The VINS Nature Center celebrates 20 years in Quechee! This monumental move from Woodstock took many years to coordinate. In the 1990s, VINS explored several alternatives to expand at a site with the capacity for a larger center that would accommodate the growing staff, programs, and thousands of visitors. VINS leadership achieved their aim of finding both a naturally beautiful and easily accessible location on a parcel of rolling forestland located one eighth of a mile from the Quechee Gorge. In 2001, VINS finalized the purchase of 47 acres in Quechee from the Izzo family.
In June 2004, the VINS Nature Center opened to the public with over 1200 guests on opening day. The VINS Nature Center combines both construction and conservation in its unique, natural design. Building construction utilized green construction practices and materials, such as high-energy efficient windows and soy-based insulation foam. Inside the buildings, work areas feature work surfaces made from sunflower seed hulls and many of the chairs, desks, and meeting tables are manufactured from Forest Stewardship Council certified lumber that was harvested from sustainably managed forests.
While numerous individual donors, foundations, local businesses contributed generously to the completion of the center, we highlight and praise the formidable work of the late Senator James Jeffords in securing significant federal funding toward completion of the new facility.
Please join VINS on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate this milestone, National Great Outdoors Day, and Membership Appreciation Day. The day will be filled with live animal programs, scavenger hunts, guided nature walks, and multiple raffles. If you are not a member, VINS is offering a discounted price of $5.00 admission per person.