Until 2005, an exhibition dedicated to the nature of our region was housed in the Local Studies Museum of Polotsk. It included stuffed animals, fish, birds living in the Polotsk region. It was these items that formed the basis of the modern exhibition of the Nature and Ecology Museum.
At the moment, the museum exhibits more than 1100 museum items of the main and scientific auxiliary repository: stuffed animals and birds, collections of insects, mollusks, herbarium material. Together, these items recreate the flora and fauna of Belarus. The exhibition is complemented by fragments of skeletons of prehistoric animals, horns, fangs, bird nests, beaver gnaws. The topic of interaction between man and nature is revealed through such items as souvenirs of animal origin, industrial products, models of technogenic objects, etc.
In the course of their work, the museum researchers compiled catalogues of the most numerous museum collections. The catalogues are located in the museum and are available for use by visitors. The catalogue "Birds" presents a collection that includes the brightest and most famous representatives of the avifauna of Belarus. Most of them are useful for humans - they destroy pests, give feathers and down, decorate forests and parks, delight us with their singing.
The catalogue "Mammals" presents a collection of animals of different behavior, size and ecological significance. The role of animals in human life is not so straightforward. On one hand, many rodent species harm field crops and young forest plantations, in a certain situation they pose a danger to human health. On the other hand, in their natural habitats, these animals are an important and necessary component of ecosystems.
The collection "Lepidoptera" presents the most beautiful and memorable insects - butterflies. Of all the insects, they are the most popular. Wherever they meet, butterflies invariably attract attention.
The natural science collection of the Nature and Ecology Museum is constantly being replenished thanks to close and fruitful cooperation with specialists. We value our long-term friendship with the ornithologist and taxidermist Vitaly Koshcheev, who does not only makes stuffed animals for the museum, but also reports news from the world of birds and the nature of Poozerye. It is important to note that already dead animals and birds are used to make stuffed animals. Not a single representative of the fauna was injured! Local residents also contribute to the replenishment of museum collections by donating souvenirs, clothing and leather shoes from exotic animals brought from distant countries to the museum. We will be glad if you will help to replenish the collection.