Maymont’s Virginia Wildlife Trail to reopen in May with family festivities

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Maymont's Virginia Wildlife Trail is postponing its grand opening by a few weeks, with a full day of festivities planned to celebrate the milestone ahead of the park's 100th anniversary.

Following a two-year enhancement project, the mile-long educational trail will officially welcome Maymont visitors on Saturday, May 2, with a free "Grrrrand Reopening" event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event was previously scheduled for April 18. Organizers said they pushed it back due to winter weather-related delays.

At the grand reopening, visitors can expect to see two new habitats for Maymont's newest inhabitants -- porcupines and a coyote -- as well as more accessible pathways, new interpretive signs, more viewing areas and educational behind-the-scenes spaces, per a release.

MORE: Maymont’s 100th anniversary: What to know about reopening of Maymont Mansion

The reopening will also feature live music, food trucks, animal keeper talks and enrichment sessions with the animals. Young visitors can make animal-themed crafts, play games or go on scavenger hunts at the May 2 celebration.

Other activities will be scheduled throughout the Virginia Wildlife Trail, which stretches from The Robins Nature Center and Maymont Farm to the bear habitat. Local mascots and partner wildlife organizations will be available at the ceremony for photo ops and opportunities.

The mile-long trail will open to the public for daily self-guided walks at no cost starting May 3. Guided programs, including Trail Treks and Breakfast with the Bears, will also begin on May 3 and continue through the fall on weekends.

The two-year enhancement project on the trail wrapped just in time for a series of events celebrating Maymont's 100th birthday, which kicks off on Saturday, March 21, with the reopening of the Maymont Mansion.

For more information, visit Virginia Wildlife Trail.