Incredible Insect Festival
Saturday, July 6 / 10 AM – 5 PM
Included with General Admission
VINS Members FREE

Welcome to the fascinating world of insects at VINS’ Incredible Insect Festival! Visit with the Caterpillar Lab as they showcase a wide selection of native caterpillars. Learn about the importance of pollinators while you meet a local beekeeper and get up close and personal with invertebrates of all shapes with Uncharted Wild. Learn how important insects are for scientists trying to protect the environment with Vermont Center for Ecostudies researcher Desirée Narango. Through demonstrations, exhibits, games and crafts, visitors to the VINS Nature Center will have a fun day discovering the incredible insects we share our planet with.

ALL DAY

• Beekeeper Peter Hadeka
  Come learn about the fascinating life of a bee hive. Honey for sale.
• Bug Safaris
  Go on a bug hunt. Educators will be with you to help you identify the critters you find. How many bugs will you catch?
• Bugs of the Canopy Walk
  Learn about what makes a bug and go look for them high up in the trees. There’s a whole new world of bugs you could find up in the canopy!
• Gettin’ Buggy Crafts
  Come and create an insect inspired by all the wonderful bugs you have seen around VINS! Color, draw, and get creative with crafts!

10 AM – 4 PM / The Caterpillar Lab
Learn about the wonderful world of caterpillars with The Caterpillar Lab. Many native New England caterpillars will be on display for you to observe.

10:30 AM – 10:50 AM / Turtle Time
Meet Turt and Jersey, VINS ambassador Turtles, as they have their morning stroll. Chat with an educator about these cool creatures.

11 AM – 11:30 AM / Predators of the Sky
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors.

1 PM – 2 PM / Invertebrates with Uncharted Wild
This up-close encounter will be sure to delight folks of all ages with a collection of invertebrates. Learn how spiders aren’t insects and how these creatures survive in this big big world.

2 PM – 2:45 PM / Insects in Conservation
Join scientist Desirée Narango from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies to learn about the importance of insects for conservation research and their essential role in our ecosystems.

3 PM – 3:30 PM / Predators of the Sky
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors.

For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.