GLIN==> Great Lakes Family Fun & Science

[Elizabeth LaPorte <elzblap@umich.edu>]

Title: Great Lakes Family Fun & Science

NEWS RELEASE

June 7, 2006

GREAT LAKES

FAMILY FUN AND SCIENCE ACTIVITY NIGHT:

ENJOY SONGS, MUSIC AND SCIENCE

TUESDAY, JULY 25

This Event Is Co-sponsored by the Michigan Sea Grant, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Great Lakes Commission.

Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room   7:00 - 8:30 pm

Join us for Great Lakes Family Fun and Science Activity Night - a summer evening celebration of the Great Lakes with songs and music by Mustard's Retreat, a short slide show of the beautiful Great Lakes, and several science activities for preschool through eighth grade.  Among them will be a video microscope with microscopic animals on slides, a coloring station, and small fish, insects and mud samples to examine - and don't forget to stop by and see the live lamprey tank in the Library lobby!

The event, held in conjunction with the July/August exhibit Great Lakes Science Today! promises to be a fun way to explore what is so special about Michigan's water wonderland and to meet some very knowledgeable Great Lakes scientists, look at fantastic images of the Lakes, listen to fabulous songs about our state and try hands-on science experiments.

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How are we monitoring the health of the Great Lakes? How do scientists measure water quality? Representatives from Michigan Sea Grant and other state, regional and bi-national Great Lakes organizations -- all based in Ann Arbor -- hope to inspire us to help sustain this invaluable resource.

Topics include research and education related to many Great Lakes issues, such as coastal land use, recreation, water quality, invasive species, fisheries and public safety.  Participating organizations include Michigan Sea Grant, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center, Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Great Lakes Commission.

Michigan is in the heart of one of the richest and biologically diverse freshwater ecosystems in the world.  The high quality of life enjoyed by residents in Michigan, the U.S. and Canada are linked to a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem.

The related exhibit Great Lakes Science Today! (which runs July 17 - August 16) will include two displays, one in the lower level glass cases of the library with 3-D maps of the Great Lakes, photography, examples of scientific instruments, educational posters and more. 

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In addition, visitors will see, on display in the Library's 1st floor lobby lobby, a live sea lamprey, an aquatic invasive species.  A single lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish in its short lifetime, contributing significantly to the collapse of the Great Lakes' once vibrant fishery.

Do not miss this event and exhibit!!  The Downtown Library is located at 343 South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor.  For more information, call the Library at 327-8301.

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Elizabeth LaPorte, (734) 647-0767

Communications Director & Education Co-Leader

Fisheries Learning on the Web: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/flow

Michigan Sea Grant College Program

PLEASE NOTE NEW STREET ADDRESS:

Samuel T. Dana Building
440 Church Street, Suite 4044

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1041