Hands-on science exhibits at 12th annual Marine Life Day inspire Eastern Shore residents and visitors
Cameron Custis’ eyes lit up when discussing her favorite part of Marine Life Day. "It was the touch tank, because I touched a horseshoe crab,” said the thrilled 10-year-old. “It was very exciting. There were a lot of things to do.”
Custis was one of more than 300 visitors to the 12th annual Marine Life Day, a yearly open house event at William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory (VIMS ESL) in Wachapreague, Virginia.
On September 20, the campus’s waterfront Seawater Laboratory buzzed with activity as families looked through microscopes, touched shellfish, crabs, sponges, algae and sea urchins, marveled at a cownose ray gliding through a temporary pool and tried their hand at fish printing.
For VIMS ESL Director Richard Snyder, the day captured the spirit of connection between science and community.
“Marine Life Day has become a premier fall event on Virginia’s Eastern Shore for all ages, connecting the public to the hidden wonders of the marine resources all around them,” he said. “Parents and grandparents bring their children and say they learn something new each year.”
Visitors explored aquaria showcasing local marine life, as well as interactive simulations of scallop harvesting, shark tagging and crab health inspections. They were also guided by a scavenger hunt that encouraged them to explore the full range of exhibits.
As Senior Laboratory & Research Specialist Darian Kelley described, the wide assortment of informational posters and participatory activities were intended to bridge science and daily life: “In addition to showcasing the diversity of local organisms, Marine Life Day is one way we connect our community with marine science research occurring on the Eastern Shore.”
That engagement was clear in the reactions of local families. Wachapreague native Nathaniel Atkinson attended with his wife and two children, Hurley and Scarlet.
“It was very informational. The kids loved being hands-on, and the scavenger hunt was a bonus,” he said. “It’s a good experience and everybody should bring their kids.”
For some, the day sparked new opportunities. Melfa resident Jeanette Cardona said her eldest daughter was thrilled to see live organisms she usually only watches on television. “It was nice for her to actually see those kinds of animals and have somebody explain everything to her,” Cardona said.
She also noted how valuable it was to have a science event on Eastern Shore: “I think it's amazing to have something like this so close to home, and now my sister is interested in their summer internship for Eastern Shore students.”
Leading up to the event, the effort behind the scenes was immense, but fulfilling. Said Senior Laboratory & Research Specialist Reba Turner Smith, “This event would not be possible without the effort, inventiveness and enthusiasm brought by our event staff and volunteers. Each person contributes in their own way within their own area of expertise, and it ultimately results in a comprehensive and fun event for the public to enjoy.”
VIMS ESL Assistant Director Stacy Krueger-Hadfield agreed that the event was as meaningful for the students and staff as it was for the public. “This year I have a full lab of undergraduate and graduate students and a post-doctoral fellow. It was fantastic to see them put together their research projects and share their love of algae.”
While Batten School graduate students and marine scientists honed their communication skills, visitors clearly enjoyed their time learning and participating in local science. And for longtime attendees, the event carried an even deeper sense of legacy.
“I come each year to renew my local perspective of what's going on, and this is the best setup I've seen,” said Mary Castagna, whose late husband, Mike Castagna, served as director of VIMS ESL from the 1960s through the 1980s. “It makes me cry, because my husband was here at the beginning and he was so enthusiastic. He’d think it’s great that the work has continued and that they’ve done so well.”
She added, “Thank you for doing this every year.”
Marine Life Day is made possible through private philanthropy. To support this event, and educational outreach events throughout the year, please consider making a gift to the VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory (3525) or the VIMS Outreach Fund (4117).