Horn Point Laboratory | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

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About Horn Point Laboratory

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

UMCES graduates next generation of environmental leaders

Twelve graduate students received joint degrees from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) at a virtual ceremony on May 27, 2021. The Commencement 2021 ceremony featured a keynote address from Senator Cardin, distinguished speakers, and the recognition of outstanding faculty, staff and students.

Anne Gustafson honored with President’s Award for Outstanding Research Support

Senior Faculty Research Assistant Anne Gustafson has been given the President’s Award for Outstanding Research Support to recognize her long-term commitment to excellence, professional achievements and unfailing support of environmental research at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory.

Sophia Ahn awarded the 2021 Ryan Saba Memorial Student Fellowship

Sophia Ahn, PhD student, was selected by the Horn Point Laboratory’s Education Committee to be the 7th recipient of the Ryan Saba Memorial Student Fellowship. This annual award was established by Ryan’s family and friends to honor and remember him as an example of someone who strove to make each day better by applying one’s passion to science. Each Saba Fellow is selected for their plans to apply the fellowship award toward advancing their research and career.

A full-course meal for oyster larvae

Oyster larvae at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory receive a gourmet selection of algae, both flagellates and diatoms, grown in house, to aid in their growth and survival in their early stages of life. Their specially curated diet by hatchery employees gives larvae the best possible chance at growing into its final oyster form and Horn Point’s Hatchery has it down to a science.

Alumna Deborah Bronk named president-elect of Oceanography Society

UMCES' Horn Point Laboratory alumna Deborah Bronk, President and CEO of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, has been named president-elect for The Oceanography Society (TOS).

Chelsea Fowler wins USM COVID-19 awareness messaging competition

Graduate student Chelsea Fowler was selected as one of six winners of the University System of Maryland (USM) COVID Research & Innovation Task Force's Public Health Challenge to highlight creative ways the USM community and Marylanders can stay safe and healthy while waiting for a vaccine.

Knauss Fellows explore science and policy issues (virtually) in D.C.

Each year, Maryland Sea Grant welcomes its new class of Knauss Fellows to explore science and policy issues during yearlong fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Study finds some water quality improvements in Choptank River

The Chesapeake Bay has a long history of nutrient pollution resulting in degraded water quality. However, scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory are reporting some improvements in the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Maryland loses pioneering Chesapeake Bay scientist Michael Kemp

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Professor Emeritus Michael Kemp, a pioneering ecosystems ecologist and world leader in conducting research on the ecology of estuaries, has passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

UMCES graduates next generation of environmental leaders

Twelve graduate students received joint degrees from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) and the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) at a virtual ceremony on May 27, 2021. The Commencement 2021 ceremony featured a keynote address from Senator Cardin, distinguished speakers, and the recognition of outstanding faculty, staff and students.

Anne Gustafson honored with President’s Award for Outstanding Research Support

Senior Faculty Research Assistant Anne Gustafson has been given the President’s Award for Outstanding Research Support to recognize her long-term commitment to excellence, professional achievements and unfailing support of environmental research at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory.

Sophia Ahn awarded the 2021 Ryan Saba Memorial Student Fellowship

Sophia Ahn, PhD student, was selected by the Horn Point Laboratory’s Education Committee to be the 7th recipient of the Ryan Saba Memorial Student Fellowship. This annual award was established by Ryan’s family and friends to honor and remember him as an example of someone who strove to make each day better by applying one’s passion to science. Each Saba Fellow is selected for their plans to apply the fellowship award toward advancing their research and career.

A full-course meal for oyster larvae

Oyster larvae at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory receive a gourmet selection of algae, both flagellates and diatoms, grown in house, to aid in their growth and survival in their early stages of life. Their specially curated diet by hatchery employees gives larvae the best possible chance at growing into its final oyster form and Horn Point’s Hatchery has it down to a science.

Alumna Deborah Bronk named president-elect of Oceanography Society

UMCES' Horn Point Laboratory alumna Deborah Bronk, President and CEO of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, has been named president-elect for The Oceanography Society (TOS).

Chelsea Fowler wins USM COVID-19 awareness messaging competition

Graduate student Chelsea Fowler was selected as one of six winners of the University System of Maryland (USM) COVID Research & Innovation Task Force's Public Health Challenge to highlight creative ways the USM community and Marylanders can stay safe and healthy while waiting for a vaccine.

Knauss Fellows explore science and policy issues (virtually) in D.C.

Each year, Maryland Sea Grant welcomes its new class of Knauss Fellows to explore science and policy issues during yearlong fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Study finds some water quality improvements in Choptank River

The Chesapeake Bay has a long history of nutrient pollution resulting in degraded water quality. However, scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Horn Point Laboratory are reporting some improvements in the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Maryland loses pioneering Chesapeake Bay scientist Michael Kemp

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Professor Emeritus Michael Kemp, a pioneering ecosystems ecologist and world leader in conducting research on the ecology of estuaries, has passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

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.