Woodstock, VT
May 25, 2006
CONTACT: Jason Drebitko, Vermont Institute of Natural Science
(VINS), 802.457.2779

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. Although VINS' physical location will change, its essential mission does not. “At our core are education and research,” said VINS President and CEO, Jason Drebitko, which takes place deep in communities from Vermont to the Dominican Republic. “We are committed to making stewardship an active part of everyday life for thousands of people around the world. “

Along with the move, VINS President and CEO, Jason Drebitko, announced other activity for the coming program year. As the summer months arrive, the Nature Center at Quechee opens this season with new exhibits, programs and summer camps. The internationally recognized Conservation Biology Department will continue its leading research and monitoring efforts on projects such as highly toxic mercury concentrations in migratory birds that are native to New England. Additionally, scientists will work side by side with the VINS educators to bring their scientific findings to life through VINS community and school programs.

VINS celebrates the success of three community-based education programs that have concluded their three years of grant funding. Drawing on what has been learned from these programs, in concert with award-winning ELF (Environmental Learning for the Future), VINS will develop an integrated suite of community-based environmental education programs for all grade levels to be run in schools and in the community.

Recognizing the value of a community nature center to the central Vermont community, the VINS board, staff and local advisory committee are exploring a locally based operating model at its Montpelier location. Nature camp and other community programs will continue to operate during the summer months. The trails of the 28-acre North Branch Nature Center are open for the enjoyment of the community. During the summer, VINS and a newly formed committee, Friends of the North Branch Nature Center, will pursue options for an independent nature center at the current site.

Founded in 1972, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit 501(c)3, member-supported organization currently headquartered in Woodstock, Vermont.

VINS' mission is to protect our natural heritage through education and research designed to engage individuals and communities in the active care of their environment. After more than 30 years, VINS has evolved into an organization dedicated to inspire one generation after the next to make choices that lead to healthy natural and human communities. Through education about the values and benefits of the natural world, people, particularly children, will begin to appreciate,love, and ultimately want to nurture and protect the environment.

Available for interviews:
Mr. Jason Drebitko
President and CEO at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Tel. 802-457-1053 ext. 105

Mr. Chip Darmstadt
Director, VINS North Branch Nature Center
Tel. 802- 229-6206
cdarmstadt@vinsweb.org