Public invited to FLBS Anniversary Open House Celebration
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News from Ian Withrow, FLBS marketing, communications manager
POLSON –The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is 125 years old this year and invites you to a free and family-friendly FLBS 125th Anniversary Open House celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2.
Come explore the FLBS campus in Yellow Bay, meet our team, and learn about the Flathead Watershed and our cutting-edge, world-renowned research and immersive education programs. The Bio Station’s 125th Anniversary Open House programming will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome presentation featuring past and current FLBS directors.
Throughout the event, the Bio Station’s 125 years of research, monitoring, and education will be on full display. FLBS science exhibits will provide hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages; information about Flathead Lake and its watershed; close-up encounters with stream, pond, and lake creatures; updates from experts on the front lines of aquatic invasive species prevention; a sneak peek at cutting-edge drone and GIS mapping research; and more.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy boat tours aboard the Jessie B, our 30’ research vessel, special appearances by the University of Montana’s beloved mascot Monte Bear, live music, and free food for attendees. Additional program highlights include a special presentation by former FLBS Director Jack Stanford (starts at 1:30 p.m.), and the annual State of the Lake presentation by current FLBS Director Jim Elser (starts at 2:30 p.m.). There will also be a family-friendly scavenger hunt that kids can complete for special prizes.
Special guests will also be in attendance, including Summer Open AIR Artist-in-Residence Vera Ting, local author and historian Butch Larcombe, local underwater photographer Kyren Zimmerman, the AIS-detecting dogs of Montana Black Dog Services, and others.
To help with the celebration, the Bio Station is partnering with local food vendors The Sausage Queen, Farm to Fork Catering, and Glacier Shave Ice to offer free food items throughout the day. Additional FLBS-themed refreshments will be provided.
Research boat tours are scheduled at 12:30, 1:10, 1:45, 2:20, 2:55, and 3:30 p.m. There are 20 seats available per tour, and you can reserve your space by picking up a free ticket at the Welcome Table during the Open House. Mussel-sniffing dog demonstrations take place every half hour. Freshwater Research Lab and FLBS Walking History and Facilities Tours will be available. FLBS door prizes will be handed out to attendees periodically throughout the Open House. Visit the FLBS website at: https://flbs.umt.edu/newflbs/education-outreach/flbs-news/posts/youre-invited-flbs-open-house for a complete schedule of Open House presentations, demonstrations, and activities.
The FLBS Open House is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with FLBS scientists and educators about their work, all while enjoying an afternoon of sunshine and fun on the shores of Flathead Lake.
The Bio Station is located 17.5 miles north of Polson and 14 miles south of Bigfork along Highway 35, on the east shore of Flathead Lake, just north of the Yellow Bay State Park. For more information, or to see a complete schedule of events, visit the FLBS website at: http://flbs.umt.edu or call 406-872-4500.
