UMD News Releases

DULUTH, MN - The scientists and staff of UMD's Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) invite the public to board and tour the Blue Heron research vessel and indulge in science this summer. The family-friendly "Science on Deck" events are free and will take place from 12:30-4:30 pm on May 29, June 26, July 11, July 31, August 21, and September 18 in the Twin Ports Harbor near the Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Drive. A special July 11 event will be held in Two Harbors.

The LLO operates the largest university-owned research vessel (R/V) in the Great Lakes, the R/V Blue Heron. The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and is chartered by research scientists on any of the Great Lakes.


At each "Science on Deck" session, one of LLO's scientists will provide a presentation from 3:30 – 4:30 pm to provide a taste of what oceanographic-style research looks like in the Twin Ports and around the world. Dr. Doug Ricketts, LLO senior research associate, is the featured presenter on May 29.



Located on the Duluth campus of the University of Minnesota, LLO is the only institute in the country dedicated to the study of large lakes throughout the world. They focus on the global implications of investigations in the areas of aquatic chemistry, circulation dynamics, geochemistry, acoustic remote sensing, plankton dynamics, sedimentology and paleoclimatology.

Visit LLO’s website at http://www.d.umn.edu/llo/