Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Predators of the Sky
2024-07-02 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-03 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-04 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-05 11:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Reptile Rendezvous
2024-07-02 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-03 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-04 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-05 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-07 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.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2024-07-02 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-07-03 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-07-04 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-07-05 14:00 - 14:20, 2024-07-07 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.

Raptor Feeding Time
2024-07-02 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-07-03 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-07-04 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-07-05 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.

Predators of the Sky
2024-07-02 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-03 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-04 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-05 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.

Turtle Time
2024-07-03 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-07-04 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-07-05 10:30 - 10:50, 2024-07-07 10:30 - 10:50
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.

Pop Up Play
2024-07-05 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.

Hawk on the Walk
2024-07-05 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.

Incredible Insect Festival
2024-07-06 10:00 - 17:00
Incredible Insect Festival
Saturday, July 6 / 10 AM – 5 PM
Included with General Admission
VINS Members FREE
Welcome to the fascinating world of insects at VINS’ Incredible Insect Festival! Visit with the Caterpillar Lab as they showcase a wide selection of native caterpillars. Learn about the importance of pollinators while you meet a local beekeeper and get up close and personal with invertebrates of all shapes with Uncharted Wild. Learn how important insects are for scientists trying to protect the environment with Vermont Center for Ecostudies researcher Desirée Narango. Through demonstrations, exhibits, games and crafts, visitors to the VINS Nature Center will have a fun day discovering the incredible insects we share our planet with.
ALL DAY

Beekeeper Peter Hadeka
Come learn about the fascinating life of a bee hive. Honey for sale.
Bug Safaris
Go on a bug hunt. Educators will be with you to help you identify the critters you find. How many bugs will you catch?
Bugs of the Canopy Walk
Learn about what makes a bug and go look for them high up in the trees. There’s a whole new world of bugs you could find up in the canopy!
Gettin’ Buggy Crafts
Come and create an insect inspired by all the wonderful bugs you have seen around VINS! Color, draw, and get creative with crafts!

10 AM – 4 PM / The Caterpillar Lab
Learn about the wonderful world of caterpillars with The Caterpillar Lab. Many native New England caterpillars will be on display for you to observe.
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM / Turtle Time
Meet Turt and Jersey, VINS ambassador Turtles, as they have their morning stroll. Chat with an educator about these cool creatures.
11 AM – 11:30 AM / Predators of the Sky
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors.
1 PM – 2 PM / Invertebrates with Uncharted Wild
This up-close encounter will be sure to delight folks of all ages with a collection of invertebrates. Learn how spiders aren’t insects and how these creatures survive in this big big world.
2 PM – 2:45 PM / Insects in Conservation
Join scientist Desirée Narango from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies to learn about the importance of insects for conservation research and their essential role in our ecosystems.
3 PM – 3:30 PM / Predators of the Sky
Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
