Changes of Monterey County
“This exhibition explores the changing landscapes of Monterey County through memory and data, through what we remember and what we record. How have habitats changed? How might they continue to change? And what can we do to protect this place we all share?”
FOR OUR UNDERSTANDING
Monterey Bay is home to numerous unique and interesting environments and organisms that inhabit them.
All environments are always changing, sometimes changed by humans.
These changes can affect topography, hydrology, and the organisms that live in these places.
Climate change poses a looming problem of system wide changes.
Climate change is affecting local environments which affects the things living in them.
Humans have a role in protecting the environment.
GOALS FOR OUR FUTURE
Share an appreciation of the diversity of habitats and species in Monterey County.
Increase awareness of the importance of preserving the natural areas we have.
Inspire involvement in community science and partnerships.
Understand how humans are part of natural habitats — and how our actions affect the world in positive and negative ways.
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS
MOUNTAIN HABITATS
This section of the exhibit gallery explores the county’s mountain and woodland habitats. Visitors can learn why the two mountain ranges host such different habitats. The Santa Lucias catch fog from the coast and create arboreal mountain islands. On the wetter west-facing side of the mountains, Gowan cypress, Coulter pine, and redwoods grow.
CHANGE IN ACTION
Around the central rail overlooking the first floor is an exhibit area that focuses on visitor actions and impacts. Visitors can weigh the impact of their choices and make a commitment to a greener future.
COASTAL HABITATS
Visitors move from the introductory area into a display about Monterey County’s coastal and marine habitats. Visitors can explore a diorama about the Monterey Bay that features the Museum’s otter mounts with supporting invertebrates. A video located on the reader rail below the diorama offers visitors a glimpse of an underwater scene that they might not be able to see otherwise.
VALLEY HABITATS
This section of the exhibit gallery moves inland from the coast and into the county’s valley habitats. From productive agricultural fields to the chaparral, these habitats boast rich soils and incredible biodiversity.