Virginia Living Museum Opens New Conservation Command Center

By: City of Newport News

Escape the chill in the air and warm up by exploring an engaging new exhibit at the Virginia Living Museum (VLM). The Conservation Command Center focuses on local and global environmental challenges and encourages guests to get personally involved in conservation efforts. The exhibit includes a seahorse nursery, interactive sand table, community science station, energy use calculator, and a disturbing “trash tank.”

The goal of the exhibit is to place real challenges in front of and literally in the hands of youth and their families. Through lessons and activities in the exhibit, guests are encouraged to support nature as citizens, community scientists, and environmental stewards. 

The Conservation Command Center was built in-house by creative and dedicated VLM staff. Museum educators worked with youth and their parents to generate ideas, and information was received from regional school systems through a listening tour. Feedback received helped with gallery features, color schemes, and the exhibit name.

The Virginia Living Museum is home to more than 250 species of animals found in Virginia, including reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. They provide a sanctuary for orphaned, non-releasable or injured animals. For more information, visit www.thevlm.org.