Get Hands On With New Blue Hill, Maine ‘Touch Tank’

A non-profit scientific research organization in Blue Hill is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone, and they want you to help them.

The Shaw Institute, located at 55 Main Street in Blue Hill, has been studying the connection between the environment and human health, specifically how it impacts our oceans since it opened back in 1990.

For the better part of a year, folks at the Institute have been working to implement a new teaching tool, that they're hoping will become the focal point of their Environmental Education Center; a 200-touch tank full of Maine Marine animals.

"The 200-gallon tank will feature a variety of Maine sea life, with inaugural residents including lobsters, crabs, barnacles, periwinkles, American oysters, whelks, clams, and sea stars."

The work has been done, and now they are ready to unveil the tank next month, at a special Open House, on Wednesday April 16th from 2 PM to 6 PM.

"Discover and learn all about marine wildlife and the Gulf of Maine. You’ll have the chance to meet our resident bi-colored lobster, Arnold Clawmer - a 1 in 50,000,000 rarity. Participants will also get the chance to explore and learn all about our scientific research."

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Their gift shop will also be open during the open house. It's full of crafts from local artists.

We're told that following April's Open House, the touch tank will be available to the public, free of charge, starting at 10 AM, most days throughout the summer until Labor Day.

To find out more about the Shaw Institute or the new touch tank, you can visit their website by clicking here.