Incredible Insect Festival
JULY 8 - Welcome to the fascinating world of insects at the Incredible Insect Festival! Renowned insect expert Sam Jaffe will showcase a multitude of live caterpillars at The Caterpillar Lab. Have a fun day discovering the insects we share our planet with through demonstrations, exhibits, games and crafts.
Turtle Time
Meet Turt and Jersey, VINS Ambassador Turtles, as they have their morning stroll. Chat with an educator about these cool creatures.
Predators of the Sky
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.
Frankfurters for Lunch
JULY 8 - Frankfurters Family Catering will be on campus serving hot dogs (vegan option) with fresh homemade condiments and fresh squeezed lemonade starting at 11:30 AM. Cash and Venmo available for payment.
Songbird Aviary Tour
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.
Reptile Rendezvous
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.
Raptor Feeding Time
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.
Predators of the Sky
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.
Hawk on the Walk
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!
Stoneflies & French Fries
JULY 9 - Thanks to the efforts of our founders 51 years ago, the Ottauquechee River now teems with life in the most unexpected places. Join a VINS educator in a benthic macroinvertebrate survey of our river, as we search for all things creepy and crawly, slimy and scaly, and fascinating and fun!