The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory invites the public to its annual, free Open House on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The theme for the event this year is Adventure Awaits at Horn Point Lab. “Science is an adventure of discovery and joy,” noted the lab’s Director, Professor Mike Sieracki. “We are excited to share our adventure with everyone at our upcoming Open House!”
Some science adventures take the form of research cruises, and visitors can learn more about how scientists conduct research aboard research vessels. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s flagship research vessel, R/V Rachel Carson, will be on-site and open for tours. The 81-foot boat supports expeditions in the Bay and the near-Coastal waters of the Atlantic.
Open House visitors will explore the world of environmental science through hands-on exhibits designed and staffed by the lab’s faculty, staff, and students. Along with the interactive displays, there will be activities including exploring the largest oyster hatchery on the East Coast, and STEM and Chesapeake Bay-themed crafts. Children who complete the scavenger hunt activity will receive a complimentary t-shirt. Local food vendors will have refreshments for purchase. Horn Point Lab students will be selling treats, with proceeds benefiting fundraising for student activities.
The Open House is free and fun for all ages, and takes place rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the campus. An on-campus shuttle will run throughout the day. Horn Point Laboratory campus is located at 2020 Horns Point Road off Route 343 outside of Cambridge, Maryland.
For more information, visit umces.edu/events/annual-open-house or contact Claire Otterbein at cotterbein@umces.edu.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Guiding our state, nation, and world toward a more sustainable future
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is a leading research and educational institution working to understand and manage the world’s resources. From a network of laboratories spanning from the Allegheny Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, UMCES scientists provide sound advice to help state and national leaders manage the environment and prepare future scientists to meet the global challenges of the 21st century.
HORN POINT LABORATORY
Understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems through a research program in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish.
The Horn Point Laboratory, located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has advanced society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world’s oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.
