Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Raptors Up Close
2024-12-04 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-05 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-06 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-07 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-08 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-09 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-10 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-11 11:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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
2024-12-04 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-05 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-06 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-07 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-08 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-09 12:30 - 12:50, 2024-12-10 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.

Animal Encounter
2024-12-04 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-05 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-06 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-07 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-09 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-12-10 14:00 - 14:20
Animal Encounter
2 PM – 2:20 PM
Meet an ambassador animal and hear their story while we learn about the adaptations they have that help their species survive in the wild. Join us for a reptile ambassador on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, or a raptor ambassador on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!
Held in the Hawkfly or Neale Pavilion.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptor Feeding Time
2024-12-04 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-05 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-06 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-07 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-09 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-10 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.

Game of Logging Class 1 & 2
2024-12-05 08:00 - 2024-12-06 16:00
Game of Logging Class
Level 1 – Thursday December 5
Level 2 – Friday, December 6
Cost: $250 per training day*
Both classes are full. Join our waitlist.
Game of Logging is a world-recognized training curriculum that teaches chain saw skills. Developed in the 1960s by Soren Eriksson, a Swedish logger turned training instructor, the Game of Logging combines Scandinavian logging techniques with the latest systems for working safely around trees.
The entire Game of Logging program is broken into four separate Levels. Level 1 provides an overview of chain saw safety and covers basic tree felling. Level 2 covers basic saw maintenance and chain sharpening techniques and provides another opportunity for tree felling.
Instruction Provided By: Northeast Woodlands Training (NEWT)
Game of Logging Level 1 Topics:

Emergency Planning
Personal Protective Equipment
5-Point Safety Check
Reactive Forces
Precision Plunge Cutting
5-Point Felling Plan
Scoring the Stump
Precision Felling Practice

Game of Logging Level 2 Topics:
Participants taking the Level 2 class must have completed Game of Logging Level 1 class.

Routine Chain Saw Maintenance
Art of Chain Filing
Releasing “Spring Poles” Safely
Compression & Tension
Precision Felling Practice

Course Requirements:
Participants must bring:

A sound hard hat
Hearing & eye protection
Lunch & water
Long pants & weather/work-appropriate clothing
Sturdy leather/work/hiking boots
A good attitude; well-rested mind; and a drug/alcohol-free body.
Chain saw chaps, if possible. The instructor has an extra pair of chaps that can be used when operating the chain saw.
Leather/chain saw gloves (optional)
Personal chain saw (optional) with new chain. You can use the instructor’s saw if necessary.

Class will be held rain or shine. Participants should dress for being outdoors all day. Game of Logging uses a “hands-on” teaching format, however, there will be 6 – 9 other individuals in the class and all will be practicing the skills taught by the instructor one at a time. There will be a fair amount of standing, watching and most importantly, learning.
*Register for one or both days of training. Open to individuals 14+. (Participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian’s permission and be physically capable of operating a chain saw).
Photo courtesy of Northeast Woodland Training (NEWT).
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
