Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay will host its annual open house at its East Boothbay campus on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event gives the public a rare opportunity to get hands on with ocean science at the state-of-the-art laboratory and meet some of the world’s tiniest – and more important – sea life.

Laboratory scientists and staff have prepared a wide range of demonstrations and activities for the event. Visitors of all ages will be introduced to microscopic plants and animals, underwater robots, and Bigelow Laboratory’s research around the world.

“One of the things that makes Bigelow Laboratory special is the community that supports our work,” said Deborah Bronk, president and CEO of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. "It is a privilege to open our doors and share the cutting-edge science we do here with this incredible community.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to conduct experiments, deploy oceanographic research equipment, and use microscopes to view live plankton collected from the Damariscotta River estuary. Throughout the day, scientists will give short presentations covering a broad range of topics – from oil spills to kelp forests.

This event is free and open to the public. Community members of all ages are invited to attend and become part of the worldwide ocean research based at Bigelow Laboratory. The full schedule of activities and talks is available at bigelow.org/openhouse.