Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Rotating Education Station
2025-10-30 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-29 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-28 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-10-26 13:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Rotating Education Station
1 PM – 1:30 PM
Something new every day! Take a stroll with one of our experienced educators through the woods or the meadow, learn about what’s going on behind the scenes in the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and Ambassador Care, or what the research team is working on in the field. We’re excited to highlight the most interesting things happening in the natural world in an interactive and engaging activity each day.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Predators of the Sky
2025-10-30 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-29 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-28 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-26 11:00 - 11:30
Predators of the Sky
11 AM – 11:30 AM
Take flight with us for 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. What makes a bird a raptor? How sharp are those talons? What does an owl’s wing sound like as it moves through the air? Join a VINS Educator and explore these adaptations and meet some of these birds up close.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Predators of the Sky
2025-10-29 15:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-28 15:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-27 15:00 - 15:30, 2025-10-26 15:00 - 15:30
Predators of the Sky
3 PM – 3:30 PM
Take flight with us for 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. What makes a bird a raptor? How sharp are those talons? What does an owl’s wing sound like as it moves through the air? Join a VINS Educator and explore these adaptations and meet some of these birds up close.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptor Feeding Time
2025-10-29 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-10-28 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-10-27 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-10-26 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.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2025-10-29 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-10-28 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-10-27 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-10-26 14:00 - 14:20
Songbird Aviary Tour
2 PM – 2:20 PM
Spend some time in our 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.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Natural Wonders
2025-10-29 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-28 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-27 10:30 - 11:00, 2025-10-26 10:30 - 11:00
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.*
Meet a VINS Educator outside the Forest Exhibit.
*Includes a live animal on Saturdays and Sundays only
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Hawk on the Walk
2025-10-26 16:00, 2025-10-25 16:00
Hawk on the Walk
FRI / SAT / SUN
4 PM – 4:15 PM
Keep an eye out while exploring the VINS Canopy Walk at this time. You might get the chance to watch a Harris’s Hawk diving and weaving among the trees!
Held on the Forest Canopy Walk. This program is weather dependent.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Lens on the Wild: Photography Workshop
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Lens on the Wild: Photography Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 2025 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
$52 General public, $45 VINS Member
This class is full. Join the waitlist here.
Always one of our most popular offerings, VINS is excited to host our Lens on the Wild: Photography Workshop this fall.
Join VINS and local photojournalist Rob Strong for an exclusive photo shoot with several of our resident raptors that will leave you with stunning pictures and great memories. This workshop will focus on capturing portraits of VINS’ feathered team members.
Designed for the beginner to intermediate-level photographer, the workshop will begin with a review of camera settings and photography techniques, followed by a portrait session with several different raptors. Rob will be on hand to review camera functions and settings and assist participants in applying techniques to get the most out of their camera, maximizing results and improving wildlife photography skills.
Details for Participants: Spend a full day at VINS. Purchase discounted admission to the VINS Nature Center for $5. Discount available only to registered participants on the day of the workshop.
Participants should dress to be outdoors and bring a camera and plenty of storage (be it digital or film). In the event of rain, this workshop will be moved to an indoor area.
Instructor Bio: Rob Strong is a freelance photographer in the Upper Valley. His primary areas of expertise are portraiture, performance, documentary, and education, but living in a rural area has afforded him a wonderful variety of assignments, including architecture, fine-art reproduction, and time-lapse.
www.robstrong.com
For more information contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Hoots & Howls
2025-10-25 17:30 - 20:00
Hoots & Howls
Saturday, October 25 / 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Get Tickets Today

As the sun is setting, join us on a family-friendly guided tour as we explore the VINS Nature Center. You’ll be delighted by Lindsay and her Puppet Pals, enchanted by stories from Simon Brooks, spellbound by VINS’ Nocturnal Knowledge Trivia, and laughing along with a nature skit by VINS’ own troupe of woodland creatures! The Canopy Walk will marvel both big and small as our tour guides lead you through a trail of lighted pumpkins. At the end of your tour, you’ll have an opportunity to eat some tricky treats and enjoy a live bird encounter. Get ready for a night of costumed fun!
Pre-registration required. For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
