JUNE 14 - In this year’s first Drawing from Nature class, get up close and personal with feathers and nests to appreciate their wonderful textures and intricate details. We will use this class to practice capturing those textures and details using VINS’ collection of artifacts. Learn tips and tricks for drawing as well as for creating vivid pages that depict personal natural history experiences. Drawing, sketching, and watercolor, experience not necessary, all skill levels welcome.

JUNE 14 - Meet at the VINS Nature Center for these informal gatherings with fellow birders.  The Meet-up may take place at VINS or travel as a group to nearby locations such as Dewey’s Pond or the Quechee Gorge to visit the varied habitats of our area.

JUNE 12 - Join VINS Executive Director Alden Smith to explore the poetry of Robert Frost.  Each session will be dedicated to reading and interpreting poems relevant to the season. These workshops will involve gentle trail walking through the woods and meadow of the VINS Nature Center, visiting natural spaces reminiscent of locations Frost wrote about. Poems will be sent to participants in advance of each session for those who want to read the poems ahead of time. The workshops will include walking, presentation, and discussion.

MAY 18 - JUNE 12 - Calling all wildlife photographers! Showcase your stunning Ambassador Animal photos in our annual Wildlife Ambassador Photo Contest. Your winning image could be featured in the VINS Ambassador Adopt Calendar and help inspire conservation efforts across our community. Selected photographers will receive a FREE calendar featuring their work, while retaining copyright to their images. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share your wildlife photography passion!

MAY 10 - Join VINS and Trail Break for an evening of good food, cold brews, and a chance to explore the Nature Center after hours.  This event is designed for an adult audience, ages 21 and older only.  Dinner and drinks provided by Trail Break.  Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase from Trail Break's Taco Trailer.