The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab will give participants a chance to wade into the world of marine science later this month during a hands-on salt marsh excursion.

Set for Thursday, May 29, from 9:45 a.m. to noon, the event invites guests to become marine scientists for a day, collecting samples and examining the vital ecosystem that supports juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs. The salt marsh, often called the nursery of the sea, plays a key role in the health of Alabama's coastal waters.

The cost is $15 per person. Registration is open at www.disl.edu/events/salt-marsh-excursion.

The program, hosted by educators at the Alabama Aquarium, includes guided exploration and sample collection, offering participants an up-close view of the region's rich biodiversity.

Organizers advise participants to dress for the elements. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required, with old, tight-fitting tennis shoes recommended to protect feet from sharp oyster shells and thick marsh mud. Attendees should expect to get wet and muddy.

Suggested items to bring include a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, a change of clothes and shoes, and a bag for muddy gear. Guests may also want to prepare their vehicles for post-excursion cleanup.