On Saturday, May 10, the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) will hold its annual open house. This event offers an opportunity to meet scientists and students at the Labs and check out the research and teaching facilities.

The Labs will be open from From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours. Scientists and students will showcase their marine science research, answer questions and provide demonstrations. There will be posters, marine plants and animals, microscopes, plankton sampling and observations and activities for visitors of all ages. FHL Director Ken Sebens will be available to talk about FHL programs and research and his own research program. Children, in particular are encouraged to attend.

The public is invited to learn more about the equipment used by scientists to learn more about marine zoology, botany, fisheries and oceanography. The public can step aboard and tour the 58-foot research vessel, the R/V Centennial, and check out its remotely operated vehicle (ROV), oceanographic tools, and high-tech sonar systems. There will be several lectures given by FHL scientists and a demonstration of SCUBA equipment and a SCUBA dive from the FHL dock.

Sturdy shoes are recommended since the tour route includes rough dock planks, gravel paths and trails. Free popcorn, in the tradition of Friday Harbor Laboratories’ open houses, will be available and light refreshments will be available in the dining hall for a small fee.

For more information, go to FHL’s website at http://depts.washington.edu/fhl.