Home to 3.7 million people, 85 species of animals, 32,000 species of insects and 2 billion migratory birds, the boreal forest spans nearly the entire Northern Hemisphere, just below the Arctic Circle, and makes up one of the world’s last remaining stretches of true wilderness.

Discover the biodiversity and global importance of our northernmost forests through first-person stories, commissioned objects, interactive experiences and exquisite photography and videography.

The boreal forest is critical to the health of our entire planet. It helps regulate Earth’s climate, is the world’s largest land biome, is a critical water reservoir and holds two to three times as much carbon as tropical forests.

This timely bilingual exhibition (in English and Spanish) weaves together themes of climate change, Indigenous perspectives and the relationship between people and nature while taking audiences on a learning journey that starts with curiosity, builds empathy and leads to action. This family-friendly exhibition is located in The Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center and is part of PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative.

Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest is developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, and made possible by the National Audubon Society, with additional support from The Anders Foundation, Charlie and Nancy Hogan, and Anne C. Madison. This exhibition at PEM is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank Jennifer and Andrew Borggaard, James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum and the support and guidance of the Art & Nature Center Visiting Committee.