Welcome to VINS
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a nonprofit, member-supported, environmental education, research, and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. Open year-round, the 47-acre campus features state-of-the-art raptor enclosures, exhibit spaces, classrooms, and interpretive nature trails. VINS places a priority on bringing high-quality, compelling, and engaging education programs to people at the Nature Center, in the community, and in schools throughout the region.
Vermont’s Bats: Why We Should Care
APRIL 25 – VINS hosts bat enthusiast and rescuer Barry Genzlinger for an evening of learning about these amazing animals and what you can do to help them. Genzlinger will address the impact that White-nose Syndrome has had on our bat population and the work being done by his team to save bats at the Vermont Bat Center, the only rescue licensed to rehabilitate all nine of the state’s bat species.
NestWatch Training Workshop
APRIL 27 – Come to VINS to learn about NestWatch, a citizen science project, and help study nesting birds in your own backyard in your free time! VINS is Vermont’s first official NestWatch Chapter, and we are excited to share with you the protocols and practice of monitoring nesting birds, so YOU can contribute to scientific knowledge.
Raptors in Focus: Photography Workshop
MAY 5 – Join local photojournalist, Rob Strong, for an exclusive photo shoot with four of our resident raptors that will leave you with stunning pictures and great memories. With a focus on capturing movement, our hawk and other raptor models will be flying for the camera, allowing you to get amazing action shots.
