Tour the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute today

Have you seen t he Tennessee Aquarium’s new Conservation Institute along the Tennessee River across from Williams Island and wondered what the researchers do inside?

Here’s your chance to find out.

The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, or TNACI as it’s called, is opening i ts doors for tours today, March 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. at its riverfront location, 175 Baylor School Road. The tour is suggested for elementary schoolage children and older, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Guests will travel in small groups led by staff, visiting the main learning, research and conservation spaces, including research labs and propagation room. They will have the chance to meet scientists on staff.

Participants will see how the institute’s staff works to protect rivers and streams of the Southeast, and learn how the building and landscape were designed to protect the river.

“For high school stu- dents in particular, whether this sparks an interest in freshwater conservation or an interest in a career in science, it will be interesting for them and beneficial,” says Thom Benson, Tennessee Aquarium director of external affairs.

A second chance to tour the building will be offered Thursday, April 20, at 4 p.m.

Cost for a tour is $ 10 Aquarium members, $ 15 nonmembers and $6 students. For reservations: www.tnaqua.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO An aerial view of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, located adjacent to Baylor School’s campus.