Natural Wonders
2026-01-24 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-25 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-26 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-30 10:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Natural Wonders
10:30 AM – 11 AM
Join us on a journey of discovery through the wonders of the natural world. Designed for families with young children, this short interactive program explores a range of engaging topics including animals of New England, animal engineers, and local habitats.*
Location changes daily – inquire at the Nature Store.
*Includes a live animal on Saturdays and Sundays only.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptors Up Close
2026-01-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-25 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-26 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-28 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-29 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-30 11:00 - 11:30
Raptors Up Close
11 AM – 11:30 AM
Take flight with us on an unforgettable experience! We’ll show you the unique nature of some of the world’s most highly skilled predators – raptors! In this live bird demonstration you’ll gain an up-close view and an in-depth understanding of these majestic birds.
Held in the Hawkfly or Neale Pavilion.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2026-01-24 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-25 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-26 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-27 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-28 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-29 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-01-30 12:30 - 12:50
Songbird Aviary Tour
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Spend some time in 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.

Raptor Feeding Time
2026-01-24 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-25 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-26 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-27 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-28 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-29 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-30 14:00 - 14:30
Raptor Feeding Time
2:00 PM – 2:30 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.

Riding with Researchers
2026-01-29 08:00 - 16:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Riding with Researchers
Thursday, January 8, 2026 (Make-up date: Friday, January 9)
Thursday, January 29, 2026 (Make-up date: Friday, January 30)
8 AM – 4 PM
General Public: $128, VINS Members: $115 Registration required.
Register today
Ride along with VINS’ Research team in the field this winter!
Addison County is known as a hotspot in Vermont for wintering raptors. Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Harriers are all often observed and some years even yield Snowy Owl sightings.
During our day-long outing, we will crisscross Addison County searching for raptors and attempting to trap and band hawks as part of our long-term winter raptor survey. Learn about raptor ecology, behavior, and field identification from VINS staff and get a firsthand glimpse at the equipment and process used to humanely trap and band raptors. If we get birds in hand, we will demonstrate proper handling techniques that allow researchers to safely gather the information needed for ongoing projects.
Details for Participants:

Dress in layers and be prepared for the weather. The majority of the time will be spent in a heated vehicle but any banding work will occur outdoors in the elements.
Lunch will be eaten in the field so participants should bring their own snacks, lunch, and beverages.
Binoculars are recommended. VINS has a limited supply of binoculars that can be provided if needed.
Transportation will be provided by VINS. Due to logistical constraints and bird safety, the entire group must travel together in one vehicle.

Inclement Weather Policy:
Winter weather can be unpredictable. In the event that inclement weather forces us to cancel a trip, VINS will contact you to reschedule the trip to the make-up date.
Participants should make themselves available for both the day of the trip and the make-up date. No refunds will be issued if a participantis unable to attend the make-up date.
Refunds will only be issued if both the regularly scheduled trip and make-up date have to be canceled.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or events@vinsweb.org.

Riding with Researchers
2026-01-29 08:00 - 16:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Riding with Researchers
Thursday, January 8, 2026 (Make-up date: Friday, January 9)
Thursday, January 29, 2026 (Make-up date: Friday, January 30)
8 AM – 4 PM
General Public: $128, VINS Members: $115 Registration required.
Both dates are full. Join the waitlist.
Ride along with VINS’ Research team in the field this winter!
Addison County is known as a hotspot in Vermont for wintering raptors. Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Harriers are all often observed and some years even yield Snowy Owl sightings.
During our day-long outing, we will crisscross Addison County searching for raptors and attempting to trap and band hawks as part of our long-term winter raptor survey. Learn about raptor ecology, behavior, and field identification from VINS staff and get a firsthand glimpse at the equipment and process used to humanely trap and band raptors. If we get birds in hand, we will demonstrate proper handling techniques that allow researchers to safely gather the information needed for ongoing projects.
Details for Participants:

Dress in layers and be prepared for the weather. The majority of the time will be spent in a heated vehicle but any banding work will occur outdoors in the elements.
Lunch will be eaten in the field so participants should bring their own snacks, lunch, and beverages.
Binoculars are recommended. VINS has a limited supply of binoculars that can be provided if needed.
Transportation will be provided by VINS. Due to logistical constraints and bird safety, the entire group must travel together in one vehicle.

Inclement Weather Policy:
Winter weather can be unpredictable. In the event that inclement weather forces us to cancel a trip, VINS will contact you to reschedule the trip to the make-up date.
Participants should make themselves available for both the day of the trip and the make-up date. No refunds will be issued if a participantis unable to attend the make-up date.
Refunds will only be issued if both the regularly scheduled trip and make-up date have to be canceled.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or events@vinsweb.org.

Forest Storytime
2026-01-29 10:30 - 11:00
Forest Storytime
Winter Sessions: JAN 29, FEB 5, 12
Spring Sessions: MAR 19, 26, APR 2, 9, 16, 23
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Join an Educator for our early learner’s storytime sessions. We’ll read stories, play games, sing songs, and laugh with puppets. Each session will focus on a different topic to learn about animals, plants, or other wonders of nature. This experience is designed to help promote connection, exploration, curiosity, and joy for the outdoors.
This program is for children 5 and younger. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to purchase admission tickets at the Nature Store and make your way to the Forest Exhibit.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
