UD’s Hugh R. Sharp campus, located in Lewes near the iconic wind turbine and Pilottown opens its doors every summer to its marine research facilities. This includes the Marine Biogeochemistry Lab and other research laboratories.
Volunteer docents lead the guided tours. Visitors will experience the high-tech Global Visualization Lab (GVL), which displays a multi-colored view of the earth and its oceans, and monitors ocean temperatures and other features worldwide. It can also zoom into North America, and ultimately the coast of Lewes.
The Cannon Lab features a museum-quality mural of ocean life and preserved samples of deep water fishes. Although it is primarily geared to adults, interested kids over the age of seven are welcome.
Visitors can view and learn about UD marine vessels, including the 150-foot R/V Hugh R. Sharp. (Many local residents often see it moored at rest in the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal.
Learn about its role in marine research, including a recent trip to the Antarctic.
The R/V Sharp operates as a member of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and serves several federal and academic science agencies.
During the tour, visitors will also learn about wind energy and Lewes’ own wind turbine. Although owned and operated by UD to power its entire Sharp campus, excess power is donated to the City of Lewes, usually enough to power 100 homes.
Registration for the free tours is required at least two days in advance. Tours take place every Wednesday, 10 am – 12 pm from July 1 through September 6. Tours are family-friendly and adjusted accordingly for age groups. Reservations can be made through the UD Lewes Tour website or by calling (302) 645-4234.
Another community event sponsored by UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and Delaware Sea Grant is Annual Coastal Day a popular community event that draws about 5,000 people. This year’s event takes place on October 5.
If you’ve always wondered what kind of marine research takes place right here in Lewes, give the summer tour a try. And bring the grands. They may just find inspiration for a future marine science career.
Reservations up to two days in advance are required.
By Bridget Fitzpatrick
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