An urban wetland sits at the heart of the Museum of Life and Science’s Explore the Wild exhibit. This site was once a quarry pit for mining gravel. When the quarry was abandoned in the 1930’s, water filled the pit, and plants and animals began to move in.


The wetland now filters stormwater as it flows from the nearby city into Ellerbe Creek. Notice seasonal changes in plant life, water level, and water quality. Watch the wetland grow over time as nature reclaims this human-altered habitat.

The Museum of Life and Science

Mature pine and black willow trees surround this wetland habitat, part of the Explore the Wild exhibit at the Museum of Life and Science. Smaller, flood-tolerant species grow well in the rich soil at the water's edge. 

Once a quarry pit, this wetland is now a thriving urban habitat with over 130 plant and animal species.



Wetland - Upper Observation Deck

A boardwalk trail runs through this wetland habitat. The water quality changes dramatically with rainfall, seasonal plant growth, and the activity of the invasive red swamp crayfish. 

Once a quarry pit, this wetland is now a thriving urban habitat with over 130 plant and animal species.


Wetland - Lower Boardwalk 1

Small islands dot the landscape of this wetland habitat. Heavy rains completely flood the islands, while droughts reveal dry land and submerged tree trunks. 

Once a quarry pit, this wetland is now a thriving urban habitat with over 130 plant and animal species.


The Museum of Life and Science

North Carolina

3 chronologs managed by The Museum of Life and Science

Wetland - Upper Observation Deck

Wetland - Lower Boardwalk 1

Wetland - Lower Boardwalk 2

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