At Home Education Resources

VINS Maintains Rigorous Safety Protocols Amid Ongoing Avian Influenza

QUECHEE, VT – The Vermont Institute of Nature Science (VINS) has recently received more questions and concerns regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The health and safety of our guests, staff,…

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VINS Achieves Record-Breaking Year in Public Engagement and Wild Bird Care

QUECHEE, VT — The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces an unprecedented year of growth and achievement in 2024, setting multiple records in both public engagement and wildlife rehabilitation. Public…

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VINS Celebrates a Forest of Lights

Quechee, VT – November 14, 2024 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is excited to announce the return of A Forest of Lights, the third annual holiday tradition that transforms…

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VINS Partners with Trout Unlimited

VINS is delighted to partner with the Vermont Council of Trout Unlimited to support the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program in schools across the state. Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students raise brook trout from eggs delivered in January by Trout Unlimited before releasing them in a local stream in late spring.

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VINS Receives Prestigious Recognition for Forest Canopy Walk

At its recent 50th Anniversary celebration, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science was honored with a first-of-its-kind recognition. Presented by Dr. Margaret “Canopy Meg” Lowman, VINS was given a Platinum Plaque from Mission Green, a new program whose mission it is to save 10 of the world’s most endangered forests by 2030 through the creation of canopy walkways.

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VINS 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.

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VINS 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.

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VINS 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.

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VINS 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.

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VINS Announces New Research Initiatives

VINS is proud to announce that we are developing a series of new research projects. We are in a unique position to observe and record natural trends through time, taking advantage of both the expansive space and combination of distinctive microenvironments present.

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