The Okanagan Science Centre has dug up a new exhibit, and it’s all about the wonders of soil.
The centre announced the inclusion of a new interactive exhibit on loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, called Soil Superheroes.
With on-site and digital programming, Soil Superheroes aims to bring awareness to soil health and sustainability, a critical issue that affects food security, climate, health and overall quality of life for Canadians.
“Soil Superheroes is a great addition to our main gallery and many of the upcoming climate action initiatives that are happening at the science centre this fall,” said Dione Chambers, executive director. “Guests have the opportunity to check out the traveling exhibit until January 2024. We invite everyone of all ages to come and check it out.”
The exhibit provides visitors with an underground perspective on the importance of soil, featuring star players such as Captain Clay, The Mole and Wonder Worm. People can learn how the world beneath their feet provides humans with food and medicine, as well as less obvious benifits like clean drinking water.
Through playful imagery and a colourful storyline, these small-but-mighty characters help answer the questions, “What is soil, anyway? Why is it so important?” They also offer reminders that human activities — from farming practices to what we buy, reuse, and recycle — affects soil health around the world.
Soil Superheroes was developed as part of Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, in partnership with industry and soil knowledge experts: Fertilizer Canada, Canadian Seed Growers Association, CN, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Glacier FarmMedia, Soil Conservation Council of Canada, Nutrients for Life, Farm Credit Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.
The exhibition was also developed with the help of the Ingenium Foundation and its supporters who contributed to the project; The McLean Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has also provided a patronage letter for this initiative in recognition of the links to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum could not have developed this amazing exhibition without the help of so many amazing partners. We can’t wait for Canadians across the country to meet the Soil Superheroes,” said Kerry-Leigh Burchill, director general at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. “This fun exhibition will contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation for the vital role that soil health plays in our environment and to our overall quality of life. We hope our newly assembled band of superheroes will spark curiosity about the importance of soil stewardship and sustainability.”
Soil Superheroes opened at the Science Centre Oct. 1. It wraps up Jan. 7. For more information, visit okscience.ca.
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