Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Turtle Time
2024-08-05 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-08-04 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-08-02 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-08-01 10:30 - 10:50 (America/New_York)
Turtle Time
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
Meet Turt and Jersey, VINS Ambassador Turtles, as they have their morning stroll and breakfast. Chat with an educator about these cool creatures.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Hawk on the Walk
2024-08-04 16:00 - 16:15, 2024-08-02 16:00 - 16:15
Hawk on the Walk
FRI / SAT / SUN
4 PM – 4:15 PM
What’s that shadow moving between the trees? Keep your eye to the sky on the Forest Canopy Walk while our Harris’s Hawk is out for a free-flight adventure!
Held on the Forest Canopy Walk. This program is weather dependent.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Predators of the Sky
2024-08-04 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-08-02 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-08-01 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-31 15:00 - 15:30
Predators of the Sky
3 PM – 3:30 PM
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors. Be amazed by these efficient predators in an engaging presentation featuring VINS’ feathered ambassadors. Bird programs cover topics ranging from the mechanics of flight, seasonal migration and avian conservation issues to the extraordinary abilities of raptors. Through these in-depth and interactive programs, visitors gain newfound understanding and appreciation for what it takes to survive in the wild.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptor Feeding Time
2024-08-04 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-08-02 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-08-01 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-07-31 14:30 - 15:00
Raptor Feeding Time
2:30 PM – 3 PM
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.
Held in the Raptor Exhibits.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2024-08-04 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-08-02 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-08-01 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-07-31 14:00 - 14:20
Songbird Aviary Tour
2 PM – 2:20 PM
Spend some time in our newest exhibit – the Songbird Aviary! Our docents 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.
Held in the Songbird Aviary.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Reptile Rendezvous
2024-08-04 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-08-02 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-08-01 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-31 13:00 - 13:30
Reptile Rendezvous*
1 PM – 1:30 PM
Want to meet some totally “cool” creatures? Join a VINS Educator to learn all about our resident reptiles! We’ll listen to stories about how these creatures got their awesome adaptations, and meet a turtle or a snake.
*This program is dependent on the weather – our reptiles require warm temperatures.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Predators of the Sky
2024-08-04 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-08-02 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-08-01 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-31 11:00 - 11:30
Predators of the Sky
11 AM – 11:30 AM
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors. Be amazed by these efficient predators in an engaging presentation featuring VINS’ feathered ambassadors. Bird programs cover topics ranging from the mechanics of flight, seasonal migration and avian conservation issues to the extraordinary abilities of raptors. Through these in-depth and interactive programs, visitors gain newfound understanding and appreciation for what it takes to survive in the wild.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Early Access for Members
2024-08-04 09:30 - 10:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Early Access for Members
9:30 – 10 AM
Saturday, July 27
Sunday, August 4
Saturday, August 10
Sunday, August 11
Saturday, August 17
Saturday, August 31
We invite our Members to enjoy early access to the Nature Center! Arrive at 9:30 AM for a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Take a peaceful walk through the meadow, hike on our scenic trails, explore our exhibits, or enjoy a quiet moment with one of our exhibit Ambassadors. We look forward to welcoming you!
Please present a photo ID with your digital Membership card for entry to the Nature Center. Contact members@vinsweb.org with any questions.
Not a member? Join us today to get this benefit!
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Magnificent Mammals Day
2024-08-03 10:00 - 17:00
Magnificent Mammals Day
Saturday, August 3 / 10 AM – 5 PM
Included with General Admission
Join us for a day exploring the amazing diversity of mammals. Discover the specialties of our furred cousins and find out how important they are to our ecosystems. Meet a few live mammals that could live in your backyard with Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and explore the wonderful world of goats with Five Rooster Farm. Hear tales of the mystical world of mammals with Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. With live mammals, pelts and skulls, and hands-on activities and crafts, it’s sure to be a magnificent day!
All Day / 10 AM – 4:30 PM

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum / Neale Pavilion Overhang
Explore pelts and skulls of mammals across the world and meet a live mammal.
Goats with Five Rooster Farm / Next to Songbird Aviary
Discover the world of keeping goats! Learn all about their development and what it takes to care for goats.
Mammals of the Canopy Walk / Forest Canopy Walk
Explore the mammals of VINS with images and videos from our trail cameras!
Tracks and Scats / Forest Exhibit Overhang
How can you know who lives near you? Learn about what mammals leave behind!
Skull Matching / Next to Forest Exhibit
Test your knowledge and match the mammal with its skull! Learn about how to identify mammal skulls and what you can learn about their diet.
Mammal Crafts / August Pavilion
Let your creativity free and be inspired by the wonderful world of mammals.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM / Hawkfly
Raptor Encounter
Meet one of our avian education ambassadors up close!
11 AM – 12 PM / Hawkfly
Mammals of New England – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Meet some of the magnificent mammals that live in the forests around us.
12:30 PM – 12:45 PM / Hawkfly
Raptor Encounter
Meet one of our avian education ambassadors up close!
1 PM – 1:20 PM / Neale Pavilion
What makes an animal a mammal?
Join a VINS Educator for a puppet show and songs and discover what is special about mammals. Learn about some of their characteristics and meet a live animal that is NOT a mammal! This program is geared towards young learners, but can be enjoyed by all.
2 PM – 3 PM
Mammal Tales – Southern Vermont Natural History Museum / Hawkfly
Take a journey with a Storytelling Naturalist as they share tales of animals and magic from
around the world.
3 PM – 3:30 PM
Goats with Five Rooster Farm / Hawkfly
What do you call a baby goat? How long does it take for them to grow their horns? What do their headbutts mean? Can you train a goat? Learn all about goats and how they are cared for with the wonderful folks from Five Rooster Farm!
3:30 PM – 4 PM
Rabbits & Hares! / Neale Pavilion
What’s the difference between a rabbit and a hare? How far can they hop? And what does it take to care for them? Join a VINS educator to meet some lovely lagomorphs!
4 PM – 4:15 PM / Hawkfly
Raptor Encounter
Meet one of our avian education ambassadors up close!
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Pop Up Play
2024-08-02 10:00 - 17:00
Pop Up Play
Fridays / June 21 – August 30 / 10 AM – 5 PM
Included with General Admission
Join us for hands-on discovery, exploration, and fun! Activities vary and may include our mobile Magnet Wall, Water Works, Sensory Table, Wind Tunnel, Outdoor Ramps, and more. Fun for all ages awaits!
Pop Up Play will take place near the Hawkfly.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Artist Exhibition – Lynn Adams
2024-08-01 10:00 - 2024-10-31 17:00
Artist Exhibition – Lynn Adams
August 1 to October 31
Neale Pavilion / VINS Nature Center
About Lynn Adams:
After retiring from a long business career, Lynn completed a Higher National Diploma from the United Kingdom in Jewelry, Silversmithing and Allied Crafts, concentrating on jewelry making and enameling. She was also provided the opportunity to experiment with many different mediums, including painting with watercolor.
Lynn moved to Lyme, NH with her husband, VINS Board Advisor Simon Carr. She was accepted into the League of NH Craftsmen as a juried member and, with the League as a starting point, made a successful second career as a jeweler. She has worked at all the League galleries and locally at Collective~the Art of Craft in Woodstock, VT a cooperative gallery where she put her business experience to work as Founder/Treasurer.
As with many artists, a major part of Lynn’s painting is a ‘private’ collection of sketch/scrap books with her pencil sketches and watercolors and various ephemera replacing what might be photographs and words. Her ‘public’ work began with a ‘project ‘which became a show at Collective and then at the Converse Free Library in Lyme, NH.
The subsequent ‘project’ is this show which has been a year in the making. Lynn decided to paint at the VINS Nature Center every month, showing the campus and trails as they change with the seasons. It is an invitation to people to explore or a memory to take home and cherish. This collection – Seasons at VINS – forms the major part of her display.
Apart from this show, Lynn’s work is available at Matt Brown Fine Art in Lyme, the AVA Gallery Members Room in Lebanon and at Collective in Woodstock.
For more information about Lynn’s work, visit: www.lynnadams-metalsmith.com.
Proceeds from the purchase of artwork from Lynn Adams will benefit VINS.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
