Today@Dal

The Agricultural Campus Community Open House has been a summer tradition for more than 20 years – as much a tradition as playing hide-and-seek until dark and catching (or avoiding) June bugs!

The work on Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus makes our community stronger in so many unexpected ways. On July 25th beginning at 10:00 a.m. we will open our doors and give you a backstage pass to our science, the critters who call this campus home and the playful side of agriculture. We add in some extras that add flavor to the festivities – including giveaways, music, family photos and more.

If you have yet to attend an Agricultural Campus Community Open House make the summer of 2013 your year to attend. What you see and learn might surprise you!

The top 5 surprises in store at the Agricultural Campus Community Open House

1. Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus includes aquatic farming and aquaculture! Have you ever seen a blue lobster? People of all ages will have the opportunity to hold some unusual creatures from the sea, including hermit crabs, starfish, green crabs and other marine invertebrate animals. You’ll also learn how our eroding coastlines are threatening these magnificent creatures and the natural ways we can help hold soil where it belongs along our water-ways. Learn all about seaweed and the bioproducts being created with this amazing organism.

2. Faculty and staff on the Agricultural Campus are experts in alternative energy! Our Green Energy Pavilion showcases our work that can help reduce energy costs and usage. Learn about biodiesel, grass pellets, wind turbines, solar energy and even sheep’s wool as an alternative for house insulation. Learn how microalgae can create enough power to run a car!

3.  Hungry? Eat some weeds! Learn to identify a few native plants with our plant science staff, learn to grow a healthier lawn and even sample some of our edible weeds!

4.  International hospitality is guaranteed! Get a taste of our international activities – literally! Everyone will love the adventure of trying tasty new food and catchy music from other parts of the world. And, of course, international hospitality is guaranteed. Kids will also enjoy the games and everyone can have their names written in Chinese calligraphy and learn some handy foreign greetings.

5.  You know we have barns – but bubble barns? The fine people in the Engineering Department are bringing back this family pleaser again this year. Run through the hypoallergenic bubbles created by this simple machine built right on campus. Don’t forget a towel and some dry clothes! Why is the best fun always the messiest?!

Community Open House boasts a heap-load of interactive activities, exhibits and stops around campus so plan to spend the day with us on July 25th.

Dal.ca/agopenhouse