You are here

Isle Royale National Park Opens Marine Debris Exhibit

Share

Published Date

August 2, 2024

One of the many pieces featured in the marine debris exhibit at Rock Harbor. Loon sculpture constructed with marine debris materials by Mariah Reading/Mariah Reading

Isle Royale National Park, with support and funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, has unveiled an exhibit in the Rock Harbor Auditorium about the impacts of marine debris on the park and Lake Superior. 

This exhibit was designed, curated, and painted by artist Mariah Reading, an eco-artist and strong advocate for the existence, preservation, and accessibility of national parks. Contributors also include Adrienne Wallner and David Mainero.

"Visitors may be surprised to learn that marine debris affects even the remote reaches of Isle Royale," said Haley Dalian, Great Lakes regional coordinator for NOAA's Marine Debris Program. "Art is a powerful way to engage visitors in the conversation of marine debris and inspire action, whether on the island or back home."

Installations in the exhibit include a hands-on cabinet of curiosities filled with unexpected items, artistic creations using marine debris, blackout poetry with opportunities for personal creations, and Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence works. Marine debris displayed in this exhibit was entirely collected along the shoreline of Lake Superior by staff and volunteers throughout the summer of 2023. Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy provided marine debris collected from shorelines along the upper peninsula of Michigan for the cabinet of curiosities.

Viewing the exhibit requires traveling to Isle Royale National Park, which involves either ferry, seaplane, or private boat transportation from Michigan or Minnesota. To help plan a trip, visit the First Timers Guide on the park’s website. In coming years, this exhibit will travel around the park and to gateway communities. Find out more about preventing marine debris at marinedebris.noaa.gov.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.