PRESS RELEASE For immediate release

New exhibition explores Canada’s amazing aquatic places OTTAWA - A new exhibition that reveals Canada’s diverse, complex and beautiful aquatic ecosystems is sure to make a “splash”. Canada’s Waterscapes – Yours to Enjoy, Explore and Protect débuts at the Canadian Museum of Nature on November 6, 2009. “Canada’s Waterscapes showcases the ecological importance of our precious waters and wetlands as well as the need to protect them,” says Joanne DiCosimo, President and CEO of the Museum. “This environmentally relevant exhibition, produced with the support of several partners, will be featured at museums and other centres across Canada over the next several years.” The exhibition is produced by the Canadian Museum of Nature in partnership with Parks Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), RBC and the Canadian Water Network, with support from Canadian Geographic. Visitors can dive into a study of estuaries, lakes, rivers, oceans and wetlands and uncover the bountiful life that depends upon these habitats. In each section, a specific area of Canada is highlighted. Discover the fascinating animals living in the remarkable St. Lawrence estuary, including nine whale species! Meet colourful and curious creatures found on the Arctic Ocean floor. Explore the Lake Huron shoal and learn about the threats to lake trout from invasive, predatory species. See the importance of our rivers and examine a case study of the Rideau – designated a Canadian Heritage River. Find out why wetlands are aquatic treasures and home to many remarkable species, including the endangered Whooping Crane. Visitors will enjoy the hands-on components. A “stream-sampling” activity reveals what pollution-sensitive invertebrates can tell us about water quality. Create a frog chorus or your own ocean symphony. Numerous specimens, videos, photos, illustrations and maps round out the rich content of this exhibition. Each of the five types of ecosystems is represented through a special model where visitors can spot different aquatic animals and learn about the “featured creature”. The exhibition highlights some of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s scientific expertise. Dr. Kathy Conlan’s underwater research examines ice scour effects upon benthic (bottom-dwelling) creatures in the Arctic Ocean. Dr. Jean-Marc Gagnon’s studies of life in the depths of the St. Lawrence River reveal fascinating invertebrates that create burrows and tubes in which to live. Paul Hamilton explores what tiny organisms called diatoms can tell us

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about environmental change in lakes. And mussel expert Dr. André Martel’s lends his expertise to ensure a perfect recreation of mussels that he studied in the Rideau River. Last but not least, the exhibition shares numerous stewardship stories about efforts being made by agencies such as Parks Canada as well by individuals to help protect our delicate aquatic ecosystems. Canada’s Waterscapes will be on view at the Canadian Museum of Nature until January 3, 2010. The Museum is located at 240 McLeod Street (corner of Metcalfe) in Ottawa. During the fall and winter, the Museum is closed Mondays. Visit nature.ca for complete information about hours and admission fees. The partners The Canadian Museum of Nature carries out scientific research, cares for a national collection of more than 10 million specimens, and provides educational programme to increase understanding of Canada’s natural environment. The Museum’s extensive scientific work provides insight into how ecosystems function, how they change over time, and what we need to do to protect them. Through travelling exhibitions, the Museum brings partners together to share information with Canadians about our country’s natural history. Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage through a network of national parks, maritime conservation areas, and historic sites. Parks Canada works with partners and communities so that Canada’s treasured natural and historic places will be a living legacy, connecting hearts and minds to a stronger, deeper understanding of the very essence of Canada. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports university students in their advance studies and promotes and supports discovery research. It also fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. NSERC-funded researchers are on the vanguard of science, supporting responsible stewardship of Canada’s unique and treasured environments. The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year, $50 million commitment to foster a culture of water stewardship. It will do so through support for charitable organizations that protect watersheds and ensure access to clean drinking water. RBC also promotes responsible water use to its employees and clients. And, it encourages the growth of North American businesses that develop and commercialize innovative solutions to global water issues. The Canadian Water Network develops collaborative partnerships with leading researchers, governments, industry and NGOs to ensure that Canada has an abundant supply of safe, clean water.

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Media are invited to a preview on Thursday, November 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., as well as to the opening reception at 6:00 p.m.

Media contact: Laura Sutin Media Relations and Communications Officer Canadian Museum of Nature 613-566-4793 lsutin@mus-nature.ca