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Maymont-VCU Discovery Institute 2008 Lecture Series Wetlands and Wildflowers Lectures begin at 7 p.m., at the Maymont Robins Nature and Visitor Center. Thursday, April 3 “Wetlands and Wildflowers: Unique Plants Adapted to Unique Habitats” Thursday, April 10 “Virginia’s wildflowers: Unified in Function, Diverse in Form” Thursday, April 17 “Conservation of Wetlands and Wildflowers” Thursday, April 24 “Depressions, Dolines, Ponds and Pools: the Flora of Isolated Wetlands” Thursday, May 1 “Conservation Landscaping” Thursday, May 8 “Hidden Colors of the Marsh: Wildflowers of marshes and other Coastal Wetlands”
Background on the VCU-Maymont Discovery Institute Virginia Commonwealth University takes seriously its mission of public outreach in the life sciences. Specifically, VCU Life Sciences recognizes the importance of this mission and looks for ways to partner with organizations to enhance its educational offerings to the public. In May 2003, VCU Life Sciences entered into a partnership with the Maymont Foundation in the city of Richmond. Maymont, a beautiful 100-acre estate overlooking the James River, is where the foundation maintains a historic Victorian home, an arboretum and an environmental education center that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Together, VCU Life Sciences and the Maymont Foundation created the Maymont-VCU Discovery Institute, which offers continuing education seminars to the general public in addition to opportunities for undergraduate students and teachers to further their studies and training in the life sciences. The inaugural lecture series in the spring of 2003 was titled the “Glory of the James” and the 2004 series focused on “Exploring the Life Sciences through Art.” The 2005 series centered on “Unlocking the Secrets of the Life Sciences” and offered the general public, students and teachers a unique opportunity to further their understanding of controversial topics in the life sciences such as stem cell research, bioterrorism and aging. In 2006, a six-part lecture series was offered on “Backyard Wildlife: Pests or Guests?” and focused on understanding urban and suburban wildlife and in 2007 in celebration of “Jamestown 2007” the series was titled, “Historical Perspectives on Birding along the James River.” The lectures, all take place at Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center, and will begin at 7 p.m., with an open reception at 6 p.m. and a chance to visit the galleries. There is no charge but reservations are suggested. For registration information, call (804) 358-7166, ext 325. 2008 Maymont-VCU Discovery Institute brochure [PDF]. For further questions please contact: Catherine Dahl |
