Madison Reporter

Attendees gathered at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Hasler Laboratory of Limnology on June 20 to explore the waters of Wisconsin and beyond during the Limnology Open House. Participants engaged with various aquatic life forms, examining them under microscopes, in aquariums, and through a research boat tour.

Adam Hinterthuer, outreach and communications manager, demonstrated how to collect water samples from Lake Mendota using specialized equipment. Harris and Brandt Hinterthuer participated in this activity during their visit from Arkansas.

Aaron Nolan, a limnology research specialist, led the boat tours on Lake Mendota. The tours provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about local aquatic ecosystems while enjoying the scenic views reflected in Nolan's sunglasses.

The event also featured interactive activities for families. Lucian Jensen matched fish with cutouts alongside his father, Professor Olaf Jensen. Meanwhile, Winston Neumann expressed amazement upon observing zebra mussels through a microscope.

Children Mack and Johnny Burmaster showcased their creativity by crafting fish puppets. A limnology employee educated visitors about Rusty Crayfish, an invasive species impacting Wisconsin lakes by displacing native crayfish and reducing plant diversity.

In another engaging activity, Prasanti Bahls and her siblings searched for aquatic bugs in sample tubs. Their family has made attending the Limnology Open House an annual tradition.

Taylor Wolfram captured these moments throughout the event.