Horn Point’s research ship based in Cambridge.
Families, students, and those interested in environmental conservation will have the opportunity to explore the world of marine science next Saturday, October 11, when the Horn Point Laboratory hosts its annual Open House.
The free event, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is designed to make science both accessible and enjoyable. This year’s theme, “Make Waves with Science,” ties into a milestone for the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
“We want people to see how science shapes their lives every day,” said Horn Point Lab Director Mike Sieracki. “Sometimes science really does make waves, in all the best ways.”
Visitors can get hands-on with exhibits led by the lab’s faculty and students, including a “plankton zoo,” a digital sandbox, a wave tank, and a demonstration of how scientists use DNA to investigate the health of the Bay.
A touch tank will let kids (and adults) meet creatures from local waters, while tours of the East Coast’s largest oyster hatchery highlight the lab’s role in restoring Chesapeake Bay ecosystems. Children who complete a scavenger hunt will take home a free t-shirt.
The afternoon also features food and treats from local vendors Choptank Oyster Company, Taqueria Floritas, and Chilly Billy’s Ice Cream. Horn Point students will be selling baked goods and snacks to support their campus activities.
Located on 800 acres along the Choptank River, Horn Point Laboratory has long been a hub for research on estuaries and ocean ecosystems. Part of UMCES, the lab’s work on water quality, seagrass, marshes, and shellfish restoration has made it a national leader in environmental science.
The event takes place rain or shine at 2020 Horns Point Road, just off Route 343 outside Cambridge. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a shuttle service will be available throughout the campus.
For details, visit umces.edu/events/annual-open-house or email Claire Otterbein at [email protected].
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.