Last week I took the day off and drove to Woods Hole,
Massachusetts. Blue skies made the sing along in the car all the more enjoyable
(no pictures or audio of that to share, trust me this is probably a good thing).
My destination was the Marine Biological Laboratory, a mecca
for marine science research and education. I got the official insider’s tour complete
with some time sitting on the water-facing benches taking in the sea air.
What a perfect day for a break and some biology.
The Marine Biological Lab dates back to 1888. The original building
is now the library and the architecture is amazing. The massive brick building
is full of beautiful hardwood tables, big chairs, and marine animal teaching
charts from the late 1800s. There is a history around every corner, including a
large sign reading “study nature, not books.” Harvard biologist Loius Agassiz
signed this prized piece. Among many other things, Agassiz started a school dedicated
to study marine life on Penikese Island in Buzzards Bay and that school is
considered the seed that grew into the Marine Biological Lab.
The wet lab is huge – tanks as far as you can see. A friend steered
me through the maze of wet floors and running water. We saw horseshoe crabs,
squid, black sea bass, toadfish, spider crabs, lobsters, urchins, sea squirts,
and more. There was a tank of clams the size of softballs – carefully labeled
for “research only.” No chowder pots for those guys!
The little touch tank at the front showcased some of the
local marine life. A small blue lobster turned out to be my best photo model of
the afternoon.
The classroom and lab spaces were outfitted with more
technology and equipment than I’ve ever seen before. There were people everywhere;
I could feel a real sense of community. It was great to see a place that has
created a culture that promotes such enthusiasm and passion about marine life.
After the tour, we took a drive past the beaches and Nobska Point Lighthouse to have lunch in Falmouth. Plus I got to visit the infamous Pie in the Sky bakery. The sun was shining, the seafood
was fresh, and the company was fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better
birthday.
Photos by Sara K. MacSorley
