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Programs & Outreach

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

CBL Open House

Annual Open House

Discover the world of science on Solomons Island at the Chesapeake Biological Lab’s Open House! This free, public event provides a behind-the-scenes view of exciting research and features demonstrations and exhibits for all ages.

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory building

Group Tours

Free Group Tours are pre-arranged tours that allow for a behind-the-scenes look at Chesapeake Biological Laboratory research. Group Tours must have a minimum of 12 participants and are appropriate for adult through upper middle school audiences.  Minors must be accompanied by responsible adults.  All tours must take place Monday to Friday during normal business hours.  Email the Outreach Coordinator at least two weeks in advance to arrange Group Tours throughout the year.

HarborCam

Get a live view of the waters around the CBL shoreline with the HarborCam. Onscreen controls allow you to steer and zoom in on items of interest such as tall ships in the local marina, weather conditions on the bay, and of course our own local osprey nests!

Preview of CBL Weather Data

Live, Local Weather & Water Reporting

Learn what the meteorological trends are around CBL and see current conditions & recent patterns in the Patuxent River through CBL’s Pier Monitoring Program!

The public gathers for a science seminar

Science for the Community Seminars

Learn about innovative research conducted at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory from the scientists themselves. These public seminars invite the community to discover how our scientists are developing new approaches to solving the environmental challenges facing Southern Maryland, our nation, and the world.

Speakers Bureau

Speakers Bureau

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory has a variety of faculty conducting research that is of interest to everyone, and our lab has a list of faculty interested in presenting at community events or for civic organizations about their research. You can browse our list of experts and types of presentations they can make at your event.

CBL Visitor Center

Visitor Center

The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Visitor Center offers guests the chance to explore exhibits highlighting the health of the Chesapeake Bay, exciting research being conducted by CBL scientists, and an oyster reef community aquarium.

CURRENTLY CLOSED

CBL Open House

Volunteer Opportunities

None currently available.

Virtual Science Seminar

CBL volunteers teach students about science happening at UMCES at their Open House

The Chesapeake Biological Lab hosts a “Virtual Science Semester” that will take viewers behind-the-scenes for a dynamic view of science in actions. Join us for public seminars, interviews, and lab videos.

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Wave of Plastic Middle School Curriculum Unit

Students survey plastic waste on their school grounds.

Wave of Plastic is a curricular unit helping middle school students make sense of the core ideas related to issues of plastic pollution by engaging in authentic interdisciplinary practice culminating in comprehensive, student-driven, informed action projects.

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