PRESS RELEASE

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Celebrates Summer Grand Opening

May 20, 2009 – Quechee, VT – At the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Memorial Day weekend represents the beginning of a new and exciting season of activities and programs. Beginning Saturday, May 23, VINS will celebrate the opening of a brand new exhibit, the reopening of a current exhibit and the expansion of the Live Animal Program schedule.

The Crawl Space, the newest addition to the VINS lineup, features an array of native and exotic arthropods, including Assassin Bugs, a Giant African Millipede and an Emperor Scorpion, among others. The new exhibit will focus on adaptations and how these species have specialized tools that help them find food and offer protection, among other specializations.


“Although VINS has historically put an emphasis on avian rehabilitation and education, as a natural science center, we'd like to provide the public with opportunities to learn about a variety of species,” said Wildlife Services Manager, Allison Stark. “This collection of Arthropods is fascinating, though often misunderstood, and The Crawl Space is a terrific chance to show the public, especially children, how interesting they really are.”


VINS' collection of Poison Dart Frogs was recently introduced to their newly refurbished rainforest-like habitat. Thanks to the support of the public as well as generous sponsorship from Granite State Glass and Murphy Insurance, VINS was able to acquire the tools and supplies necessary to make much-needed repairs to the Poison Dart Frogs' enclosure and quickly return them to their home. Saturday, May 23 will mark the grand opening of the new exhibit, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony held at noon.



Photo from left to right:
Audrey Gossett, VINS Wildlife Services Intern, Peter Esterquest, VINS Community Services Manager, Julie Murphy from Murphy Insurance Agency, Mark Audett from Granite State Glass of Lebanon, NH, Paul Travis, Sarah Murphy Travis, with Aidan Travis and Julian Travis cutting the ribbon.

VINS will also begin an expanded Live Animal Program schedule this Saturday. Through Labor Day, VINS will provide Live Animal programs to the public seven days per week at 11:00 am and 3:30 pm, with an additional program Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 pm. These programs may feature raptors, amphibians or reptiles and are led by VINS' knowledgeable environmental educators.


Through October 31, VINS will be open to the public seven days per week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with all exhibits, nature trails, gardens and picnic area available during these hours. For more information about VINS Nature Center's programs, activities and events, please visit www.vinsweb.org or call 802-359-5000.


Founded in 1972, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit, member-supported environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered in Quechee, Vermont. VINS' mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment with a priority placed on making high-quality, compelling and fun environmental education programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and communities.