Helen Schuler exhibit focuses on local environment

A new exhibit by Environment Lethbridge called “Past Present Future” is on display at the community art gallery at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

The exhibit, which opened earlier this month, attempts to answer how the environment has been impacted in the past, what the state of the environment is today, and what will it look like in the future?

“‘Past Present Future’ explores the ways that Lethbridge has interacted with and altered our environment over the past 150 years,” explains Kathleen Sheppard, executive director with Environment Lethbridge. “It also invites visitors to think about what the environment might look like 20 or 50 years from now as changes continue to occur.”

The exhibit explores six central themes including water, parks, wildlife, energy, waste and local food.

In addition to the exhibit on display at the nature centre, “Past Present Future” also features an online website with more material for visitors.

“We wanted to create something that would last longer than the physical exhibit,” said Sheppard. “The online exhibit isn’t limited by the size of the space, so we were able to include additional content.”

The exhibit features historical photos, commentary from prominent individuals and a serious look at Lethbridge residents’ relationship with the natural environment. “Past Present Future” celebrates the potential of the area and highlights interesting projects underway.

Visitors are encouraged to better understand the current reality in Lethbridge and their role in creating the future they wish to see, while being challenged to take action by making small changes in their own interactions with the local environment.

The exhibit is funded by Alberta Culture and Tourism through the Community Initiatives Program Alberta Canada 150 grant fund.

“We are pleased to work with organizations like Environment Lethbridge to showcase unique exhibits in our community art gallery space,” says Curtis Goodman, resource development coordinator at Helen Schuler Nature Centre. “Past Present Future is exceptionally well done and is not to be missed.”

The nature centre is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with admission by donation.

“Past Present Future” is on display until Nov. 5 and online at