PRESS RELEASE

New Songbird Exhibit Opens at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS)

Quechee, VT – October 13, 2008 – The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) announces the grand opening of a brand new songbird exhibit. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m. immediately following the 3:30 p.m. Live Bird Program at VINS Nature Center.

The new exposition will house between 10 and 12 songbirds that have been treated by the VINS rehabilitation team but are unable to be re-released due to injuries that inhibit their ability to survive in the wild. Many of these native wild songbirds, such as cedar waxwings and rose-breasted grosbeaks, have come to VINS after a vehicle collision, cat attack or window collision.

This display has been made possible not only through the generous sponsorship of Benjamin Moore & Co., but also with the help and dedication of volunteers and community members. Dan Thomas, a local Boy Scout pursuing his Eagle Scout badge, spent 100 hours preparing the exhibit site and erecting the 7'H x 14'D structure. Thomas led a crew of 10 that also installed predator-proof wire and created the path which leads to the exhibit. Peter Mitchell, a carpenter and long-time VINS volunteer, installed solid roofing as well as roof reinforcements which will allow the roof to hold the snow load in the winter.


Founded in 1972, The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit member-supported environmental education and research organization headquartered in Quechee, Vermont. VINS' mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

#