‘How scientists investigate the health of Lake Superior’ is the focus of a scientific excursion experience aboard Michigan Tech’s research vessel, “Agassiz,” that will be offered at the Strawberry Festival from 12:30-6 pm, Saturday, July 9, departing from the Chassell marina.

 

The public is invited to reserve a space by going to the MTU Events page or by using this link (https://blogs.mtu.edu/cseo/strawberry-rtw/) or the QR Code.

 

People are also welcome to come to the Chassell Marina dock on Saturday to reserve a space. Excursions will depart at 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15 and 5:00 pm from the Chassell Marina. Each excursion has room for 18 participants and due to the popularity of this activity, the spaces go quickly. Half of all available spaces will be saved for onsite participants.

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On each scientific excursion, Kenny Larsen, a Michigan Tech scientist in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering and the Great Lakes Research Center, will show how data is collected on water clarity, temperature, and turbidity and explain what that tells us about the health of Lake Superior and Chassell Bay. He will also explain the link between current and past land uses and the health of the Great Lakes.

 

Children must be at least 7 years of age. All youth younger than 15 years must be accompanied by an adult. Personal floatation devices are available for all passengers. All participants must wear closed toe shoes.

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“Joining this excursion gives people the chance to learn how scientists study the Great Lakes and how lake health is measured” explains Tom Oliver, director of the Center for Science & Environmental Outreach. “These scientific excursions continue to be extremely popular, giving youth and adults the chance to interact directly with Michigan Tech scientists,” adds Oliver.

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The Agassiz is funded by the General Motors’ Ride the Waves Program which puts more than 600 Copper Country youth and adults on the water each year to learn about the health of the Great Lakes and Lake Superior, and to promote Great Lakes stewardship. Additional financial support for the Agassiz at the Strawberry Festival is provided by the Chassell Lions Club.

 

For more information on the scientific excursions aboard MTU’s Agassiz at the Strawberry Festival, contact: Tom Oliver at 906-487-2412 or teoliver@mtu.edu

 

MTU Center for Science & Environmental Outreach       https://blogs.mtu.edu/cseo/

Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center       http://greatlakes.mtu.edu/ 

Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative      http://lakesuperiorstewardship.org/