Quechee, VT - Two fifth graders from the Ottauquechee School and members of the Quechee Cub Scout Group Pack 232 presented the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) with a variety of supplies needed by VINS' Wildlife Services Department to care for sick and injured birds on Wednesday, November 24th, at 1:00 p.m. at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee. Tyler Rowell and Dylan Ring, seen in the top photo, made the formal presentation on behalf of their cub scout pack to VINS staff.

In September of this year, the two boys attended a water education program at VINS Nature Center in Quechee. They left VINS that day inspired to sponsor a raptor's care for a year and collect other supplies on VINS' Wish List necessary to care for other raptors. The two Webelos were also looking for a project that might help them gain their Communication badges. Combining these goals, the boys created a joint presentation for their Pack that would raise funds for VINS' Adopt-a-Raptor program and provide supplies helpful to VINS' Wildlife Services Department. (A Pack is a collection of all cub scouts from 1st to 5th grade and their families.) Their efforts, combined with the generosity of the families of Pack 232, resulted in enough money to adopt an Eastern Screech Owl and an American Kestrel, as well as provide VINS with a variety of supplies.

Members of the Cub Scout Pack (photo) who attended the presentation. (Back row left to right, Helen MacKenzie (VINS Adopt-a-Raptor Coordinator), Gwyn Ring, Chris Kelly, Denise Rowell, Tom Ring, Donovan Kelly, Mike Pratt (VINS Director of Wildlife Services). Front Row left to right, Leah Ring, Mitchell Kelly, Tyler Rowell, Dylan Ring.

The following is a list of items VINS requires routinely to care for sick and injured birds:

Paper Towels
Latex disposable gloves (sterile & non-sterile)
Florissant and standard light bulbs (60 & 75 watt)
Cleaning brushes, sponges, and towels
Household Clorox bleach
„Dawn‰ liquid detergent (original)
Laundry detergent
Liquid hand soap (without antibacterial ingredients)
Zip lock bags
Masking tape (1‰)
Duct tape
Toilet paper
Dust masks
Rubbing Alcohol
Telfa pads (non-stick pads)
Molefoam, Dr. Scholl's
Rolled cotton
Gauze sponges and pads (2"x2" & 3"x3")
Vet wrap dressing
roll bandage gauze (1‰ & 2‰)
Cotton balls
Cotton tipped applicators (sterile & non-sterile)
Digital metric scale
Pet carriers
Stainless exam table

VINS is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our natural heritage through education and research. They are headquartered in Woodstock, VT and have locations in Manchester, Montpelier, and Quechee, home of the VINS Nature Center which opened in June 2004.

Lisa M. Green Director of Marketing VINS/Vermont Institute of Natural Science 27073 Church Hill Road Woodstock, VT 05091-9642 (802) 457-2779 ext. 107 (802) 457-1053 (fax)