Events
Meet Maymont’s own “Octopus Teacher,” arriving this week in The Robins Nature Center
The octopus will remain on view for up to a year in The Robins Nature Center, the largest facility of its kind in central Virginia, with close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing many different species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and even mammals that inhabit the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
What has two eyes, eight legs, and a lot to teach us? Find out on Friday, March 17, when Maymont welcomes an octopus (Octopus vulgaris) to The Robins Nature Center to enhance environmental education for youth programs and local schools, as well as to delight all guests who stop by. The live octopus arrives along with a collection of preserved specimens of native species collected in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast on loan from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) at William and Mary for use in Maymont’s education programs through May 2023.
The octopus will remain on view for up to a year in The Robins Nature Center, the largest facility of its kind in central Virginia, with close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing many different species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and even mammals that inhabit the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
“We are so excited to expand Maymont’s aquatic collection with such a fascinating creature,” said Krista Weatherford, Director of Programming and Community Engagement. “It will help our educators teach about the differences between vertebrate and invertebrate species, animal adaptations, both physical and behavioral, and human impacts on their habitats.”
Senior Manager of Zoology Joe Neel explained, “Octopuses are among the most intelligent creatures on the planet. They have been observed solving puzzles and mazes and opening jars to get food. Even keeping one in a tank is extremely difficult, as they are known to be escape artists. To avoid predators, they can mimic inanimate objects with physical adaptations to match the color and patterns of their surroundings for camouflage.”
Octopuses are enjoying a moment in the spotlight due to the Academy Award-winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher (2020), in which filmmaker Craig Foster takes viewers into the fragile underwater world of a wild octopus in the Great African Seaforest off the coast of South Africa.
The documentary will be screened for free at Maymont on Friday, March 17, as part of the 13th Annual RVA Environmental Film Festival. Doors open at 5:00 pm, and the film will be shown at 6:30 pm, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A facilitated by Aimee Bushman, Manager of Environmental Education at Maymont, and Jenny Dreyer, Research Manager and Curator of the VIMS Invertebrate Collection at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, Virginia. Dreyer works on benthic ecology projects in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as deep sea biology and environmental impacts on benthic communities. She has journeyed to the bottom of the ocean on two dives in the submersible Alvin to study hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise. The VIMS specimens will be on display to the public on the 17th for the film screening and discussion.
Advance reservations are recommended. For more information on the RVA Environmental Film Festival and to reserve a seat at this special event, visit Maymont.org/RVAEFF. Free parking is available by The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive, as well as the Hampton Street lot and on-street parking.
The Robins Nature Center, which was renovated and expanded in 2020, is open to the public year-round on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. During Spring Break Week of April 3-7, the facility will be open on weekdays. Advance reservations are $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 3–12 and adults 65+, and free for Maymont members and participants in the Museums for All program (with EBT card, including up to three guests). For details and reservations, visit Maymont.org.
Events
Maymont prepares for Dominion Energy Family Easter with call for volunteers
The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
Maymont, Richmond’s beloved Victorian estate, is gearing up for the largest single-day volunteer event of the year, Dominion Energy Family Easter. The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
With an expanded Community Zone featuring local heroes and helpers, three stages for performances, and a mini-tour of the Maymont Mansion, this year’s Dominion Energy Family Easter is bigger and better than ever.
Maymont is calling for volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the day and make the event a success. Volunteers will work in four-hour shifts starting at 6:30 am, 8 am, 11 am, or 2 pm, either greeting guests or assisting with activities, games, and crafts. Volunteers will also help set up and clean up. Maymont welcomes youth volunteers, but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteering as a group is a great opportunity to give back to the community and have fun at the same time. Families or groups of friends are encouraged to volunteer together and help make the day unforgettable for thousands of guests. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Events
Hello Kitty Truck rolls into Short Pump Town Center this Saturday
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.
Fans of the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty are in for a treat as the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls back into Richmond this Saturday, March 18th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The truck will be stationed at the main entrance of the Short Pump Town Center by Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to indulge in a variety of exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles.
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, famous for delicious treats and adorable collectibles, announced that they have added new items to their menu for the Richmond event, including a Hello Kitty Cafe Cup Plush, a Hello Kitty Cafe Coin Bank, a Glass Mug with Sprinkle Handle, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lunchbox, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lavender T-Shirt, a Hello Kitty Cafe Canvas Tote, and a Hello Kitty Cafe Rainbow Thermos. Fans can also grab hand-decorated cookie sets, enamel pin sets, and Madeleine cookie sets.
Visitors to the truck can look forward to the best-selling Hello Kitty Cafe Plush Toys and Giant Hello Kitty Cafe Chef Cookies as well. The truck makes yearly stops in different cities and has been a big hit with fans since it was introduced in 2014.
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out the new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.
Events
2nd annual Farm Graze event will celebrate agriculture on March 25th at Deep Run Park
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities.
Henrico 4-H Youth Development will hold a free community celebration of agriculture with the second annual Farm Graze event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities. Youth will be able to complete a passport book by visiting the various exhibitors, with prizes awarded for the first 100 turned in.
Farm Graze also will collect donated items for the Henrico Animal Shelter, including used towels and blankets; Kongs and treats for dogs; toys for cats; and dry kibble and formula for kittens. All activities will take place in the recreation center or on the event field.
Henrico 4-H will showcase its programs and opportunities. Other exhibitors will include Henrico Extension, Master Gardeners, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Virginia State University Small Ruminant Farm, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, West End Farmers Market and RVA City Bees.
For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.
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