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| The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) receives grant from the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation to Support VINS Community Camps Quechee, VT - May 27, 2008 - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces that it has received a grant from the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation in support of VINS Nature Camps offered in four primary locations, including Quechee, Burlington, Manchester, Vermont and Hanover, New Hampshire. Fund also supports VINS' new Community Camp program, offered to children in grades 1 - 6 for one to two weeks in Vermont towns including, Thetford, Tunbridge, Rutland, and Wells River, and in New Hampshire at the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish. More. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) signs contract with the Winooski Valley Park District to deliver VINS Nature Camp Programs at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, VT. Quechee, VT – March 14, 2008 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has signed a contract with the Winooski Valley Park District to deliver VINS Nature Camp Programs at the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, VT.More. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) signs second contract with the Hanover Improvement Society (HIS) to deliver VINS Nature Camp Programs at the Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover, NH Quechee, VT – February 22, 2008 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces that it has signed a second contract with the Hanover Improvement Society (HIS) to deliver the VINS Nature Camp programs again in 2008 at the Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover, NH. More. Environmental Science Research Fellowship Program Announced by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Will Support Field Research in Conservation and Environmental Science Quechee, VT – November 20, 2007 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is pleased to announce a new initiative to support field research in conservation and environmental science: The Vermont Institute of Natural Science Environmental Science Research Fellowship Program. More. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Dedicates the Jeffords Campus for Environmental Education on Sunday, October 21, 2007 October 10, 2007 - Quechee, VT – On October 21st, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, one of the Northeast's leading environmental organizations, will dedicate the Jeffords Campus for Environmental Education at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee to honor Senator Jim and Liz Jeffords. The Senator and his late wife have been enthusiastic and strong supporters of VINS and its environmental education and research programs for more than 20 years. While serving in the United States Senate, Senator Jeffords was instrumental in helping VINS secure federal grants for the development of a new environmental education and nature center in Quechee. VINS recently completed construction at the center, which now serves as the hub of the organization's education, research, and wildlife rehabilitation programs. More. Benjamin Moore Funds Renovations to VINS Wildlife Services Clinic July 16, 2007- Quechee, VT- Benjamin Moore recently gifted the Vermont Institute of Natural Science with a $5,000 grant to assist in the on-going effort of VIN S in receiving and caring for injured raptors and other birds with its expansion of the avian rehabilitation program and spaces. VINS to Spin Off a New Ecology Research Organization as First Step in Broadening Its Support for Field-Based Science Quechee, VT – July 13, 2007 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) this fall will spin off its nationally recognized ornithological research team to create a new independent organization focused on conservation ecology research. The new organization, to be known as the Institute of Conservation Ecology (ICE), will be led by Chris Rimmer, VINS' current conservation biology director, and include VINS biologists Steve Faccio, Eric Hanson, Julie Hart, Kent McFarland, and Rosalind Renfrew. ICE also will retain Dan Lambert of the American Bird Conservancy as a research associate. More. Bill McKibben Discusses Climate Change at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Quechee, VT – July 16, 2007 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) was pleased to host Bill McKibben on July 11, 2007, for an enlightening talk on global warming and his new book, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future. McKibben came directly to the VINS Nature Center from Montpelier, Vermont, where he had just witnessed the defeat of an attempt to override Governor Jim Douglas's veto of energy bill H 520, which would have set a state goal of producing 25 percent of the energy consumed within the state by means of renewable resources. McKibben spoke to a crowd of almost 200 people in VINS' new program and exhibition pavilion. More. Local Businesses Partner with VINS to Send Kids to Nature Camp Quechee, VT - July 6, 2007 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has received generous sponsorship gifts from Lake Sunapee Bank, Farrow Financial Investment Company, Simon Pearce, and Mascoma Bank to help send area children to VINS Nature Day Camps this summer. “Camperships” underwritten by the gifts will allow eligible children to attend camps at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont, and at Storrs Pond in Hanover, New Hampshire. More. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Awarded Grant from Canaday Family Charitable Trust to Fund Environmental Education Program for Schools Quechee, VT- July 5, 2007- The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, VINS, recently received a $100,000 gift from the Marshall V. Heuser Fund. The gift was made possible by contributed funds of Mimi Mazzier-Heuser and Marshall V. Heuser through the Community Foundation of Louisville, Kentucky. More. Equinox Preservation Trust Funds Camp Scholarships for the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Day Camp Quechee, VT- July 5, 2007- The Equinox Preservation Trust (EPT) of Manchester, Vermont has agreed to fund $2500 of full camp scholarships for day camps at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) branch in Manchester, Vermont. More. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Awarded Grant from Canaday Family Charitable Trust to Fund Environmental Education Program for Schools Quechee, VT- July 5, 2007- The Canaday Family Charitable Trust, a foundation that encourages and supports non-profit organizations in Vermont, recently presented the Vermont Institute of Natural Science with a $33,000 grant to revamp their Environmental Citizenship Program. More. Vermont Loon Recovery Report for July 2007 from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Quechee, Vermont- July 2, 2007- The common loon is another Vermont endangered species that has responded well to help from a partnership of state workers, private businesses and concerned individuals. Added to the Vermont list of endangered species in 1987, and chosen as the logo species for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Nongame and Natural Heritage Program, the nesting success of the common loon has dramatically improved. In 1994, only 14 loon pairs nested, producing 17 chicks. In 2002, the numbers had increased to 39 pairs nesting with 34 of these pairs hatching 52 eggs, resulting in 40 chicks surviving into August. More. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Quechee, VT December 12, 2006 VINS Conservation Biologists, Christopher Rimmer and Kent McFarland, Co-author the First Comprehensive Field Guide Devoted to Hispaniola's Birds. Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Conservation Biologists Christopher Rimmer and Kent McFarland have contributed their extensive knowledge of Hispaniolan birds to a new, state-of-the-art field guide, Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The book, published by Princeton University Press, is available in three languages and expected in U.S. bookstores in December and around the world by January 2007. More. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Quechee, VT October 30, 2006 Teresa Mitchell of Weathersfield, Vermont, Appointed as VINS' Director of Education Programs, Will Lead Major Expansion of VINS' Environmental-Education Programs Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces the appointment of Teresa L. Mitchell as Director of Education Programs. Mitchell most recently worked for the US Partnership for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and was hired in July to help lead VINS' signature Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program. Now, as director of all education programs at VINS, Mitchell will lead a major expansion of the organization's environmental-education programs for schools and communities throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as for the general public at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. Many of VINS' expanded education programs will be available by June 2007. More. June 9, 2006 ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS & STATE JOIN FORCES TO PROTECT ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S RAREST SONGBIRDS WILMINGTON, N.Y. – A state authority and a coalition of environmental organizations announced today that they have stopped arguing and have instead joined forces to create an international habitat preservation fund for one of North America's rarest and most threatened songbirds. The Bicknell's Thrush Habitat Mitigation and Education Fund is a joint project of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, Adirondack Council, the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, Audubon New York, Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. more. Quechee, VT Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) June 1, 2006 Ribbit! at VINS The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) introduces Ribbit!, a traveling exhibit from the New England Aquarium. Revealing the secret lives of frogs from New England and around the world, the exhibit opens at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee with a grand opening on Saturday, June 17. more. May 25,2006 Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Focuses on the Future Beginning this fall, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) will base its environmental education and research programs at a new headquarters at its Nature Center campus in Quechee, Vermont. The completion of a new 6,900-square-foot multi-purpose office and program building will allow VINS to consolidate staff on one site to provide stronger support to its education and research initiatives which continue to achieve success across the region and internationally. more. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Woodstock, Vermont CONTACT: Jason Drebitko, President and CEO, Vermont Institute of Natural Science; PH: 802.457.2779 April 20, 2006 VERMONT INSTITUTE of NATURAL SCIENCE (VINS) RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANTS to CONTINUE CONSTRUCTION at the VINS NATURE CENTER in QUECHEE, VERMONT Federal appropriations totaling $1.9 million will allow the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) to begin construction of classroom and offices for education and research programs at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. more. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Woodstock, Vermont, United States March 28, 2006 Contact: Chris Rimmer or Kent McFarland Vermont Institute of Natural Science 802.457.2779 Sensitive Songbird Needs Greater Habitat Protection Scientists Release New Bicknell's Thrush Strategy for Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest and Beyond Biologists from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) have completed a new and pioneering strategy, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service, to help protect one of eastern North America's most rare and at-risk songbirds, the Bicknell's Thrush. In their recommendations, the VINS biologists call for measures to reduce impacts of existing mountain development on Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, and creation of an international consortium to protect dwindling winter habitat of Bicknell's Thrush. more. VERMONT BIOLOGISTS JOIN SEARCH FOR RARE WOODPECKER WOODSTOCK, Vt. -- A team of biologists from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science begins an expedition this week to the remote swamps of Arkansas to join one of the great quests in all of birdwatching: the search for the near-mythical Ivory-billed Woodpecker. more.
Quechee - The VINS Nature Center located in Quechee, Vermont, received the 2005 American Institute of Architects Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter Award of Excellence, the highest award given by the Chapter, at its annual awards dinner in late November. The jury of architects from the Maine AIA commented on the entry sequence and the carefully considered integration of the people spaces and the wildlife spaces: "The exhibit spaces are enhanced by the detailing, the use of simple materials and the consideration of geometry, landscape, and solar exposure."
Camels Hump Students Win Environmental Award
A community mapping project conducted in 2003 and 2004 by 60 seventh- and eighth-grade students in Richmond, Vermont earned an Environmental Education and Pollution Prevention Award from the State of Vermont on December 8.
The Sequoia Team at Camel's Hump Middle School won for their work on a project conducted at the Richmond Land Trust's Warren and Ruth Beeken Rivershore Preserve on Cochran Road. Paralleling the Winooski River, the preserve includes a silver-maple, ostrich-fern floodplain forest, one of the last forests of its type in Vermont.
WOODSTOCK, VT - VINS releases Great Horned Owl on August 25, 2005 at Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont
Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, is committed to being a responsible steward of Vermont's natural resources. On Thursday, August 25, 2005, the resort's management and employees demonstrated this commitment by sponsoring the release of a Great Horned Owl, rehabilitated by the Avian Rehabilitation Department of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS).
"We can't wait to share this exciting event with the kids and parents on vacation with us," said Managing Director Bill Stritzler. "Most people never get to see a wild bird release in their lifetime, so these folks are very lucky." A VINS representative spoke about the owl's history and living habits and allowed families to take a close look at the creature before setting it free.
WOODSTOCK, VT - On Tuesday, August 2, a Common Loon on Seymour Lake in Morgan, Vermont snagged the bait off a child's fishing pole, while he was fishing from a dock. The loon pulled the fishing pole right out of his hands. It is unknown at this time what was on the hook (minnow, worm, lure?). Some people reported the incident to Denis Fortin who runs the Morgan Store, and Denis went out in a boat in search of the troubled loon. Luckily another child followed the loon in his kayak all the way to Wolf's Point from the west end. Another person was able to grab the floating fishing rod, and the loon quickly broke the line. The loon was observed flinging its head back and forth in an attempt to rid itself of the line and hook.
Quechee, VT – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Quechee State Park organizations have teamed up to open a new trail connecting the Quechee Visitor Center and Quechee Gorge Bridge walking traffic to the VINS Nature Center. The trail, which cuts through the woods behind the Quechee State Park Picnic Area directly off the Quechee Gorge Bridge, provides a convenient walking path to the VINS Nature Center Welcome Building.
Quechee, VT – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Quechee State Park organizations have announced today that a new trail connecting the Quechee Visitor Center and Quechee Gorge Bridge walking traffic to the VINS Nature Center will open on Friday, August 5th . A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the Quechee State Park Picnic Area Parking Lot at 10:00 a.m. Members of the public and press are welcome to attend.
Quechee, VT – Larry Berrin, Director of Programs and Exhibits at the VINS Nature Center, will be the featured guest on the LIVE @ 5:25 program on CCTV/Channel 17 on Tuesday, July 12th at 5:25 p.m. This live call-in program will discuss the upcoming New England Bird Calling Contest which will be held at the VINS Nature Center on Saturday, July 16th. Larry will be demonstrating several bird calls he knows as well as playing pre-recorded calls for other birds and will encourage viewers to call in to identify the bird call in question to win a prize. He will also be taking calls on mysterious bird songs listeners may have heard that they would like identified.
SCULPTURE EXHIBIT OPENING AT VINS NATURE CENTER ON FRIDAY, JULY 15th Please be advised that a reception will be held at the VINS Nature Center on Friday, July 15th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the opening of an outdoor sculpture exhibit entitled, Form Takes Flight. VINS members, staff, board members and special guests will be in attendance, including each of the artists. The project is a collaborative effort with Charlet Davenport of Sculpture Fest celebrating art and nature, featuring local artisans. Charlet will also be at the event. Five sculptures have been installed at the center, including: Herb Ferris' “Arc”, Phil Thorne's “Icarus”, Li Shen's “Crescent”, Mary Mead's “Within Without”, and Hector Santos' “Eau de Vie”. Celebrate the Gorge Day! Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announced today that it will host its second annual Celebrate the Gorge Day on Saturday, July 2, 2005 at the VINS Nature Center at the Quechee Gorge. Thousands of people visit the Quechee Gorge every year, but only a few know the secrets behind the gorge. Join VINS for a day filled with exciting hikes into the gorge as we descend into Vermont's “Little Grand Canyon”.
Quechee, VT - TURTLES ON THE MOVE AT VINS NATURE CENTER
Linda Conrad, VINS' Office Manager, took these photos at the VINS Nature
Center at 7:30 a.m. this morning. Throughout the last week, VINS staff have
noticed several wild snapping turtles on the move throughout the center
grounds. Every year, the turtles make their journey up from the marsh to
higher ground where they can lay their eggs.
PHOTO AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY AT VINS NATURE CENTER IN QUECHEE, FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH.
Please be advised that a large 22' curved granite beam sculpture created by artist Herb Ferris, entitled “Arc”, will be installed (with the help of trucks and tractors) at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee next Friday, June 17th at 11:30 a.m. The sculpture is the first of 5 sculptures which will be on display all summer at the VINS Nature Center for its Form Takes Flight Sculpture Exhibit beginning July 15th . The project is a collaborative effort with Charlet Davenport of Sculpture Fest celebrating art and nature, featuring local artisans.
June 6, 2005
Contact: Rosalind Renfrew, 802-457-2779, ext 127
CALLING ALL WHIP-POOR-WILLS!
Woodstock, VT ˆ Once heard, the song of the Whip-poor-will is not
forgotten. The species‚ melodic, loud, and persistent proclamation of its
own name is burned into the minds of those who grew up with Whip-poor-wills
at their home or camp.
May 23, 3005 Quechee, VT – VINS announced today that they have received notification that Governor Jim Douglas has proclaimed May 28th as Raptor Appreciation Day in Vermont.
The proclamation cites that “Whereas, the population of birds of prey in the State of Vermont is an important and leading indicator of the health of our environment; and Whereas, birds of prey are the second most endangered group of birds; and Whereas, all birds of prey have been legally protected in the United States since 1972, and Vermont added further protections with its 1987 Endangered and Threatened Species Rule; and Whereas, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has been home to more than 20 species of non-releasable eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and other birds of prey for more than eighteen years, and it has been treating, rehabilitating and releasing injured birds of prey in Vermont for more than a decade...
April 25, 2005
New VINS Nature Center Director Appointed
Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science announced today the appointment of P.J. Skehan as VINS Nature Center Director. Skehan brings a wealth of operations experience to VINS at a critical time in the center's fledgling growth. The VINS Nature Center opened on June 12, 2004 and is located 1/4 mile west of Quechee Gorge on Route 4 in Quechee, VT.
April 15, 2005
CALLING ALL BIRD CALLERS!
Quechee, VT - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announced today that it will host its first annual New England Bird Calling Contest on Saturday, July 16, 2005 at the VINS Nature Center at Quechee Gorge. Contestants of all ages throughout New England and beyond are invited to compete in this fun and unusual contest--from people who have mastered the "who cooks for you" call of the Barred Owl or the "sweet, sweet, I'm so sweet" sound of the Yellow Warbler.
April 6, 2005
VINS Nature Center Receives Prestigious Yankee Magazine Editors' Choice Honor
Quechee, VT - The VINS Nature Center announced today that it was named an Editor's Choice in the 2005 edition of the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England. Yankee's Editors' Choice selections highlight notable destinations no traveler will want to miss.
March 28, 2005
VINS to Host its 27th Annual Birdathon on Saturday, May 21st
Woodstock, VT - It's that time of year again! The promise of spring brings with it a multitude of beautiful and cheerful new bird arrivals to the area every week. The sights and sounds of spring also signifies that the Annual VINS Birdathon is right around the corner. This year, VINS will host its 27th Annual Birdathon on Saturday, May 21st, helping to raise crucial funds for various VINS research projects, education programs, and general operations. The raindate is Sunday, May 22nd. Every year, birders from all over the state drive, bicycle, kayak, or walk from dawn to dusk looking for birds.
March 17, 2005
Woodstock, VT - The Conservation Biology Department at the Vermont Institute
of Natural Science (VINS) produces an annual publication entitled Feathers
and Fir that summarizes some of its cutting edge Mountain Birdwatch
research.
Groundbreaking research conducted over the past 5 years by more than 50
scientists, including VINS Conservation Biologists Chris Rimmer and Kent
McFarland, have yielded surprising insights on the extent of mercury pollution
across the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada.
From lakes to mountaintop forests, data were painstakingly collected on air,
water, fish, birds, and other wildlife at thousands of locations. Today, the
BioDiversity Research Institute (BRI) and Environment Canada, the two umbrella
organizations who have led this landmark effort, will present their findings at
a press teleconference in Washington
Community Tracking Workshop Feb 9, 2005Would you like to use GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to collect field data on wildlife and habitat? Would you like to see how GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is used to track mammal activity and document habitat conditions in your local school or town forest, or on your own property? Then join us for this day-long workshop to gain experience using current digital and printed maps, access data on deeryards, bear habitat and land cover, and integrate GPS data to GIS for visual display to better understand local wildlife habitats for long-term monitoring. read more. Feb 7, 2005
MEET THE VINS VALENTINE OWL
VINS LAUNCHES NEW TEEN RIVER STEWARDS PROGRAM
Owl Imprint in the Snow January 25, 2004
A NEW ERA FOR THE EQUINOX PRESERVE January 13, 2005
The annual Woodstock Area Christmas Bird Count, a yearly census conducted for the National Audubon Society and hosted by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), was held on December 29, 2004 and located 4,490 birds of 36 species. The number of species was rather low as the "winter finches", birds that come down from the north at this time of year, had apparently not yet arrived. The numbers of individual birds found was quite good however, with Chickadees leading the field. January 10, 2005 VINS WINS TIMBERLAND'S $1,000 COMMUNITY CHAMPION GRANT The Timberland Company has recently announced that the Vermont Institute of Natural Science will receive Timberland's Community Champion grant of $1,000 for its unique contributions to the Manchester community. The Community Champion grant celebrates the spirit of service and acknowledges the important contributions of local non-profit organizations in making their communities better places to live and work. The Vermont Institute of Natural Science, nominated by Manchester store associates, competed with non-profit organizations from across the country to win this special designation. Click here to read more.
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September 20, 2004 September 17, 2004 September 10, 2004 September 9, 2004 AUGUST 31, 2004 August 27, 2004 August 10 , 2004 July 13, 2004 July 13, 2004 July 12, 2004 July 11, 2004 June 29, 2004 June 28, 2004 June 23, 2004 VINS INTRODUCES THE FIRST GUIDE TO VERMONT BIRDS The VINS Guide to Vermont Birds, pocket size and completely waterproof, identifies more than 140 of the most familiar species and includes a map with 8 birding "hotspots" in Vermont. Click here to read more. April 26, 2004 FLYING RAPTORS AT THE LEBANON OPERA HOUSE Lebanon, NH – At 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, residents of the Upper Valley will have an opportunity to view live, free-flying raptors at the Lebanon Opera House hosted by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), a non-profit environmental organization. Click here to read more. April 25, 2004 April 23, 2004 April 23, 2004 April 9, 2004 April 8, 2004 |   | ||||||||||||||
© VINS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, wholly supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants. | ||||||||||||||||
