The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has launched their fully electric, interactive “Wonder On Wheels” (WOW) van designed to engage people of all ages.

The WOW van, as it is nicknamed, carries carts labeled “Pollinators and Flowers,” “People and Land” and “Monterey Wildlife.” The carts contain activities that let guests do things such as dissect flowers, go on scavenger hunts and do crafts. The exterior of the van is wrapped with whiteboard material so guests can color and draw on it with dry erase markers.

The van, which went into service in September, is available for school events, after school events, birthday and other private parties, libraries, farmers markets and more. The van was previously a food truck.

Susan Wolfe, the director of development and engagement for the museum, says the van was, “inspired by the community and conceived by our staff,” and their goal is to reach every corner of the county with what they are hoping are engaging programs, personalities and collections for youth and families to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Central Coast.

The museum has been participating in outreach across the county, all the way to cities in the southern Salinas Valley such as Greenfield. The museum has, however, faced limitations on the amount of activities and resources available. This WOW van allows the outreach to be a more exciting experience and a “bigger program for all families to enjoy,” says Yesenia Segovia, the museum’s outreach coordinator.

Segovia also explained how the exhibits of the WOW van carry explanations in both English and Spanish. It furthers the engagement provided and removes a time and distance barrier that many families in the county face, according to Segovia.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History’s stated mission is, “To inspire our diverse community to explore and conserve the natural and cultural wonders of the central Californian coast.” Segovia says the WOW van perfectly accomplishes this through its carts, each aiming to inspire wonder and curiosity by inviting guests to interact with them. They can ask questions, open drawers, look at native plant species, local skulls, furs and photos. She explained that through this interaction, the diverse community can be inspired to explore and conserve the beauty of the natural coast.

Audrey Wasbauer is a Monterey High School student. She wrote this article as part of an internship with the Monterey Herald.