Explore VINS

Motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Welcome to VINS

The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10am – 4pm. All outdoor exhibits are open: Raptors, Songbirds, Adventure Playscape, Nature Trails, and the amazing Forest Canopy Walk. Our indoor exhibits are currently closed.

We highly recommend prepurchasing your admission tickets to avoid long lines at the welcome center. We welcome all walk-ins.

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Safety is Our Priority

Masks are required in all indoor spaces at the Nature Center, regardless of your vaccination status.

COVID SAFETY POLICY

Contact Us

802.359.5000
info@vinsweb.org

Nature Center Hours

VINS Nature Center
10am to 4pm Daily

Accepting Injured Birds
8am to 4pm Daily
802.359.5000 x212

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Visitor Programs

  • Raptors Up Close

    Raptors Up Close

    Weekends 11:00 AM*
    Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors.

  • Raptors Up Close

    Raptors Up Close

    Daily 2:00 PM
    In this encounter you will explore the fascinating lives of raptors.

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*Weekend programs will also run February 14-18.

Forest Canopy Walk

Forest Canopy Walk

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"My daughter and I enjoyed our visit yesterday very much. You continue to do outstanding work to preserve the natural world and educate people about your mission. I was very inspired by all that I saw and experienced. I wanted to share a photo of the volunteer that inspired me with her kindness, wealth of knowledge, and expertise in the care and handling of the amazing birds currently on site."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"A must-visit! Perfect for social distancing - very safe and still so much to explore! The bald eagles were the highlight...and

the birds-are-dinosaurs exhibit is extremely well done, and the canopy walk is gorgeous (and easy even with little children)."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Fun place to go to and take your kids, close encounters with some of the most iconic birds - bald and golden eagles, snow owls etc., canopy trail is really cool."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Wonderful place for a day trip! Educational and amazing! Great staff that are helpful and very knowledgeable."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Awesome place to visit! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the birds are beautiful. The new treetop walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding pond, and the tall tower is a little scary! Come prepared to wear a mask and follow the safety guidelines set by the institute. Staff is very dedicated to making your visit a safe one!"

VINS Nature Center Visitor

Owl Prowl

JANUARY 21 – Explore the natural world as we hike the beautiful trails at the VINS Nature Center and prowl for owls. Find out “Hooo’s” out there making raucous noises in the nighttime forest and discover the secret life of New England’s nocturnal residents.

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Owl Prowl

FEBRUARY 4 – Explore the natural world as we hike the beautiful trails at the VINS Nature Center and prowl for owls. Find out “Hooo’s” out there making raucous noises in the nighttime forest and discover the secret life of New England’s nocturnal residents.

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Volunteer Transporter Training

FEBRUARY 6 – Are you interested in volunteering at VINS, but aren’t able to commit to a weekly schedule?  Apply to be a volunteer transporter.

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Shop the Nature Store

Visit our online store for t-shirts, hats, books, bird guides, and more!

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Snowy-Owl-Tshirts
Wingspan
Backyard-Birds-Scarf

Nature Center

VINS offers quality environmental education experiences to all.

Environmental Education

We deliver specialized education and training programs to schools and communities.

School Programs

VINS School Programs are focused on science inquiry and place-based education. 

Wild Bird Rehab

Our highly-trained rehabilitators treat injured and orphaned birds from throughout New England.

Nature Camp

Each day of camp is an exciting journey, revealing the wonders of the natural world.

Support VINS

Your contribution enables us to offer outstanding educational experiences to all ages.