FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 27, 2005

Contact: Larry Berrin, (802) 359-5001 ext. 213, Lberrin@vinsweb.org

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”. At 180 feet deep and nearly ? of a mile long, the Quechee Gorge is one of the state's greatest natural wonders and provides the perfect backdrop as we explore the geological and glacial history of Vermont. VINS will also be leading easy walking gorge tours to the Gorge Bridge to look into the cultural history of the gorge and the colorful stories surrounding this unique landmark. Did you know, for instance, that the shortest railway in New England went across the gorge!

"Every summer we see so many visitors stopping and looking into the gorge, but few know how it was created" says Larry Berrin, Director of Programs & Exhibits at the VINS Nature Center. "We hope this event will allow us an opportunity to bring the gorge to life for visitors".  The festivities will conclude with an evening presentation with author and photographer David Middleton and the “Vermont's Little Grand Canyon Photography Contest” where local photographers' photos will be judged by Mr. Middleton and the winners will be displayed at the new Quechee Gorge Visitors Center.

The VINS Nature Center is located 1/4 mile west of Quechee Gorge off Route 4 in Quechee, Vermont and is open seven days a week 362 days a year. The Center features one of North America's most impressive collections of live birds of prey native to Vermont, such as owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons; walking trails leading to the Ottauquechee River featuring a bird blind, a vernal pool, and other natural points of interest; a nature store filled with nature-inspired books, gifts, toys, art, jewelry, and clothing; and a variety of educational and entertaining programs, exhibits, and special events, such as Predators of the Sky, Fledgling Corner, and guided hikes of the Quechee Gorge. For more information, please visit www.vinsnaturecenter.org or contact VINS at (802) FLY-5000.

Celebrate the Gorge – Event Schedule          

Saturday, July 2, 2005

10:00am -- Meet the Raptor - The raptor of the day is…The Golden Eagle!!! Gain an up-close view of one of our largest resident raptors.

11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:30pm -- Predators of the Sky! - Eagles, hawks, owls and falcons are all in action as we demonstrate wing shapes, nesting habits, and adaptations that make these birds such successful predators. 

12:00 noon, 2:00pm & 4:00pm -- Gorge Hikes  - Join a VINS naturalist for an exciting hike as we descend into Vermont's “Little Grand Canyon”. At 180 feet deep and nearly ? of a mile long, the Quechee Gorge is one of the state's greatest natural wonders and provides the perfect backdrop as we explore the geological and glacial history of Vermont.

12:00 noon, 2:00pm & 4:00pm -- One Gorge, Many Stories - Join us for an easy walk to the Quechee Gorge Bridge to hear the stories behind such landmarks as Dewey's Mills, the gorge bridge, and the old Quechee railroad that once crossed over the gorge.

4:30pm-- What's on the Menu  - Learn more about the diets of our special residents and join our animal care staff for raptor feeding time!

All day -- The Creation of “Eau De Vie” - Watch as artist Hector Santos turns a great boulder of granite into his latest sculpture for the VINS Nature Center.

All day -- Geology Rocks!  - Look at rocks in new ways with geology games, crafts, and activities for younger visitors. A rock that floats?? A rock that fizzes?? Explore rock riddles, stacking stones, a scavenger hunt, and a new game…rock-scotch!

All day -- Fledgling Corner  - Hands-on activities, special displays, and touchable artifacts for younger visitors. Find out what your wingspan is!

Evening Event (7:00 - 8:30pm) --  Vermont's “Little Grand Canyon” Photography Contest  - Top off the day with a presentation by author/photographer David Middleton and see the winning photos of the gorge that will be on displayed at the new Quechee Gorge Visitors Center.