MurphyCatton captured the native landscape of Highland park's 97-acre preserve, reproducing it indoors at the Heller Nature Center.  When Highland Park & Heller Nature Center selected a design flush with realistic detail, they chose Murphycatton to bring life to the project.  The major focus of the exhibit is large oak trees whose branches reach the ceiling and welcome visitors to take a seat on the simulated tree trunk.  The large oak tree is also home to emulated wildlife- such as birds and frogs.  Some of the wildlife is camouflaged in the tree and can only be "found" by activating an electronic interface on the fallen tree/reader rail.  The Heller Nature Center also contains a room for bird watching and learning about the species of birds in the area.  Guests believe they have stepped outside when entering a greenhouse room in which images of the forest are laminated to the glass walls and ceilings.  The  major challenge of creating this environment was to produce the landform in the canter of the room with enough durability to hold up to the young audience and enough detail to please the naturalists at Heller Nature Center.  The result can defend itself against children and is more than what the naturalists expected.     

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