USM invites community to Gulf Coast Research Lab Open House
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV)- The University of Southern Mississippi is inviting families to explore the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory during its annual open house this Saturday.
The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at marine science along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Guests can enjoy live animal exhibits, hands-on activities, educational tours, and boat rides through Davis Bayou. Director of Marine Education Center Dr. Jessie Kastler said, “One of the most popular activities that you can do when you come out here is take a ride on the passenger vessel that was donated by Jimmy Buffet and his sisters. If you and your family get here soon enough, you can sign up for a guided tour, educational tour of Davis Bayou. There’s gonna be hotdogs and chips, but also we’ll have oysters that are gonna be shucked on site through the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center and in partnership with local oyster farmers and our student oyster, aquaculture club.”
Organizers say there will be plenty of family-friendly fun for all ages. The open house takes place at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory on East Beach Drive in Ocean Springs.
