Frostburg, Md. (April 10, 2008) – The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory invites local residents to visit the laboratory and meet its scientists at a community open house from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The theme for this year’s open house is “Make Every Day Earth Day.”

Appalachian Laboratory researchers, graduate students and staff will offer tours of the 47,000-square foot facility, as well as host various hands-on activities and family-friendly science demonstrations throughout the day.  The lab is home to state-of-the-art research on plant and soil ecology, atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, aquatic chemistry, behavioral ecology, landscape and urban ecology, biogeochemistry, wildlife ecology and conservation biology.

During the Open House, researchers will highlight:

• How gypsy moths are harming local forests
• How mercury moves through Western Maryland’s environment
• What satellites really see
• Geocaching - a treasure hunting game using GPS
• An in depth look at bats
• The Potomac River’s Unique Ecosystem
• Going Green!

As part of the open house, Appalachian Laboratory researchers will offer free lead tests for up to 200 families to determine the safety of their home drinking water. Residents will be provided bottles to take home and collect water samples that can be brought back to the laboratory to be tested after the open house.

In addition to multiple interactive displays, several experts will host question and answer sessions about the Appalachian Lab’s ongoing research and how that information helps us better understand the ecology of Allegany County, the region and the world.

The Appalachian Lab is located at 301 Braddock Road, just ¼ mile north of exit 33 on Interstate 68. Parking is free and refreshments will be available.

The Appalachian Laboratory is an environmental research facility of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), the principal research institution for advanced environmental research and graduate studies within the University System of Maryland.

For more information, contact: Stacy Cutter at (301) 689-7104.

CONTACT:
Chris Conner
443-496-0095