Wave Magazine Online Jacksonville University News Hub
With a new name and date but the same dynamic goal by the Marine Science Research Institute, “Science on the St. Johns” comes to Jacksonville University’s waterfront Saturday, Oct. 24.
It’s the eighth 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. Past events attended by hundreds were titled “Ripples on the River” and held in late spring. The new name emphasizes the impact of science on maintaining and enhancing the quality of the region’s most important natural asset: the St. Johns River.
“This event is designed to show the people of Jacksonville all the science and research that is happening at JU’s MSRI,” said MSRI Executive Director Dr. Quinton White. “We have some new and extremely interesting equipment 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. “
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.
More on the day:
What: “Science on the St. Johns” marine science and river life event.
When: 10 a.m.-2 pm. Saturday, Oct. 24.
Where: Jacksonville University’s Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) on JU’s pristine riverfront, 2800 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville. St. Johns River tours on the R/V Larkin floating research classroom.
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 220 youths receive a free Rod & Reel from Fish Florida. The event will feature St. Johns River tours on the state-of-the-art floating research classroom, the R/V Larkin; live music; science displays by sponsors; an 11 a.m. fishing clinic by TV personality Capt. Don Dingman; live mermaids from the AquaJax aquarium project; 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. Additional sponsors are the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, and MOSH (Museum of Science and History); AquaJax and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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. 20 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.