On Saturday, Aug. 8, the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center (DMC) in Walpole will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come explore the diverse world of marine science. Our research laboratories will be open, oceanographic equipment and scuba gear will be on exhibit, and scientists will be on hand to answer your questions. There will also be a kids’ tent and a touch tank, a low tide walk along the waterfront, a historical slide show, and activities for visitors of all ages.

High school students interested in marine science and the University of Maine are especially encouraged to attend. The open house will be a great opportunity to see all that UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences has to offer.  Faculty and undergraduates in the department will be on hand to talk with prospective students about the academic program.

Marine research at the DMC is diverse, but over our 50-year history common themes have emerged. Over the years we’ve studied the biology and ecology of commercially important species: marine worms, which many Mainers dig for a living; phytoplankton and zooplankton, the tiny plants and animals that form the base of the marine food web; and of course lobsters and oysters! Fisheries management, shellfish aquaculture, and polar research are also long-standing areas of focus.

Over the last decade our studies have become increasingly interdisciplinary as we use ever more sophisticated tools, including sensors, satellites and robots, to quantify the changing ocean environment and predict human impacts on marine life. In recent years, our K-12 education program has grown and so has our connection with local land trusts and coastal monitoring programs.

The Darling Center was founded in 1965 when Ira C. Darling donated his farm to the University of Maine. We hope he would be pleased with the transformations that allow today’s faculty, staff, and students to further our mission of research, teaching and service.