Winter Wildlife Celebration
Saturday, February 21 / 10 AM – 4 PM
Included with General Admission

All kinds of wildlife call Vermont home, even in the coldest season! Discover how a variety of creatures – songbirds, reptiles, raptors, and reindeer – adapt to life in the snow. The Vermont Reindeer Farm will offer an up-close experience with this amazing arctic species. You could even win one of our custom made Pokémon Go Birding cards for each of the species you identify at our feeders. Meet the resident VINS wildlife to discover how they meet the challenges of winter, or join a fun winter game in the HawkFly. It’s sure to be a great way to discover the wonders of winter!

Program Schedule: 

All Day Activities:

10:00PM – 1:00PM: Reindeer Fun – Visit with the Vermont Reindeer Farm and meet some of these spectacular animals and learn how they are adapted for the arctic landscape. (Neale Overhang)

10:00PM – 2:00PM: Arctic Winter Sculpting & Games– Create snowy owls, arctic foxes and other winter animals out of snow! Use natural materials such as sticks, pinecones and rocks for details. Staying active and warm comes easy when there’s so many fun activities! (HawkFly)

10:00AM – 3:30PM: Birding & Boardgames – Love birdwatching? Or want to learn how to safely attract wild birds to your backyard? Learn to spot common backyard birds with VINS staff and stay warm with a few short winter-themed games for all ages. (Indoor Classroom)

10:00AM – 3:00PM: Forest Fairy Hunts – Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure! Forest Fairy hunts offer children and their families a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with the natural world and to nurture respect for the environment. Recommended ages 4 and up. (Forest Exhibit)

Scheduled Events:

10:30am – 10:50am: Animals and Winter – Have you ever seen a owl in a snowsuit? Learn hands-on how animals survive and thrive in winter weather. Great for young learners and includes exploring animal pelts, wings, and other real life adaptations. (Neale Pavilion)

11:00AM – 11:30AM: Winter Wildlife – How do animals survive winter? Meet some of our live animal ambassadors to learn how they survive cold temperatures. (Neale Pavilion)

11:30AM – 12:30PM: Wildlife Tracking Walk – Ever wonder who left those footprints in the snow? Come walk along our snowy trails and learn how to recognize wildlife tracks with certified tracker, Brad Timm of the Northeast Wildlife Team! Meet at the entrance to the Songbird Aviary and be sure to have appropriate footwear. (Forest Trails)

12:30PM – 12:50PM: Songbird Aviary Tour – Spend some time in the Songbird Aviary! An educator will familiarize you with this special group of birds and point out the ways you can make a great habitat for these important creatures in your own backyard. (Songbird Aviary)

1:00PM – 2:00PM: Wildlife Tracking Walk – Ever wonder who left those footprints in the snow? Come walk along our snowy trails and learn how to recognize wildlife tracks with certified tracker, Brad Timm of the Northeast Wildlife Team! Meet at the entrance to the Songbird Aviary and be sure to have appropriate footwear. (Forest Trails)

1:00pm – 1:20pm: Animals and Winter – Have you ever seen a owl in a snowsuit? Learn hands-on how animals survive and thrive in winter weather. Great for young learners and includes exploring animal pelts, wings, and other real life adaptations. (Neale Pavilion)

2:00PM – 2:30PM: Winter Wildlife – How do animals survive winter? Meet some of our live animal ambassadors to learn how they survive cold temperatures. (Neale Pavilion)

2:30PM – 3:00PM: Raptor Feeding – Join our raptor care-givers for feeding time! Learn about the habits and history of each of the resident raptors at VINS as you watch them enjoy their daily meal. (Raptor Exhibits)

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