Agassiz trips part of fest
By VIENNA CHAPIN, DMG WriterArticle Photos
CHASSELL - The Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education will offer free 45-minute scientific excursions aboard the Agassiz as part of the 60th Annual Copper Country Strawberry Festival.
The Agassiz is Michigan Technological University's research vessel, and this will be the third year excursions have been offered to the public.
"These scientific excursions are a great way for the community to learn about Lake Superior and what makes a healthy lake," said WUPCSMEE K-12 education and outreach coordinator Joan Chadde.
MTU department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Scientist Dr. Martin Auer will be aboard the Agassiz for the excursions and will demonstrate how scientists sample bottom-dwelling organisms. Chadde said participants will also experience how to look for microscopic plants and animals called plankton that live in the water column, and will check the quality of the water.
"The temperature, dissolved oxygen, clarity and so on will be measured to tell us the health of Lake Superior and the Portage waterway," Chadde said.
The Agassiz will depart from the Chassell marina at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
If there is a large public response, there will be a fourth departure at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to come early to sign up because only 17 passengers are allowed to board at a time. Persons must be seven years of age or older to board the excursion. Life jackets will be provided for all passengers. There will be education materials on display for public viewing onshore.
