A major expansion is underway at the longstanding Iowa Lakeside Laboratory in the Iowa Great Lakes area.
The research and education center on the shores of West Lake Okoboji offers hands-on learning for people of all ages.
Executive Director Mary Skopec says the new Innovation and Discovery Lab will add classroom space and expand facilities for water-quality testing and more.
"We want people to come out and enjoy nature, but we really need that space to allow those researchers who really come from around the country to have a high-quality research lab for them to work in," she said.
The facility cost more than $6 million dollars and is expected to open in September. Future plans also include adding housing and another lab closer to the lake, Skopec had previously told Siouxland Public Media News.
