Quechee, VT – Join the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) as we celebrate the amazing world of insects on Saturday, July 7, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Fill the day with adventure as you encounter live caterpillars – more than 50 species from New England – and other insects up close and discover their importance to our world. In The Caterpillar Lab, renowned expert Sam Jaffe will introduce visitors to a multitude of live caterpillars throughout the day, exploring caterpillar defense, camouflage, mimicry, and metamorphosis among other behaviors. Visitors may use digital microscopes and screens to observe caterpillars hatching from eggs, eating, and shedding.
Learn about the art and importance of beekeeping with Peter Hadeka, a member of the VT Beekeepers Association. Or discover the amazing work being done by biologists at the BASS Lab (Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section) to monitor the health of our waterways. In addition, you can explore river conservation principles at our hands-on stream table exhibit.
For incredible fun, young children can enjoy face painting, bug safaris and Sun Common’s solar-powered bounce house. Other exciting activities and events will be available throughout the day. Food vendors will be on site from 11am to 2pm.