Special Events

A Forest of Lights

New and expanded, with even more magic than ever before.

VINS Online Auction

OCT 18 to NOV 10 – With a goal to raise $18,000, these funds will support VINS’ environmental education, research and wildlife rehabilitation program, as well as the thousands of children, families, educators, adult learners and avian patients who benefit from them each year.

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Bird Feeding: A How-to Workshop

NOVEMBER 16 – Feeding birds and creating a bird-friendly habitat is a great way to help wildlife and attract color and life to your yard during winter. But how does one get started, what is the best type of food, and how do you identify your backyard visitors? Come learn how to feed birds responsibly by prioritizing wildlife health and safety.

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Escape from VINS!

NOVEMBER 16 – Escape from VINS! Solve an escape room like no other at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, put your puzzle solving skills to the test all while learning new facts in our two different themed escape rooms.

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A Forest of Lights

NOVEMBER 22 – JANUARY 4 – Join us this winter as thousands of lights transform the VINS Nature Center into an enchanted realm. Witness the magic as you wander through the lights this season, including new additions like the Snow Shower Tower, Snow Globe, Whimsical Woodland, and Mandala Trees.

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Paint, Sip, & Soar

DECEMBER 14 – Join a VINS Educator for a one of a kind – Paint, Sip & Soar – featuring a live raptor model. Get up close and personal with one of our avian ambassadors and garner techniques in painting from life, all while learning about raptor natural history and anatomy.

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