The first visitors through the door of the Seymour Center, Gunther and Carol Machol, took part in a ceremonial kelp cutting during opening day celebrations. The Ocean Discovery Shop did brisk business, selling out of some of the most popular items. And the Friends of Long Marine Lab signed up 163 new members over the weekend, said Lisa Rose, executive director of the friends group, which helps support the Seymour Center and other programs at the lab. The burst of activity at the Seymour Center continued right into the following week and shows no signs of slowing down. The center's programs for school groups are fully booked through the end of the school year, said center director Julie Barrett Heffington.
Admission is free for members.