Visitors Center and Outreach

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The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) is a vibrant part of the Solomons Island community where students, faculty, visitors and local residents come to learn about the natural environment.

CBL visitors centerCBL Visitors Center

  • CBL Welcome Video: Who are we and what do we do?
  • Chesapeake Bay Ecology Exhibit: Is the Bay healthy?
  • Oyster Reef Aquarium Exhibit:  Marine life communities associated with oyster reefs.   
  • The Watermens Legacy and UMCES Research Fleet Exhibit.
  • CBL Research Exhibit:  Highlights of current environmental research.
  • Interactive Computer Exhibit: Remote sensing and electronic technologies used by scientists today.  Access access weather and water data collected from the CBL Research Pier. View the osprey and underwater fish cameras.

Hours of Operation

The Visitor Center is located in the historic Solomons House at 200 Farren Ave. Solomons, MD.  Free parking is available in front with handicap parking in the rear.

The CBL Visitor Center opens for the season in May.

May 3rd thru Memorial Day:  Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Noon to 4 pm.  Lab  Tours Friday at 2 pm.

Memorial Day to Labor Day:  Wednesday thru Sunday. Noon to 4 pm. Lab Tours Friday at 2 pm.

Labor Day to Dec 8th:  Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Noon to 4 pm.  Lab  Tours on Friday at 2 pm.

The Visitor Center and Lab Tours are Free. 

Laboratory Tours

Laboratory Tours are offered to the public on Fridays at 2 pm.  Please arrive 15 minutes early for Tours.  Because this is a working lab, children must be age 12 and over and accompanied by a responsible adult.  Some areas on the tours may not be handicap accesible as many of our campus building are historic structures.

Group Tours

Contact the Outreach Coordinator to arrange group tours throughout the year.

Volunteer Opportunities

Greet visitors at the visitor center, conduct lab tours, participate in community outreach events, maintain the rain garden, and assist in the library. 

For more information about the CBL Visitor Center, Laboratory Tours, and Volunteer Opportunities, please contact:

           Debbie Hoffbeck
           CBL Outreach Coordinator
           hoffbeck@umces.edu
           410-326-7460