SUMMER 2014
Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
THE ADVENTURE PARK AT VIRGINIA AQUARIUM
NOW OPEN
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP P RO GR A M & EVENTS GUIDE
SE C T I ON T I T LE
MEMBERSHIP QUICK FACTS CONTACT INFORMATION (757) 385-0279 Membership Office
DAILY ADMISSIONS PER MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Otter: 2 Crab: 4 Hedgehog: 6
(757) 385-0300 Guest Services Office
Stingray: 6
AquariumMembership@VirginiaAquarium.com
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices.
Summer 2014, Volume 3, Issue 3. Virginia Aquarium Quarterly is published four times a year by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451. Editor-in-Chief: Ted Bartlett Creative Director: Savannah Kaylor Contributors: Dustie Bourgeois, Lynn Clements, Evan Culbertson, Beth Firchau, Kema Geroux, Margaret C. Lynott, Shawn Reid, Mark Swingle
WE CARE ABOUT CONSERVATION
The VAQ is printed with soy-based inks on postconsumer recycled paper.
Please remember to recycle the VAQ when you’re finished reading & sharing it. GET SOCIAL
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HOURS OF OPERATION 9AM–5PM Daily Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas
Seal: 6
Dolphin Society: 6 Whale Society: 6 At least one named cardholder must be present.
LYNN’S LINES
Leaving a Legacy Your frame of reference changes when you are about to turn sixty. You think more about leaving a legacy and creating experiences for young minds, in growing bodies, so they will stretch into intelligent beings that can grapple with future challenges. The Owls Creek Marsh Pavilion is being enhanced with these young children as the main audience. A team is brainstorming and planning exhibits including animal exhibits and hands-on activities. What exhibits and activities can be developed that will help children learn and care about nature and prepare them to be innovators and problem solvers? The concept, so far, is to “turn the inside out and the
Lynn Clements | Executive Director
Issue Highlights
outside in” and get children exploring the beautiful marsh and creek where the Aquarium is located. In order to achieve our goals, additional planning and fundraising need to take place. With my big birthday happening this summer, I invite you to join me in investing in our young people by making a donation to the Virginia Aquarium Foundation Lynn’s Legacy endowment that will be
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established for children’s programming, a true lasting legacy. I cannot think of a better birthday gift to receive than to create young scientists
T HE ADVENT U RE PARK – NOW OPE N!
and I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Executive Director
15 OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ST EWARDSHIP
12 EXPERT Q & A
17 YOU NG S C I E NT I S T S
Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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FAN PHOTOS
Oh No! Owen | Sarah Cunningham
Otters Having A Snow Day | Rachel The Adventure Park | LeeMetz Brooks
Ally & The Tomistoma | Kerry Maloney
Lidia The Seal, Boardwalk Art Show | Lee Brooks
Komodo Close-Up With Morgan | Sarah Cunningham
S E N D U S Y O U R FAV O R I T E FA N P H O T O S TA K E N AT T H E A Q UA R I U M The top picks will be included in the VAQ. Send a max of 3 high resolution, jpeg files to VAQmag@virginiaaquarium.com. Sending photos grants the Virginia Aquarium the right to use the photos in promotional materials. Please limit attachments to 10MB per email.
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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
our commitment to Quality is no fish tale
Whole Foods Market has a lot in common with the Virginia Aquarium. We each have the highest respect for our oceans. We believe in the importance of the sustainability of our oceans’ bounty. And we understand the dependence of mankind on the sea. That’s why we were the first to offer Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood. Why we inform you of the sustainability ratings of our partners and only carry highly rated choices. And why we insist on the highest standards in the business.
1800 laskin rd
va b e a c h v i rg i n i a
23454
wholefo odsmarket.c om
Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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COVER STORY
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms joined a host of eager climbers for The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium’s grand opening event.
climb on up
TREETOP adventure
for
By Kema Geroux
The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium opened in May with two unique attractions for climbers: the Adventure Forest and the Labyrinth. Virginia Aquarium members receive discounted admission to the Adventure Park. 6
Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
13 F
trails marked by degree of difficulty
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amilies, friends, teams, and clubs can enjoy the Adventure Forest, where all you have to do is come ready to climb. Harnesses, instruction and equipment are provided. After practicing, climbers ascend into the main platform to choose from 13 trails marked according to degree of difficulty. The park includes 150 unique bridges, swings, and tunnels and 21 zip lines, featuring one with a 315-foot zip across Owls Creek. At the end of each trail, climbers return to the main tree platform to start another adventure.
unique bridges, swings & tunnels
21
zip lines, one a 315’ zip across Owls Creek
With each visit, you can discover something about your focus, stamina, balance, and agility. Throughout the park, trained staff members monitor climbers and offer encouragement and assistance when necessary.
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy climbing. Difficulty is rated like runs at a ski hill. The easier trails are about ten feet above the ground and the most difficult trails are about 55 feet up. • Purple routes are great for parents or grandparents climbing with children ages five and six. • Yellow trails are at a height of about ten feet. • Green trails offer climbs that are 20 feet high and bridges that begin to demand balance, agility and arm strength. • Blue and Black trails offer increasingly difficult challenges, and height will probably not be your main focus. • The Double Black trail provides the highest degree of challenge, with only 20 percent of climbers attempting this run.
There are many benefits to the park’s system of trails, crisscrossing through the seven-acre woods. Adventurous climbers don’t leave tentative climbers behind. Families and groups arriving together can continuously interact no matter which trail each member chooses. A young climber can stop to watch an older sister take on a more difficult trail. An advanced climber can pass on encouragement to his friend on an intermediate trail. Climbers can look back on sections they’ve completed and scope out trails to come. Upon completing a trail, a climber can decide to do it again using a different technique or tackle a new trail with different challenges. Many climbers leave at the end of the day thinking about trails they want to conquer during their next visit. continued Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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This summer, the park is open from 9AM-11PM. Night climbs are lit with low-intensity LED lights that create a magical twilight effect. In other seasons, the park will be open on weekends for general admission and daily for groups.
Adventure Park Trails are designed to allow children as young as five years old to climb with an adult. Use this key to choose the course suited to your abilities. TRAIL DESIGNATION
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PURPLE
CHILDREN’S
YELLOW
NOVICE
DESCRIPTION
Our easiest courses with lowest platforms
MAX PLATFORM
HEIGHT
10’
Beginner courses with platforms 10’-15’ slightly higher
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Ages 5-6 with an Adult companion Ages 7-9 with Adult supervision Ages 10-Adult
GREEN INTERMEDIATE Introduces climbers to platforms 20’ reaching up to 20’
Ages 7-9 with an Adult companion Ages 10-11 with Adult supervision Ages 12-Adult
BLUE ADVANCED SINGLE DIFFICULT BLACK DIAMOND
Introduces climbers to platforms and 35’ crossings requiring agility, balance and strength
Ages 10-11 with an Adult companion Ages 12-13 with Adult supervision Ages 14-Adult
A difficult course with platforms and 40’ crossings that require increased agility balance, strength and stamina
Ages 12-13 with an Adult companion Ages 14-Adult
DOUBLE VERY BLACK DIFFICULT DIAMOND
Our most challenging course with platforms and crossings that require physical strength and athletic ability
Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
45’
Ages 15-Adult
Most climbers leave the park with feelings of accomplishment and confidence.
T In addition to the Adventure Forest, the Park includes the Labyrinth that transforms a portion of the woods into what could become a premier birthday party location for kids ages five through nine. The Labyrinth is a self-contained space with numerous interconnected bridges between elevated platforms. The crossings are similar to those in the Adventure Forest, but built to scale for young climbers. The kids wear harnesses connected to safety lines, receive safety briefings, and play under parental supervision with park assistance. This is a place where kids can truly find their inner squirrel.
he Park was designed and built by Outdoor Venture Group, LLC, which has built twenty parks in the United States. The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is owned and operated by Outdoor Venture Group along with local owners. Owners of the park were drawn to the Aquarium site because of its unique ecosystem. At this park, some platforms offer opportunities to see the unspoiled wetlands of Owls Creek. The Adventure Park is committed to providing an experience that preserves this natural environment. Trails are built using tree-friendly techniques. Onlookers can stroll on paths and boardwalks built through woods that are otherwise pristine. Educational signs along the walkway provide information about native plants and animals.
At The Adventure Park, families and friends create long-lasting memories as they face fears, tackle challenges, and offer each other encouragement. The Adventure Park is like no other attraction in Coastal Virginia. Guests won’t hear the clank and hum of motorized rides, nor feel like they are melting on sun-scorched concrete. Come find your adventure in the woods. Naturally.
NOW
OPEN For more information visit VirginiaBeachTrees.com Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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SUMMER QUARTER PROGRAM & EVENTS
G U I DE
SPECIAL EVENTS
BONUS EXPERIENCES
Mentoring Young Scientists (MYS) Information Session
Shark Shenanigans
September 12 | 5:30PM Are you a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who is enthusiastic about science? Join us for a MYS info session. Call (757) 385-0331 for more details. MARSH PAVILION
CHANGING EXHIBIT
Included with membership and admission. Reservations are not required.
August 4-8 | 11AM–3PM Join us as we celebrate some of the ocean’s most mysterious residents … sharks! Guests will have the opportunity to learn interesting facts about sharks, discover the shark’s sixth sense, make a shark hat, and view programs throughout the day.
Included with membership and free with admission thanks to the sponsorship of the Lee A. and Helen Gifford Foundation, The Oceanfront Inn, and TFC Recycling.
Exhibit features giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches to graphically illustrate the tragedy of pollution in our oceans. Along with unique art, the exhibition includes educational programs that encourage reducing, refusing, reusing and recycling.
Geared for ages 4-6, these programs include age-appropriate discussions, activities and crafts. $7 members, $10 non-members. Pre-registration is strongly recommended by calling (757) 385-0278 or by e-mailing programs@ virginiaaquarium.com.
Life on a Piling July 17 | 2-3:15PM Take part in hands-on exploration with a collection of creatures taken from around the underwater pilings of the Aquarium.
Dog Days of Summer August 7 | 2-3:15PM
Washed Ashore: Art To Save The Sea Through September 28
DISCOVERY DAYS
Birds of Prey Day: Featuring Vultures!
Come join us as we explore ways different animals stay cool. Meet our Great Horned owl who takes her “socks” off to stay cool.
September 6 | 11AM–3PM.
Top Dog
Join us in the Marsh Pavilion as we celebrate nature’s best recyclers. Guests will learn interesting facts about vultures, take a “vulture” scavenger hunt, make vulture vomit and meet a live vulture at the meet the keeper talk! MARSH PAVILION
September 4 | 2-3:15PM
Wildflower Wednesdays
Copy Cat Mimicry
Wednesdays in July & August | 10AM–2PM This interactive program for all ages explains the importance of native plants. Our wildflower garden is the oldest garden at the Aquarium. Join our horticulture team for a tour of the garden. Volunteers also lead crafts for our younger guests.
Everything in nature has a job even the smallest of creatures like insects. Learn about food webs and how each animal must do their part. MARSH PAVILION
September 18 | 2-3:15PM Are you good at playing hide and seek? Come learn about a few animals that could teach you a thing or two about hiding. MARSH PAVILION
Detach & Keep Guide For A Quick Reference
TODDLER PROGRAMS
Toddler Programs are sponsored by Whole Foods. These weekly programs are created just for the little ones. Included with membership and admission. Programs last about 30 minutes. Adults must accompany child during program.
Toddler Tuesday Every Tuesday | 11AM & 12:30PM Bring your little ones for this age-appropriate program that includes story time, songs and an Aquarium adventure. MARSH PAVILION
Toddler Trek Every Thursday | 11AM Join us for an exploration session for early learners to discover a new animal, color and shape through fun outdoor activities. Takes place inside during inclement weather. MARSH PAVILION
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Go beyond the Aquarium glass for a closer look. Bring yourself face-to-fin with your favorite creatures and connect with then up close. Reservations required in advance. Book online or call (757) 385-0300. Some age and height restrictions apply. Must be able to climb stairs.
Seal Splash! Through September 1 Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday | 10AM Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10AM & 1:30 PM Get in the water with harbor seals! Meet a friendly seal or two and take part in a training session. Includes 15-20 minute in-water portion, t-shirt and souvenir photo CD. Sponsored by the Oceanfront Inn. $160 members, $175 non-members
Early Expeditions
Harbor Seals
Wednesdays in September | 11AM
Through September 1 Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays 2:30PM
Bring your little one to solve an animal mystery. They’ll hone problem-solving skills and help figure out the “who, what, when, where and why” of the animal world.
Puppet Shows July 15, August 19 & September 16 11AM & 12:30PM On the third Tuesday of the month, our Toddler Tuesday features a live-action puppet show to accompany our story time. MARSH PAVILION
Spend time with our harbor seals as animal care staff conduct a training session. Learn about seal biology, conservation and receive a souvenir photo CD of your experience. 45 minutes. $45 members, $55 non-members
Sea Turtles Monday, Wednesday, & Friday | 1PM Go above the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium to observe aquarists conducting a feeding and behavioral training session with the sea turtles. 45 minutes. $15 members, $20 non-members
Above & Beyond Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | 12:30PM Take a peek at the “inner workings” of a public aquarium and find out how we care for our fish and other marine animals during a tour of selected aquarium service areas. 45 minutes. $15 members, $20 non-members
EXPERT Q&A
Creating a healthy, beautiful ecosytem. tu re Su pe rv is or Du st ie Bo ur ge oi s | Hor tic ul m 14 Ye ar s at Vi rg in ia Aq ua riu
What is your favorite part of the job? When I get to
What does “horticulture” mean? Horticulture is the science
work outdoors, side by side with my staff and volunteers, which isn’t often enough! Also, watching the fruits of our labor grow…literally!
and art of cultivating garden plants. It is different than agronomy, which is a branch of agriculture dealing with field crop production.
What do you find most challenging? Maintaining the
Why is it important to plant native plants? Native
health of plants in the Upland River Room. Growing outdoor plants in an indoor environment is tricky, but the presence of animals adds even greater challenges.
plants are an important part of any ecosystem. Removing native plants or planting non-natives will ultimately disrupt the entire ecosystem.
Dustie Bourgeois heads a team of horticulturists.
What advice do you have for home gardeners to promote conservation? Plant native and avoid pesticide use. Also, consider becoming a Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat. It’s easy, even if you have a small space. Learn more at http://www.nwf.org
Does the Aquarium compost? Yes. We have five bins onsite that hold up to ½ cubic yard each. We compost ordinary items like staff lunch scraps, coffee grounds, and some not-so-ordinary stuff like rabbit manure, animal bedding, and meal worm castings!
What impact does the Adventure Park have on the nature path and your team? We are very excited that guests will have an even greater opportunity to enjoy our nature path from a new perspective! Of course, keeping observers on the designated paths will be the key to preserving plants on the ground.
Dustie loves being outside, working side by side with staff and volunteers, and getting the chance to share her work with Aquarium visitors.
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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
SPOTLIGHTS
Species Champion EVAN CULBERTSON for his work with Corals
Anthozoa
Volunteer WALTER POPE
Every Friday morning, Aquarium guests are greeted with a huge dose of southern hospitality by veteran guest Evan Culbertson works to make sure the Aquarium’s coral colonies thrive, both in the Red Sea’s Live Reef Aquarium and in the coral propagation lab.
services representative, Walter Pope, known to many as “Dinker.” For nearly 14 years, Walter has dazzled visitors
Corals are marine invertebrates that live in colonies with hundreds to thousands of identical individual “polyps.” At the Aquarium, Evan makes sure our coral colonies thrive. Evan’s efforts have made the Aquarium a leader in coral conservation. Research, education, outreach, and restoration projects are important because the global environment is changing and putting corals at risk.
with his big voice and friendly banter.
The importance of corals carries over to all walks of life, including humans. Coral reefs are the most diverse and beautiful marine ecosystem on earth, and provide fisheries for human consumption, tourism and coastal protection. Without these ecosystems, many other marine realms may disappear.
Aquarium, Walter shares a rich life with
View various life stages up close at the Aquarium’s coral propagation lab, and be sure to stop by the Red Sea’s Live Reef Aquarium, home to our corals and hundreds of reef fish.
on a Friday morning, be sure to say hi
Even on our busiest days, guests receive individual greetings with special attention paid to the little ones. If they are really lucky, they’re treated to one of Walter’s jokes. Away from the his family. Nancy, his wife of 54 years, is also a volunteer. The next time you visit the Aquarium to “Dinker.”– By Shawn Reid
To receive more information about volunteering, call (757) 385-0274, Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM or visit www.VirginiaAquairum.com/volunteer
Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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STRANDING NEWS
2013 DOLPHIN STRANDINGS
DOLPHINS IN CRISIS Dolphins off our shores have been dying in record numbers as the population experiences the largest unusual mortality event (UME) ever to affect the U.S. Atlantic coast.
By Margaret C. Lynott
1,200 350 from NY to FL
in VA alone
ONE YEAR AGO . . .
THIS YEAR . . .
• In Virginia, bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) strandings peak mid-May through June. In 2013, there were fewer strandings than normal during this period.
• The Stranding Team has responded to 8 bottlenose dolphin strandings (as of May 2014). • The UME is still considered “active” along the east coast.
• In July 2013, the number of strandings increased sharply as the Stranding Response Program found itself in the midst of a devastating UME.
500
MARINE MAMMAL STRANDINGS BY YEAR
400
• Since July 2013, states from New York to Florida responded to over 1,200 dolphin strandings.
300
• Virginia experienced 350 dolphin strandings including 11 live events. Normally, our team responds to an average of 66 stranded bottlenose dolphins per year.
OTHER MARINE MAMMAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN
200
100
0
44
38
28
74
81
2008
2009
382
38
33
11
57
57
64
2010
2011
2012
2013
MARINE MAMMAL STRANDINGS B Y S P E C I E S harbor porpoise common dolphin
6%
large whale
2%
other cetacean
8%
pinniped
7%
2013
8% bottlenose dolphin
20082012
69% bottlenose dolphin
pinniped
2%
other cetacean
common dolphin
1% large whale
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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
90%
<1%
3% harbor porpoise 4%
WHY THIS EVENT IS IMPORTANT TO STUDY: While scientists have identified morbillivirus as the primary cause of the UME, important questions are yet to be answered. Ongoing study seeks to determine why this disease‑causing virus has emerged with such devastating effect, more than 20 years after its discovery. A major mortality event such as this demonstrates the importance of the marine mammal stranding network and documenting stranded animals. Samples and data from strandings help us understand the true impacts of such an unusual event on a population, how they recover and how the population should be managed in the future. Bottlenose dolphins represent important sentinels of ocean health. Investigations like the one currently underway will help us better understand how ocean health is affecting bottlenose dolphins, and potentially how it could also affect humans.
FEATURE ARTICLE
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY AND E N V I R O N M E N TA L S T E WA R D S H I P By Mark Swingle
Clean, renewable wind energy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is a desirable and necessary goal. Desirable because we believe it can safely provide some of our future energy needs. Necessary because we believe that sustaining a future healthy planet may depend on wind and other renewable energy sources. While it is encouraging to see support from all levels of government, the private sector, and the public for offshore wind development, Ocean areas off there are many challenges remaining to make offshore wind a Virginia may have reality. This highlights the importance of the marine planning and some of the best implementation process.
Assessing the potential environmental impacts of offshore wind energy development is one of our challenges. Ocean-
wind resources in the country.
based wind farms are proposed to be very large with hundreds of turbines spread over huge areas. For example, the Virginia wind energy area (WEA) encompasses more than 175 square miles. Projects of this magnitude have the potential to impact marine animals in many ways, from the disruptions associated with construction, to the direct impacts of operating turbines and the physical changes to both the surface and subsurface environment.
The key to assessing environmental impacts is the availability of baseline data. In other words, we need to have a clear understanding of the current state before we can attempt to predict and measure the outcomes. Unfortunately, we do not yet have all the necessary data. The Aquariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research & Conservation division is actively involved in the study of marine animals in offshore ocean waters, including the WEA, as integral parts of their life cycles. Marine mammals and sea turtles make regular migrations for foraging and breeding that include ocean waters off Virginia. Aquarium researchers, in collaboration with numerous partners, are involved with many grant-funded efforts to study these animals and their uses of offshore waters in and around the WEA. These studies include aerial and vessel-based surveys of Virginia and Maryland ocean waters; passive acoustic monitoring for marine mammals; satellite and acoustic tagging/ tracking of sea turtles; identification of prey species and diet analyses; and identification of major causes of mortality, including threats from human activities. The results of these efforts will directly support the wind energy development process and guide future environmental monitoring of this new ocean industry.
As part of the Aquariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental monitoring efforts, observers conduct aerial and vessel-based surveys of ocean waters to gather data on the migratory patterns of marine mammals and sea turtles.
Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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FISH FINATIC The Virginia Aquarium is home to over 7,000 fish, close to 200 species and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but get excited about them. Our staff are truly fish finatics! We hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love learning about some of our favorite fish.
Snakehead Channa sp.
FISH FINATIC FACTS 1 Snakeheads are native to Asia, from
4 Snakeheads are considered a highly
Thailand to China to Indonesia, where they are a popular food fish.
invasive species in Virginia and illegal to have as a pet, or to release into any waterway.
2 Snakeheads are primitive fish that have
5 The Aquarium has special permits to
specially designed breathing organs called labyrinth organs that allow them to survive in low oxygen environments.
hold and maintain snakeheads as part of the Restless Planet Exhibit. Our snakeheads were collected in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland fisheries from the Potomac River.
3 Snakeheads have the ability to remain out of water for hours at a time.
By Beth Firchau
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FEATURE ARTICLE
CREATING YOUNG SCIENTISTS
Lynn’s Educational Legacy
By Lynn Clements
As a teacher, early in my career I measured success through grades, AP exam scores and science fair winners. Now, I measure Aquarium attendance, program participation, and social media comments. I also gauge if the Aquarium is reaching its mission by whether we are inspiring young people to become scientists and environmental stewards. I recently had the chance to evaluate our success when five remarkable high school students were awarded scholarships by the Virginia Aquarium Volunteer League. At their award ceremony, they spoke about the impact their Aquarium experiences had on them. A common theme was that volunteering helped them become comfortable speaking to people from all over the world. All nodded when I asked “Did the Aquarium impact what you plan to study in college? Did we make a difference in your college preparation and in your life?” Needless to say, I was thrilled with their answers! Olutoyin (Toyin) Demerun is headed to Harvard College to study Integrative Biology and minor in Environmental Science. She thought about biology in high school, but not until she studied conservation and learned about ecosystems at the Aquarium did she choose her major. Kyra Watkins grew up at the beach but did not realize she had been taking our local habitats for granted until people from all over the world spoke with her about the special qualities of Virginia Beach. Kyra will attend the University of Mary Washington and her goal is to work at the Smithsonian Institution.
“The Aquarium has enabled me to break out of my shell and to experiment in activities similar to my prospective career field. It has been my bond with the community.” Kyra Watkins, Aquarium Docent Volunteer League Scholarship Recipient 2014
Scholarship recipients Anita Desai, Olutoyin Demerun, Damian Ream and Kyra Watkins with Lynn Clements.
Damian Ream is headed to Roanoke College to study Environmental Science and minor in Education as a direct result of volunteering. He enjoyed being a docent in the butterfly exhibit, and in five years has volunteered over 500 hours. Anita Desai will attend Duke University to study Global Biomedical or Environmental Engineering. She credits the Aquarium for helping her stretch her perspective into a global view. She spent eight months preparing an educational Aquarium Trash Bash exhibit to help guests explore their water footprint. Jessica Camano plans to be a doctor and will study Biology at Belmont Abbey College. She enjoys sharing knowledge with others, especially children, so pediatrics will be her specialty. Jessica said, “By learning more about the world of my backyard, I’ve grown to treasure all that is living around me.” Lynn’s Educational Legacy is an endowment created to ensure that Virginia Aquarium programs continue long into the future. Please consider a gift to help create our future young scientists and environmental stewards. Visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com/savetheoceans to learn more about giving. Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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Journey into a mysterious place inhabited by Malayan tigers, orangutans, gibbons, otters, forest-dwelling tapirs, and much more!
virginiazoo.org Zoo_VAaquarium_final_rev.indd 1
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Virginia Aquarium Quarterly | Summer 2014
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THANK YOU
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY GIVING AT w w w .V i r g i n i a A q u a r i u m . c o m / S a v e T h e O c e a n Contributions from February 1 through April 30, 2014
Access Aquarium R. & C. Dickerson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Annual Fund Sanaa F. Anderson Anonymous Jason & Dana Baker William & Carole Bernstein Mr. & Mrs. Alexander J. Campbell, II Michael R. Cannon M.D. Lynn Clements Catherine & Warren Curd Sal DaBiero Francis & Susan Daniel Lucksanavadee Deleon Hunter & Katrina Dorroh M. Richard & Lynn Epps Stephanie Files Tom E. Fraim, Jr. GEICO Direct, matching gift Claiborne W. Gooch, Jr. Charitable Trust Greater Horizons, Anonymous Redeemer Sanci M. Hall Virginia Hawley Roy Hendrix* William & Linda Kamarek Laura & Thomas Kapsha Raegan Kotsko John Jay & Ola Hill Krueger Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation Arvalla Larsen Cecile Lethem Mary Pat & Charles Liggio Tom & Kelly McNicholas James Metcalfe Marion Moss Norfolk Southern Charitable Match Trust, at the direction of William Spicuzza Norfolk Southern Foundation, matching gifts Gerald M. Post Erin & Robert Queary Audrey & John Settle Adam W. Specht The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, matching gift Lois Turnbull
Diana Vazquez Dr. & Mrs. William B. Warden D. Henry & Eleanor Watts F. Beale Wilhoit Nikki Williams
Andrei Zalensky & Irina Zalenskaya Norma Zinn
AquaPALS Animal Adoption
In Honor:
Alanton Elementary 3rd Grade Bellwood Elementary, Mrs. Bender’s 5th Grade Class Sarah E. Bentley Richard Furiga Julie A. Hill Jason & Susan Maida-Church Scott Morelli, Jr. Brogan Croly Donna Slack
Education Dominion Foundation B.M. Stanton Foundation
Event Sponsorship The Oceanfront Inn, The Vakos Family
Stranding Response Program Linn Baiker Warren L. Berry Terry A. Brown Paula Desantis R. & C. Dickerson Family Fund Janet & Robert Dingman Sarah Ervin Freddie Mac Foundation Employee Giving Program, matching gift Gilbert Friedman Gamma Pi June J. Hoye Teresa Manco Dr. John A. Mapp Marian & Gentry Childress Kenneth McDonald, Jr. Constance & Benjamin Klemanowicz Norfolk Southern Foundation Jennifer A. Reeves Meghan Robb Jean Siebert, Siebert Realty Judy & Buddy Sparrow Aileen W. Stephens Andrea Valerio Stephanie A. Vay Frank Walker, Virginia Master Naturalists, Tidewater Chapter Gregory & Elizabeth Youens
Horticulture STIHL, Inc. Ethan Bogdanowicz’s Birthday Angela Bogdanowicz Jack Decker’s & Orielle Meredeth’s Birthdays Anonymous Polly Decker Scott & Iryna Vangilder Owen Johnson’s Birthday Wendy & Harry Brown Michael & Susan Gall Deniz & David Goss Matthew & Marni Husson Lori & Christian Stacy Barclay C. Winn, Jr.
In Memory:
Thomas C. Bagdon Jean & Aloysius Kozlowski Esther & Art Porcello Josh Darden Lynn Clements Jane M. Purrington
Ed & Marge Million Edith Moore Marian & Craig Morris Bonita Newlon Margery T. Ogden Joan Palombo Diana M. Pettit The Wednesday Morning Volunteers Diane & William Rinehart Terry & Linda Ritter Charles & Maureen Seidel John & Shirley Shepherd G. A. Smith Ruth Ann Steenburgh The Wednesday Afternoon Volunteers, Bruce’s Shift Mary Ann & Patrick Thomas Midge Tinney Joyce Whitaker WHRO Public Media John & Mary Williams Marion & Linda Wise Ron & Sandy Wood Tony and Vicki Aiken Kathleen & TR Reed Karen Moyer Shawn Reid Albert McCants Lynn Clements The Wednesday Morning Volunteers Ronald J. Menia Janet Menia
Captain Robert Gohr Jillanne Gohr Bruce Jones Ralph & Penny Ambrose Ed & Cathy Busbee Lynn Clements Whitney Foster L. Bruce Garraway GFWC Kempsville Woman’s Club David & Frances Grochmal Kathy J. Henry, Betty Sanders, & Lydia Shipley Donnie & Glenda Holcomb Bob & Anne Koelling G.W. Lambert, Jr. Jacqueline W. Lewis Patricia Lickun Marilyn & William Miller Debbie McClanan Susan D. McGee Marjorie & George Melenyzer
John Rossman Joyce Whitaker Patricia Smith Norfolk Tug Company Chuck Traub Lynn Clements *Special thanks to Order of the Turtle supporters for unrestricted annual giving of $2,500 or more. If you would like to make a gift to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation call (757) 385-0262, or visit VirginiaAquarium.com/SaveTheOcean.
Summer 2014 | Virginia Aquarium Quarterly
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7 1 7 G E N E R A L B O O T H B LV D V I R G I N I A B E AC H , VA 2 3 4 5 1 (757) 385-FISH VirginiaAquarium.com A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & MARINE SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION Postmaster: Please deliver by July 31, 2014 The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.