May 7, 2003

Maymont-VCU Discovery Institute to be inaugurated May 8

Program to kick off with lecture series on the James River

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By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and the Maymont Foundation have created a partnership known as the Maymont-VCU Discovery Institute, a program that will offer continuing education seminars to the general public as well as opportunities for undergraduate students and teachers to further their studies and training in the life sciences.

The institute’s first lecture series, “The Glory of the James,” will begin Thursday, May 8. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. preceding the first lecture. All lectures will take place at 7 p.m. and the fee is $5 per lecture, or $25 for the series. For more information, call 827-5600.

  • May 8 – “The James River – A National Treasure,” presented by Joseph H. Maroon, director, Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation and former director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Reception at 6 p.m. Lecture will take place in Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center, 2201 Shields Lake Dr., Richmond, Va.

  • May 15 – “Changes in North American Bird Populations: Implications on the Ecology of the Lower James River,” presented by Dr. Charles R. Blem, VCU professor of biology. Lecture will be held at VCU’s Trani Center for Life Sciences, 1000 W. Cary St.

  • May 22 – “Heritage of the James,” presented by Dr. Ann M. Woodlief, author of “In River Time: The Way of the James,” and retired professor from VCU’s Department of English. Lecture will take place in Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center.

  • May 29 -- “Virginia’s Native Plants: James River— Mountains to the Sea,” presented by Catharine W. Tucker, consulting botanist and recipient of the Virginia Wildlife Federation’s Conservationist of the Year. Lecture will take place in Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center.

  • June 5 – “Historic Botany,” presented by David Milarch, president and founder of the Champion Tree Project International. Lecture will take place in Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center.

  • June 12 – “Mysteries of the James,” presented by John T. Bryan, associate dean for development, VCU School of the Arts and author of “The James River in Richmond.” Lecture will take place in Maymont’s Robins Nature and Visitor Center.