Curious about what the Tennessee Aquarium's team of researchers is working on in their new riverfront conservation science facility?
Come see for yourself with a tour of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, 175 Baylor School Road. The Institute is opening its doors to the public for a 4 p.m. tour on Tuesday, June 20. Additional tours are offered Tuesdays, July 25 and Aug. 22.
Visit the main learning, research and conservation spaces in the new building, including research labs and propagation room. Participants will follow the journey of a raindrop as it makes its way from the Conservation Institute's roof into the Tennessee River and to the ocean beyond.
"This is a great opportunity for people to see the new freshwater science center and learn more about what our experts are doing to better understand and protect the amazing aquatic animals across the Southeast," says Thom Benson, Aquarium director of external affairs.
"Aquarium scientists with specialized training in conservation genetics, field biology, watershed education and geographic mapping work with other scientists throughout the country to tackle some of the challenges facing our rivers and streams."
Benson says that Hayley Wise, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute's new watershed educator, will lead this tour. Visitors will not only see the systems where lake sturgeon are being raised for release in the Tennessee River, they'll also visit working genetics and morphology labs.
Participants will get a chance to see how Conservation Institute staff work to protect rivers and streams of the Southeast. They will learn how the building and landscape were designed to protect the river by treating stormwater sustainably in a way that mimics Earth's natural processes.
The tour fee is $10 for Tennessee Aquarium members, $15 nonmembers and $6 for students.
For reservations: www.tnaqua.org, then click the Events & Programs link.