Beneath the Surface: Aquatic Life in Color

Stretching across the concrete wall of the fish shelter, this mural offers a vivid, larger-than-life glimpse into the underwater world of streams and ponds. Funded by individual donors in 2021 and completed the following summer, the project was led by MK Nature Center staff and brought to life by Boise artist Jay Rasgorshek and assistant Eva Streicher.

The mural illustrates how natural elements like downed trees, submerged rocks, and shaded pools support aquatic life. These underwater features offer more than visual interest—they serve as shelter from predators, egg-laying habitats, and low-current resting areas essential for survival.

This artwork is more than a pretty picture—it delivers a clear ecological message about the importance of habitat complexity in healthy waterways. It also completes the series of educational murals featured along the MK Nature Center’s stream walk, blending science and art in a way that’s accessible to all ages.

Dive In. Explore the Depths.

• Life Beneath Logs – The mural shows how aquatic wildlife depends on natural debris for survival and reproduction.

• Teaching Through Art – Visual storytelling makes complex ecological concepts easy to understand and remember.

• A Community Effort – Made possible by donors and local talent, this mural reflects our shared commitment to environmental education.

Come for the fish—leave with a new perspective on the life hidden just below the surface.