The College of William & Mary’s Batten School & Virginia Institute of Marine Science has announced its upcoming programs scheduled for February.
A Discovery Lab, “Love in the Ocean,” will take place on Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m. Discover how sea creatures court, care and connect—from devoted penguin partners to fish dads who guard their eggs.
Through hands-on activities, fun facts and ocean-themed crafts, families will explore the many surprising ways love helps ocean life survive and thrive, in this special Valentine’s Day-themed program.
Discovery Labs are free programs provided each month at the Batten School & VIMS. Designed with elementary-aged youth and their parents in mind, each lab focuses on a different topic related to the Chesapeake Bay and the local environment. Labs include exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities, as well as a short presentation by an expert on the topic.
Reservations to this event are required due to limited space. The program will take place in the Education Lab Room in the Catlett-Burruss Research and Education Lab.
After Hours
The After Hours Lecture, “sEa-Harmony: Swiping Right for Science!” will be held on Feb. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the McHugh Auditorium, located in Watermen’s Hall.
Meet ocean animals through fake dating profiles as they search for love, from clingy cuttlefish to hopelessly devoted seahorse dads. In this special Valentine’s Day-themed lecture, attendees will learn all about ocean romance.
Registration for both in-person and webinar attendees. Webinar links will be sent in all registration confirmation emails. VIMS has rated this lecture as PG-13.
Know Your Watershed
On Feb. 18, join VIMS for the fourth episode of its “Know Your Watershed System” series from noon to 1 p.m. This segment will feature information on the Ashland Mill Dam removal and the future of fish passage.
At the beginning of 2024, Ashland Mill Dam was the highest priority barrier removal for migratory fish in the York Watershed System before it was removed. Join VIMS to learn about the dam’s history, the dismantling of the dam on the South Anna and more.
This program is sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia. Contact cagonzalez@vims.edu for more information.
For the other two programs, register online by visiting vims.edu, emailing programs@vims.edu or calling 804-684-7061.