Horn Point Laboratory | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

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The Horn Point Laboratory, located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland's Eastern Shore, has advanced society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of seagrasses, marshes and shellfish and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world's oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.

TAKE A TOUR Due to COVID-19 the Horn Point Laboratory is closed to the public and all Outreach(except virtual) programs are on hold until further notice.

Contact Information

Address:

2020 Horns Point Rd

Cambridge, MD 21613

United States

Phone Number:

(410) 228-8200

New study tracks microplastics in watershed

This two-year project will study the fate and transport of microplastics, providing a baseline of understanding of what kind of plastics exist in the waterway and how they move through coastal systems

Horn Point Laboratory scientists journey to Thailand to collaborate on global stressors to marine ecosystems

Despite widely different climate, the waters of southern Thailand and the Chesapeake Bay experience similar climate and human stressors. Dr’s Coles and Hood will spend six months collaborating with Thai colleagues building relations to advance our understanding of the global impacts of human induced stressors and ocean acidification.

Mike Roman to step down as Horn Point Laboratory director

Professor Mike Roman has announced that he will relinquish the position by the end of the academic year and continue his ocean research as a Horn Point faculty member.

Update from the Gulf of Mexico on Harmful Algal Blooms

Professor Pat Glibert and her students took to the seas in the Gulf of Mexico for 10 days collecting samples to understand more about red tides and what makes some dissipate while others become massive.

The Mighty Oyster: Cover feature for Baltimore Magazine October Issue

Baltimore Magazine visited the Horn Point Lab to gain an understanding about the potential powers and challenges that the oyster faces. Explore some of HPL’s work in the Magazine’s October issue, “The Mighty Oyster: Maryland’s most weird and wonderful seafood is in the midst of a major comeback.”

Bill Boicourt, professor emeritus, shares his expertise on tides in a podcast

Listen as Wayne D. King interviews Bill Boicourt about his research and observations regarding impacts on tides in a podcast, “Tide is Shifting.”

Horn Point Lab receives a Waterfowl Chesapeake 2021 “Community in Conservation” Grant

Enhancing the Horn Point Cove Trail will help thousands of students and visitors of all ages appreciate the interconnectedness of science, education and restoration for waterfowl populations and natural landscapes.

Virtual visit to Horn Point Oyster Hatchery

Join Horn Point Oyster Hatchery Manager Stephanie Alexander for a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the largest oyster hatchery on the Eastern seaboard.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Every drop of water from a body of water is full of algae. Most of them are the beneficial. We need those algae because they are the base of the food web for all marine life. Unfortunately, a small fraction of that algal community can be harmful.

New study tracks microplastics in watershed

This two-year project will study the fate and transport of microplastics, providing a baseline of understanding of what kind of plastics exist in the waterway and how they move through coastal systems

Horn Point Laboratory scientists journey to Thailand to collaborate on global stressors to marine ecosystems

Despite widely different climate, the waters of southern Thailand and the Chesapeake Bay experience similar climate and human stressors. Dr’s Coles and Hood will spend six months collaborating with Thai colleagues building relations to advance our understanding of the global impacts of human induced stressors and ocean acidification.

Mike Roman to step down as Horn Point Laboratory director

Professor Mike Roman has announced that he will relinquish the position by the end of the academic year and continue his ocean research as a Horn Point faculty member.

Update from the Gulf of Mexico on Harmful Algal Blooms

Professor Pat Glibert and her students took to the seas in the Gulf of Mexico for 10 days collecting samples to understand more about red tides and what makes some dissipate while others become massive.

The Mighty Oyster: Cover feature for Baltimore Magazine October Issue

Baltimore Magazine visited the Horn Point Lab to gain an understanding about the potential powers and challenges that the oyster faces. Explore some of HPL’s work in the Magazine’s October issue, “The Mighty Oyster: Maryland’s most weird and wonderful seafood is in the midst of a major comeback.”

Bill Boicourt, professor emeritus, shares his expertise on tides in a podcast

Listen as Wayne D. King interviews Bill Boicourt about his research and observations regarding impacts on tides in a podcast, “Tide is Shifting.”

Horn Point Lab receives a Waterfowl Chesapeake 2021 “Community in Conservation” Grant

Enhancing the Horn Point Cove Trail will help thousands of students and visitors of all ages appreciate the interconnectedness of science, education and restoration for waterfowl populations and natural landscapes.

Virtual visit to Horn Point Oyster Hatchery

Join Horn Point Oyster Hatchery Manager Stephanie Alexander for a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the largest oyster hatchery on the Eastern seaboard.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Every drop of water from a body of water is full of algae. Most of them are the beneficial. We need those algae because they are the base of the food web for all marine life. Unfortunately, a small fraction of that algal community can be harmful.

News

Explore the latest news from the Horn Point Laboratory, including research highlights and interviews with graduate students and faculty.

Events

From annual events to monthly seminars, visit the events calendar for what's happening.

About

From the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, scientists engage in world-renowned research in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish, and expertise in ecosystem modeling.

Faculty

Meet the researchers focused on understanding the world’s coastal ecosystems, leaders in oceanography, water quality, and the restoration of sea grasses, marshes, and shellfish.

Outreach

Learn about campus and oyster hatchery tours, scientists are available as guest speakers, the Chesapeake Champion annual award, and oyster shell recycling.

Applying Science

Discover research programs that apply scientific knowledge directly to emerging environmental issues, including the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery.

Education

Learn about educational opportunities designed for scientific exploration and understanding of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Services & Tools

Explore tools and services available to scientists and researchers, including the Analytical Services Laboratory, Cell Analysis Center, and Raman microscope. Plus, gain access to our online library resources and learn about availability of the Widgeon Pavilion.

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