Cleveland, OH Visitors to the Progressive Mid-America Boat Show at Cleveland’s I-X Center can learn about Lake Erie with fun and educational activities on January 15-19 at the Ohio Sea Grant booth. Sea Grant experts will be available to discuss harmful algal blooms, invasive species, dead zones, and climate change, along with educational opportunities available at Stone Laboratory, Ohio State University’s Island Campus on Lake Erie.
Visitors can support Stone Lab’s research, education, and outreach efforts by purchasing admission on January 19, Lake Erie Day. The event’s managing organization, the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), donates $1 from every admission ticket purchased that day to Stone Lab student scholarships.
“The show provides an incredible opportunity for students, teachers, and the general public to have their questions answered and interact with scientists from Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab who are working on Lake Erie,” says Dr. Jeff Reutter, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab Director.
“Through offering expertise in everything from harmful algal blooms to aquatic invasive species; information about student, teacher, and adult education opportunities; and best practices for stakeholders, Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab is your one-stop-shop at the boat show for all things Lake Erie,” says Sarah Orlando, Ohio Clean Marinas Program Coordinator.
Throughout the 5-day show, experts will be available at the Ohio Sea Grant booth (booth numbers 126 & 127) to answer questions about how to become an Ohio Clean Boater, what causes harmful algal blooms, and the “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” campaign that aims to prevent the introduction of new aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes.
The following Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab staff members will be available on Lake Erie Day:
- Dr. Jeff Reutter Ohio Sea Grant Director
- Dr. Kristin Stanford Stone Lab Education & Outreach Coordinator
- Kevin Hart Stone Lab Assistant Manager
- Dr. Justin Chaffin Stone Lab Research Coordinator
- Sue Bixler Stone Lab Education Assistant
- Matt Thomas Stone Lab Manager
- Sarah Orlando Ohio Clean Marinas Program Coordinator
Children ages 17 and under can make their own Lake Erie walleye lure at the booth. College and advanced high school students can learn more about summer classes at Stone Lab, and teachers can plan science field trips for their classes or find out more about educator courses available at the lab.
For more details and tickets, visit clevelandboatshow.com.
Ohio State University’s Ohio Sea Grant Program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 33 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. For more information, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu.