Natural Wonders
2026-04-24 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-26 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-04-29 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-05-01 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
2026-04-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-26 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-28 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-30 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-01 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
2026-04-24 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-04-26 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-04-27 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-04-28 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-04-29 12:30 - 12:50, 2026-04-30 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
2026-04-24 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-26 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-27 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-28 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-29 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-30 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.

Owl Festival
2026-04-25 09:00 - 17:00
Note: Changes to this event are made in the theme builder.

Virtual Talk: Respectful Owl Observation
2026-04-29 17:00 - 18:00
Virtual Talk
Respectful Owl Observation
Wednesday, April 29
5 PM – 6 PM (via Zoom)
FREE and open to the public*
Register Today
Everyone wants to see an owl in the wild, but owls are really good at not being seen. When they are found, owls tend to attract crowds, and often people are not aware of how they should behave to avoid stressing out the owls. This presentation illustrates the behaviors of relaxed owls and stressed owls as well as laying out a list of things to do and not to do when observing or photographing owls.
Presented by the educators at the International Owl Center with some of their owl ambassadors.
*A $10 donation is suggested.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org.

Forest Storytime
2026-04-30 10:30 - 11:00
Forest Storytime
Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30
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 – you’ll be directed to the location on campus.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Virtual Talk: Burrowing Owls
2026-04-30 17:00 - 18:00
Virtual Talk
Burrowing Owls
Thursday, April 30
5 PM – 6 PM (via Zoom)
FREE and open to the public*
Register Today
Tune in to hear from the Burrowing Owl experts of the amazing rehabilitation and conservation organization: Wild At Heart. These dedicated folks have been rehabilitating and assisting with Burrowing Owl conservation in the western U.S. for decades, and will be chatting with us about their work and the amazing lives of this unique owl species. So join us for an amazing talk and bring your best Burrowing Owl questions!
*A $10 donation is suggested.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org.

Virtual Talk: Snags and the Owls Who Rely on Them
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00
Virtual Talk
Snags and the Owls Who Rely on Them
Thursday, April 30
6 PM – 7 PM (via Zoom)
FREE and open to the public*
Register Today
Denver Holt of the Owl Research Institute will explore the ecological importance of standing dead and dying trees, known as snags, and the owl species that depend on them for breeding. While owls are among the most recognizable forest birds, most do not build their own nests. Instead, they rely on natural cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, broken tops, and other features found in snags, making them highly vulnerable to forestry practices that remove these critical structures.
Drawing from recent field research on multiple species of owls, Holt will present data on tree species selection, cavity dimensions, and habitat characteristics that influence nesting success. His findings underscore that snags are an essential biological infrastructure supporting more than 85 cavity-nesting bird species and a wide range of mammals and invertebrates.
This presentation highlights practical, research-based strategies for integrating snag conservation into sustainable forestry, demonstrating that the future of many owl species depends on the trees we choose to leave behind.
*A $10 donation is suggested.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org.
