MADISON – For more than 120 years, scientists at the UW-Madison’s Center for Limnology have studied the waters around Madison, the state and the world. They’ve helped build much of our knowledge about how freshwater ecosystems work and, on Friday, June 24th, they’re opening the doors to the lab for our 5th annual open house – a “behind the scenes” tour of a world-class research facility.
From 2 to 6pm, visitors can talk with scientists, try their hand at using various research tools and meet some of the creatures that call Lake Mendota home. Free Babcock Dairy ice cream will be served and attendees will even get the chance to take a cruise on Lake Mendota aboard our research vessel, the Limnos*.
Other stations will explore topics like fish migrations, lake dynamics and future projections for the Yahara watershed. Kids will be able to make aquatic-themed crafts, and Bucky the Badger himself will make a guest appearance at 3:00pm.
Center for Limnology faculty and students are out in force this summer, sampling on Madison’s lakes as they study everything from the carbon cycle, to water quality, to the recent invasion of zebra mussels. This is a unique chance to come learn about these current projects as well as chat with CFL scientists about things like algal blooms, shrinking winter ice cover or anything else aquatic.
*Boat rides are limited due to space and time constraints, but visitors are encouraged to come “rain or shine,” as most stations will be indoors.
Hasler Lab is at 680 N. Park Street. There is some public parking under the Helen C. White library and more at the City of Madison’s “State Street Campus Garage” on Lake Street.
What: Hasler Lab Open House
When: Friday, June 24th – 2 to 6pm, rain or shine.
Where: Hasler Lab on the UW Campus. 680 N. Park St. Madison.
Who: You! All ages welcome and encouraged!