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.
*Please Note: The McKnight Trail and a portion of the Lingelbach Trail are currently closed due to the construction of the Forest Canopy Walk, which will be completed in the Fall of 2019.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
AUGUST 31 – On this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience you will discover the steps it takes to rehabilitate and release hundreds of wild birds. Meet some of our current patients, the rehabbers that take care of them, and hear a story of one of our permanent residence education raptors.
Marvelous Mammals Festival
SEPTEMBER 1 – Join us for a day exploring the amazing lives of mammals. Discover the specialties of our furred cousins and find out how important they are to the natural world.
International Vulture Awareness Day
SEPTEMBER 7 – Come join us to learn about these amazing, ecologically important creatures, and even meet a few up close. Help spread awareness of the conservation issues facing vulture species in Africa, Asia, and here in North America, while you fly through our vulture-themed activities.