CSI: Lake Erie, a new guided tour of three South Bass Island attractions, will be available this summer thanks to a partnership between Ohio Sea Grant and the National Park Service. The "CSI" in CSI: Lake Erie stands for "Culture and Science Investigation." The tours will give Put-in-Bay’s visitors an in-depth look at the history and science of Lake Erie and will be held Thursdays through Saturdays, July 2-September 6, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m.

Participants will meet at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial before traveling to the newly reopened Aquatic Visitors Center for an up-close look at spirogyra and other organisms concealed in Lake Erie’s waters, as well as an investigative journey through fisheries management. The second stop, South Bass Island Lighthouse, will bring to light the importance of working together to restore our most precious resource – the Great Lakes. The final stop, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, will offer a glimpse into the Battle of Lake Erie and how that victory fostered a cooperative and peaceful relationship with Canada that has continued until today-an important component of protecting the Great Lakes.

At the end of the tour, participants will be sworn in as official Lake Erie Investigators and sign a pledge to become better stewards of our heritage and environment.

"CSI: Lake Erie will be a fun way to learn," says Melinda Huntley, Tourism Director for Ohio Sea Grant. "Our partnership with the National Park Service is an exciting one, because they bring their mastery of interpretation to the project. It also gives us an opportunity to link the science of Lake Erie to its history."

Cost for the tour is $5, with $3 payable at the memorial and $2 payable at the lighthouse. Reservations are recommended, though walk-up visitors will be admitted on a space-available basis. To register, call the National Park Service at 419.285.2184, ext. 227.