Mountain to Sea Gallery

The Mountain to Sea Gallery traces water's journey from Appalachian mountain streams through Piedmont rivers to coastal estuaries, showcasing river otters, trout, and freshwater turtles along the way. The exhibit demonstrates how upstream habitats and land-use practices directly affect downstream water quality and marine environments.

North Carolina's geography spans from 6,000-foot mountain peaks to barrier island beaches, creating one of the most diverse ranges of aquatic habitats on the East Coast. The gallery connects these disparate environments into a single story about water, wildlife, and human responsibility.