About HPL and environs

Quick facts about HPL

 

· One of three labs under the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.  The others are the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (Solomons, MD) and Appalachian Laboratory (Frostburg, MD).

 

· We focus on biological and physical oceanography, nutrient biogeochemistry, plankton ecology, seagrass/SAV ecology and aquaculture.

 

· We are a community of ca. 120 people (34 with PhDs).

 

· We are located on an 800 acre (325 hectare) former farm estate with 3 main laboratory buildings, experimental ponds and greenhouses, a grass-strip airport, big boat pier and launching facility.

 

· We sit on the shores of the Choptank River approx. 9 miles (15 km) from the Chesapeake Bay.

 

· We operate the state’s oyster hatchery, which produces 100’s of millions of oyster spat each year.

Aquaculture and Restoration Ecology Laboratory (AREL) is our newest and most modern facility and it will be the venue for most workshop activities.

Sculpture in AREL Lobby.

Quick facts about the area

 

· The ‘Eastern Shore’ of Maryland is part of the Delmarva (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) peninsula which is predominantly rural and topographically flat.

 

· Our area has a vibrant agricultural industry primarily in grain crops and chicken farming.

 

· We are never far from water with >2000 miles (3200 km) of shoreline within a 25 mile (40 km) radius.

 

· Our area is an important wintering ground for migratory waterfowl and spawning area for anadromous fish such as striped bass.

 

· Urban influence has been historically minimal, but recent population growth is putting pressure on traditional rural lifestyles.  Approx. 100,000 people live in the three counties that border the Choptank River.

 

· “There is no life west of the Chesapeake Bay” was a popular bumper sticker.