Posts by jbird24
Meet Alden Smith
When Tennessee native Alden Smith graduated from Davidson College, he took an unexpected journey north. “Unexpected” because he planned to return south after a few years. Instead, he discovered a rewarding career, fell in love with Vermont, and now, three decades later, has become the new executive director of VINS, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, in Quechee.
Read MoreVINS Celebrates 20 Years in Quechee
The VINS Nature Center celebrates 20 years in Quechee! Please join VINS on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate this milestone, National Great Outdoors Day, and Membership Appreciation Day. The day will be filled with live animal programs, scavenger hunts, guided nature walks, and multiple raffles.
Read MoreVINS Announces the Science Symposium
Through guided, collaborative teaching, the Science Symposium gets students engaged in authentic, real-world science projects. This year’s themes include Life and the Lithosphere, Life and the Hydrosphere, Life and the Atmosphere, and Community Problem Solvers.
Read MoreVINS Appoints Next Executive Director Alden Smith
The VINS Board of Trustees named Alden Smith the next Executive Director of the Quechee-based environmental education nonprofit. Smith will serve as chief strategist, fundraiser, educational leader, and operational manager of the organization.
Read MoreVINS Presents Artist Jennifer MaHarry
Fine art photographer Jennifer MaHarry channels her love of wildlife into images that capture the spirit of each subject. Jennifer’s work has appeared in major newspapers, magazines, museums, art galleries and international art fairs with notable celebrities collecting her work. Photographs are printed on archival papers — either 100% natural handmade or cotton rag, using archival inks, framed in solid wood frames.
Read MoreVINS Announces New Exhibit – Songbird Aviary
The new Songbird Aviary exhibit replaces the existing aviary with a larger space, with greater visibility, and includes enhanced interpretation to educate our visitors. The new space safely houses non-releasable songbirds native to Vermont. Small trees and shrubs planted for food and cover fill the space, along with a water area. Visitors may quietly observe the birds as they go about their lives.
Read MoreVINS Presents Artist Margaret Lampe Kannenstine
In celebration of VINS 50 Year Anniversary we are pleased to announce local artist Margaret (Peggy) Lampe Kannenstine’s art exhibit, open April 2 to June 30 in the Neale Pavilion at the VINS Nature Center. Peggy is an artist whose acrylic paintings and works on paper have been shown widely for decades, and are held in many permanent collections around the country.
Read MoreVINS Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
Over the last 50 Years, through several iterations and even rising from occasional adverse events, VINS has become a sought-after destination for visitors to Vermont and the Upper Valley. To mark this historic occasion, VINS will host a series of fun events throughout the year. There will also be an anniversary celebration on or close to the actual birth date of VINS in mid-October.
Read MoreCenter for Wild Bird Rehabilitation Research
VINS Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation (CWBR) staff is aiding in monitoring the health of avian wildlife. Partnering with various organizations, CWBR is contributing to research efforts focused on Common Loon and Ruffed Grouse conservation, as well as leading a study on blood parasites in Vermont wild birds.
Read MoreNew Spring Program Schedule
VINS welcomes the spring season by extending open hours at the VINS Nature Center and offering new daily programs. Beginning May 1, VINS Nature Center will resume live bird programs, and the Forest Exhibit and Reptile Room will be open to viewers of all ages.
Read More