Horn Point Laboratory

08/21/2026

Join us on on Sept. 19 to explore the natural world along the Choptank River and create an inspirational canvas using the art of Pysanky, that tells a story with a nature-based theme, Chesapeake Bay ecology.

In this exciting workshop, Coreen Weilminster, artist, science communicator, and educator, will introduce participants to the art of creating Pysanky, a traditional Ukrainian art, using nature inspiration and life we find in Choptank River habitats.

Space is limited so please register to secure your spot!

Join us for a day of discovery as we explore the natural world along the Choptank River to create an inspirational canvas using the art of Pysanky, a Ukrainian art form, that tells a story with a nature-based theme, Chesapeake Bay ecology.

08/05/2026

Celebrating National Oyster Day by recognizing our incredible 2026 HPL Oyster Hatchery Team! 🦪👏

This dedicated team is hard at work producing oyster larvae, spat-on-shell, and seed that support oyster restoration projects while also strengthening the oyster industry. Their efforts are helping build healthier waterways and a more sustainable future.

Way to go, Team Oyster! 🌊💙🦪

08/04/2026

Our Critter of the Month for July is the River Otter. If you know just three things about river otters in the Chesapeake Bay area, you probably know this: they’re playful, they visit the washroom together, and they’re making a comeback in some formerly polluted places around the Bay.

Learn more about River Otters here: umces.edu/critter-of-the-month/july-2026-critter-of-the-month/

The Critter of the Month is a project associated with the PhytoChop Observatory Project. Each month a painting of a Chesapeake Bay critter by Julie Trommatter of Good Juju Designs is paired with an informative essay.

Ongoing research activities at PhytoChop are made possible through the generous support of The Bailey Wildlife Foundation.

07/31/2026

07/22/2026

Have you participated in the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery Summer Internship?

If yes, we need your help!

Maryland Sea Grant at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science would like to kindly ask you to fill in this Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery Summer Internship survey: umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_4VNPr0XOdC1vcs6

The purpose of this survey is to understand the experience of previous Horn Point Lab Oyster Hatchery Summer Internship participants to help improve the internship program. In this survey, you will be asked about your perspectives and reflections on the internship. This survey is anonymous and completely voluntary. Only Maryland Sea Grant will have access to the data.

We appreciate your kind help on this survey, our internship and future oysters in the bay!

07/16/2026

In this article, Dr. Matt Gray, Associate Professor at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Lab provides insight on the possible ecosystem impacts if the Manila clam--a non-native species--established a population in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers are continuing to study the many variables that would influence whether the species would have negative effects, or adapt and integrate into a balanced ecosystem.

Manila clams, a popular global delicacy known to also be invasive, could come to the Chesapeake Bay — but may not necessarily harm the ecosystem, experts say.

07/16/2026

Free, scientist-led tours of the lab are offered each Tuesday, starting at 10am, until Labor Day. Pre-registration is not required for the weekly summer tours, but please let us know if your party includes five or more by calling 410-221-8408.

Learn more about our tours at umces.edu/campuses/hpl/visiting-campus/

07/07/2026

Since 1977, Horn Point Lab's environmental education programs have inspired an appreciation for the natural world in young participants. Generations of children, and their families, have treasured memories of their time on campus, learning through direct experience of our local Bay ecosystem.

Many of those recollections were shaped by Cathy Baptist, who was part of Horn Point's environmental ed. efforts from 1977 to 2002, including leading the work as Program Director. Cathy, who passed away in 2024, was honored at a recent event. Friends, colleagues, family members--including her husband Garry--and supporters gathered to remember Cathy and her gift for sharing the wonders of the environment with children. UMCES Professor and President Emeritus Don Boesch was among those who spoke, recognizing Cathy's impact on the establishment and growth of environmental education at the institution.

The Dorchester County Forestry Board made a gift to support the planting of a white oak tree in memory of Cathy. Prior to the event, a group of high school students and educators from the Wicomico County English Language Support Center assisted with the tree planting as part of a volunteer service project. The students also cleared trails and the waterfront cove area surrounding the campus canoe sheds. The picture-perfect weather was an added bonus to the partnership with this great group!

Attendees had the opportunity to join a nature walk, led by Professor Judy O'Neil, with a stop at a new bench, also dedicated to Cathy's legacy. The bench is made from 250 pounds of recycled plastic lids and caps collected at the lab. The years-long lid recycling effort was initiated by Horn Point Lab students, and has also produced a bench in the city of Cambridge.

Trail photo courtesy of Professor Judy O'Neil.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July from the HPL Oyster Hatchery crew! 🇺🇸

06/30/2026

A beautiful sunrise before spat-on-shell deployment activity begins at the HPL waterfront.
📸 Jeff Alexander