The Community Science Institute (CSI) invites you to a free, water science education event for kids and families at Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing this Saturday, June 12th at 2:00 PM.
This workshop will dive into the fascinating world of cyanobacteria! These microscopic organisms have been causing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and swimming beach closures in Cayuga Lake over the past few years. Though they may get a bad reputation for this, cyanobacteria have been around much longer than the lake itself and are one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In recent years they have been baffling lifeguards and scientists alike as we all try to figure out why, where and when they will appear next. Stop by field research lab this summer to learn more about these fascinating life forms and how to recognize them so that you can keep yourselves and your pets safe. At the field lab you can help CSI staff collect and look at live plankton found in samples collected from the lake. They’ll explore many different types of plankton found in Cayuga Lake and learn what cyanobacteria look like both from the lake shore and through a microscope. At each workshop they will provide kid-friendly presentations and activities for you to learn about the fascinating ecology of cyanobacteria and their role in Cayuga’s diverse aquatic community. They’ll also provide information about the ongoing Cayuga Lake HABs Monitoring Program and how you can get involved.
It’s recommended that you register for the program in advance, but you are welcome to stop by if you are planning to be at Salt Point anyways. To register, or for more information, please email ad******@co**************.org.
This workshop is part of CSI’s 4-H2O Youth Education Program, held in partnership with Tompkins County 4-H. For more information, visit the 4-H2O Youth Education page.
