution of the Canadian Department of Natural Resources. Alcoa is a partner for all Musée de la civilisation programming.