UM Bio Station Offering Afternoon of Science, Food, and Fun at Annual Open House

Looking for a fun and family-friendly way to learn more about the Bio Station and our amazing Flathead Lake and watershed? The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) invites you to a free Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 4.

Come explore the FLBS campus, meet our team, and learn about our cutting-edge, world-renowned research and immersive education programs. This year’s Open House will feature presentations, boat trips on a 30' research vessel, the Jessie B., and visitors can experience FLBS science through a variety of exhibits.

These exhibits include hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages; information about Flathead Lake and its watershed; close-up encounters with stream, pond, and lake creatures; updates from experts on the front lines of aquatic invasive species prevention and mitigation; a sneak peek at cutting-edge drone and GIS mapping research; and more!

FLBS Director Jim Elser will give a talk about the State of Flathead Lake at 1:30pm.

There will also be a few special guests in attendance. Researchers from the Owl Research Institute will drop by to discuss their work monitoring our local owl populations at 3:00pm, and Aquatic Invasive Species detection dogs from Montana Black Dog Services will show off their impressive invasive boat-inspection skills.

As an added bonus, this year the Bio Station is partnering with local food vendor Montana Mountain Dawgs to offer a free hot dog to the first 100 Open House attendees! Limit one free hot dog per attendee. Regular Montana Mountain Dawg menu items will also be available at normal cost. Additional light refreshments will be provided.

There is no cost to attend the Open House. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with FLBS scientists and educators about their work, all while enjoying an afternoon of sunshine and fun on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Research boat tours are scheduled at 1:10, 1:45, 2:20, 2:55, 3:30 and 4:05 p.m. You can reserve your space by picking up a ticket at the Welcome Table during the Open House.  Mussel-sniffing dog demonstrations take place every half hour. Freshwater Research Lab and Erosion Control Beach tours will be available, and FLBS-themed door prizes will be handed out to attendees periodically throughout the Open House. 

The Bio Station is located 17.5 miles north of Polson and 14 miles south of Bigfork along Highway 35, on the east shore of Flathead Lake just north of the Yellow Bay State Park.