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MSRI’s ‘Science on the St. Johns’ Oct. 22 focuses on impact of marine life, river

The annual “Science on the St. Johns” is back at Jacksonville University’s waterfront at the Marine Science Research Institute on Saturday, Oct. 22, with a fishing clinic by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and free rods and reels for children.

It’s the ninth time the MSRI has offered the community a day to learn about the impact of the river, marine life and marine science on the life of the area, especially its most important natural asset: the St. Johns River.

“This event is a chance to show all the science and research that is happening at JU’s MSRI,” said MSRI Executive Director Dr. Quinton White. “Every year we have new and interesting equipment and are doing cutting-edge work on the St. Johns River. We are excited about showcasing our partners and what they are doing on the river, too. Displays by the Museum of Science and History and the Jacksonville Zoo, a touch tank and our aquaculture facilities will be available for everyone to see.”

Children and adults from across the region are expected to descend on JU for a day that’s become a signature marine event in Northeast Florida.

science-on-the-st-johns-ssjr_posterreviseMore on the day:

What: “Science on the St. Johns” marine science and river life event.

When: 10 a.m.-2 pm. Saturday, Oct. 22.

Where: Jacksonville University’s Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) on JU’s pristine riverfront, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville.

Cost: $10 per adult, youths under 18 free. Payable at the door (cash and checks).

Description: “Science on the St. Johns” hosted by the MSRI and sponsored in part by SeaBest Seafood, Fish Florida and the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

The day is designed to help youths and their families discover what marine research on the St. Johns is all about. The first 235 youths receive a free Rod & Reel from Fish Florida. The event will feature an 11 a.m. fishing clinic by FWC; tours of the beautiful W.C. and Susan Gentry Boardwalk and Nature Preserve; lunch of seafood from SeaBest, along with hot dogs, chips and slaw; Sweetwater Beer sampling (adults only); a critter touch tank by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; tours of the MSRI; and more.

The MSRI is the premier biological and environmental research and education facility on the river. The two-story, 32,000-square-foot “certified-green” building has classrooms, laboratories including the Millar Wilson Laboratory for Chemical Research, offices for the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and areas for teaching Duval County public school students.

RSVP: By Oct. 21 to Stacee at MSRI, svestal@ju.edu, (904) 256-7766.

More information: Dr. Quinton White Jr., executive director of the MSRI, (904) 256-7766, qwhite@ju.edu.