Virginia Living Museum
Adult Programs

Learning can be a life long adventure. Join VLM staff biologists, naturalists and scientists to explore the natural world in special adult-oriented programs. Each activity-oriented program is presented in a relaxed, hands-on format and includes classroom instruction combined with opportunities to examine specimens from the Museum's extensive collections and up close encounters with live animals. Come and share a journey of discovery with others who have an enthusiastic desire to continue to learn about the natural world of Virginia and beyond.

Advance registration is required for many adult programs. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Reservations Coordinator, at 757-595-9135, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

September 7, 2010
MONARCHS IN MEXICO

Click here to register online

In February 2009, VLM Educator Judy Molnar traveled to two monarch butterfly overwintering sites in Michoacan, Mexico, as well as to other sites of cultural and historic significance.  A highlight was the wonder and awe of being surrounded by millions of butterflies.  Share Judy's experience, learn about some of the complex land management issues in the Monarch Bioreserves and what you can do to help conserve this butterfly's migration lifestyle.

Presented by: Judy Molnar, VLM Education Associate
Ages 18+
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Cost: $5 Members; $7 Non-Members. Active volunteers are free.

September 25, 2010
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY- ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS FILLED

The National Audubon Society and the VLM are coordinating volunteer events to promote environmental education.  This first event involves a Bio-Survey at Fort Monroe to survey the biological diversity of this historic site prior to its decommissioning as a military base.  Volunteers will be split into teams (led by naturalist experts) to survey the birds, insects, aquatic habitats and plants in specific areas within the base's natural areas.

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Register in advance with David Bryan at Audubon.

For more information click here

October 5, 2010
OWL TALK

Click here to register online

When most of nature begins to quiet down in the fall owls are just beginning their time of courtship.  Discover amazing owl adaptations like coundless flight and their incredible sense of hearing and night vision.  Listen to their different night calls and find out how they can eat without taking a bite.  Meet a live owl.  Learn which owls live in our area, how to "talk" to them and how to attract them.

Ages 18+
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Cost: $5 Members; $7 Non-Members. Active volunteers are free.

October 9, 2010
FLY TYING AND CASTING

Click here to register online

Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers will present a one-day workshop on fly fishing skills.  Learn to tie three to four flys, how to throw your line to a fish, tie basic knots, match a rod to a reel and line.  All materials are provided or bring your own equipment.

Ages 17+, 12-16 with an adult
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Cost: $40 VLM Members; $50 Non-Members

October 17, 2010
WILDLIFE ASSESSMENTS

John Kleopfer, the Region 1 Nongame Wildlife Biologist and State Herpetologist for the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, will discuss recent studies of wildlife conservation issues.  Current research includes: radio-telemetry study on the state endangered canebrake rattlesnake, nesting ecology and hatchling survivorship of the state threatened wood turtle, winter migration monitoring of the northern saw-whet owl and a population assessment of the two-toed Amphiuma.

Time: 1 p.m. 
Cost: Included in Museum admission

 

October 24, 2010
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ASTRONOMY

Do you know the real universe?  Explore the science and the non-science behind ten commonly help beliefs about he mysteries of astronomy in this talk by VLM Astronomy Curator Dr. Kelly Herbst.

Time: 1 p.m. 
Cost: Included in Museum admission

October 30, 2010
HALLOWEEN HABITAT PLANTING

Planting in the Museum's outdoor vulture exhibit.  Assist Museum horticulturists in planting native plants around the vulture's mountain habitat just prior to Halloween help the vultures get ready for their favorite event of the year! 

Each event will last approximately four hours.  E-mail your interest in volunteering to Mary Elfner, Virginia's Important Bird Areas(IBA) Coordinator for national Audubon Society, at: melfner@audubon.org.  Details will be sent to you two weeks prior to the event.

Time: TBD
Cost:  free

November 9, 2010
MEET VIRGINIA'S MAMMALS

Click here to register online

A variety of mammals large and small make their homes in Virginia.  Some we notice every day; others are rarely seen.  Using hands-on specimens from the Museum's collections and live mammals we'll take a close up look at their physical characteristics, natural history and behavior.

Ages 18+
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. 
Cost: $5 Members; $7 Non-Members. Active volunteers are free.