More than 500 people gathered on July 11 on the grounds of the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at Lake Okoboji to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the nation's first biological field stations. The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the partnership between the Hygienic Laboratory, the University of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to expand the use of the Lakeside Laboratory facilities for water quality analysis and monitoring.

As part of the celebration, Dennis Heimdal, laboratory scientist at the newly renovated Bovbjerg Water Chemistry Laboratory, conducted water testing demonstrations. A giant praying mantis, lady bug and spider in a web created out of natural materials by David Rogers also dotted the Lakeside campus. This Big Bugs exhibit is scheduled to continue through October 4.

Dennis Heimdal, environmental laboratory scientist, conducts a water quality test as part of a demonstration during the centennial and one-year anniversary celebration at Lakeside Lab.

A century ago, and with the support from the UI Alumni Association, professor and former UI president Thomas Macbride realized his dream of establishing a biological field station in Iowa's Great Lakes region. Every summer since, Iowa Lakeside Lab has provided instruction and research opportunities for college students.

In 2006, the Lab was designated as a Regents Resource Center with an expanded mission of public service for the people of Northwest Iowa.