Educational event celebrates the fascinating world of insects with hands-on activities, expert presentations, and live demonstrations
QUECHEE, VT: The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center will host its annual Incredible Insect Festival on Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the remarkable world of insects through interactive stations, educational programs, and hands-on activities designed to inspire appreciation for these essential creatures.
The festival features partnerships with leading regional organizations including the Caterpillar Lab, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Black River Action Team, and Uncharted Wild. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet native New England caterpillars, observe live aquatic invertebrates, learn from active pollinator researchers, and discover the vital role insects play in our ecosystem.
The festival offers an incredible opportunity for families to connect with the natural world right in their own backyard. From understanding how caterpillars transform into butterflies to learning about the crucial role pollinators play in our food system, visitors will gain a new appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures.
The Incredible Insect Festival is included with general admission to VINS Nature Center, and VINS members attend free of charge. The event is designed for visitors of all ages, with activities suitable for young children through adults.
Event Schedule:
Station Schedule:
10:00AM – 4:00PM: Caterpillar Lab – Learn about the wonderful world of caterpillars with the Caterpillar Lab! Meet native New England caterpillars and take a close look with a magnifying camera. (August Pavilion)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Black River Action Team – Did you know many insects live underwater too? Meet some live aquatic invertebrates from your local rivers and ponds, and ask a river scientist how you can help keep their homes clean and healthy. (Hawkfly Lawn)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Beekeeper Peter Hadeka – Come learn about the fascinating life of a bee hive with local beekeepers and some members of their hive on display. Honey for sale! (Forest Exhibit overhang)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Research in the Meadow – Want to learn about the latest research on pollinators, and how you can attract these important insects to your yard? VINS has partnered with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies to help them study the relationship between our local pollinators and a variety of native plant species. Ask real scientists questions about their work! (Meadow)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Bug Safaris – Catch and identify the bugs of the meadow! Educators will be with you to help you spot and identify the critters you find. How many bugs will you catch? (Picnic Area/Meadow)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Bugs of the Canopy Walk – Learn about what makes a bug a bug and even design your own. Maybe you’ll even spot a few wild bugs among the treetops! (Canopy Walk)
10:00AM – 5:00PM: Gettin’ Buggy Crafts – Create an insect inspired by all the wonderful bugs you have seen around VINS: color, draw, and get creative with crafts! (Neale overhang)
Program Schedule:
10:30AM – 11:00AM: BUGS! – Laugh and learn with Jackson Gilman about doodlebugs, spiders, ants and other crawlies featured in this low-life revue! (Neale Pavilion)
11:00AM – 11:30AM: Invertebrates with Uncharted Wild – This up-close encounter will be sure to delight folks of all ages with a collection of invertebrates. Learn why spiders aren’t insects and how these tiny creatures survive in this big, big world. (Hawkfly)
1:00PM – 1:30PM: Songbird Aviary Tour – If you love birds, you should definitely love bugs! Did you know that most songbirds depend on caterpillars to feed their young? Learn all about the songbirds that call VINS home in our wonderful aviary and how you can help their wild counterparts. (Songbird Aviary)
2:00PM – 3:00PM: Backyard Caterpillars with Jack Forrester – Join experts from The Caterpillar Lab to explore the impressive diversity of our very own backyards with photographs, videos, and a live microscope view. This talk will cover some insects that may be familiar and common, and some that may be brand new with exciting life histories all occurring seasonally in New England. Spend some time exploring ways The Caterpillar Lab finds these animals outside before learning some tips, tricks, and tools you can use to find, attract, and help support more caterpillars and moths in your own habitats. No matter your level of experience with local Lepidoptera, you can plan to leave this talk having learned something new! (Neale Pavilion)
3:00PM – 3:30PM: Predators of the Sky – Join us as we explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors and which ones are big fans of bugs! (Hawkfly)