Outreach/Private Programs: Education at Your Doorstep
or at the VINS Nature Center

All VINS Outreach/Private Programs can be presented at the VINS Nature Center in the heated classroom. Your group will also have access to exhibits and the classroom space for your lunch. Call 802-359-5000 X221 for options and price quotes.

(All Ages) Let us bring our traveling toolbox of environmental education right to your doorstep! Outreach Programs include animal investigations, stunning slides, and an assortment of "touchable” artifacts to provide a springboard for activities and discussion. Live Animal Programs may include falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, snakes, salamanders and turtles. Hands-On Programs allow for up close explorations, slideshows, and touchable artifacts investigating animals native to Vermont. Featured species are used to illustrate broader environmental concepts. All programs are custom-designed so that they are age appropriate from age six to adult. In addition, “Animal Tales,” is available specifically for Pre-K and kindergarten students. All programs are approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length unless specified.

Program price details are included below; discounted prices for schools, libraries and non profits are noted in parentheses. Please note full details at the bottom of the program listing!*

Live Animal Programs

Raptor Encounter
This first-hand encounter with three live raptors focuses on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Participants learn what adaptations make a bird a raptor. The Raptor Encounter is a great introduction to these specialized flying hunters. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience.
Fee: $300 ($275)
Maximum participants: 75
Contact: VINS Nature Center; Quechee: 802-359-5000

Advanced Raptors
Enjoy a 1 ½ hour, in-depth look into Vermont's birds of prey with Advanced Raptors. This program includes a demonstration with live birds, an informational powerpoint presentation and a focused investigation into raptor biology and ecology.
(Recommended for Grades 6-adult)
Fee: $350 ($325)
Maximum participants: 75
Contact: VINS Nature Center; Quechee: 802-359-5000

Avian Anatomy
Delve deep into the skeletal and internal anatomy of birds! Discover how unique a bird's body is, how it differs from mammals, and how their special adaptations are used in everyday life. This 1 ½ hour presentation teaches about bird bones, feathers, organs and function through a powerpoint presentation and touchable artifacts.
(Recommended for Grades 10-adult)
Fee: $350 ($325)
Optional bird necropsy performed for your participants
(extra ½ hour + $100 - available for small group sessions)
Maximum participants: 75

Cold Blooded Critters
Slimy or scaly? An assortment of live reptiles and amphibians (herps) are presented to discuss the differences between the two groups. Discover why these "indicator species" play such critical environmental roles, as we explore their natural and cultural history. This live animal version includes a visit from our wood turtle, snake and our salamander.
Ask about the 1 ½ hour long Advanced Herps program (recommended for Grades 6-adult) that includes a powerpoint presentation and other hands-on materials.
Fee: $300 ($275) Advanced Program: $350 ($325)
Maximum participants: 75
Contact: VINS Nature Center; Quechee: 802-359-5000

Animal Tales
(Pre-K & K Program)
Hear the fascinating story of an animal of your choosing. Listen in on their exciting adventure through culture, history and science. End the program with a live encounter or touchable artifacts. This is an excellent program for libraries, schools and small groups. Request a live Raptor Encounter for an additional price. Program length is ½ hour. (Available live animals are asterisked). Vermont Standards: 5.10, 5.8
Animal Choices: *Hawk, *Owl, *Falcon, *Turtle, *Snake, Bat, Loon, Bear, Moose, Turkey, Coyote
Fee: $200 ($175) With live raptor/animal $250 ($225)
Maximum participants: 25
Contact: VINS Nature Center; Quechee: 802-359-5000

Hands-On Programs

Hands-On Programs are one hour in length.
PowerPoint Presentations (no live animals)
(Recommended for Grades 3-adult)
Maximum attendance: 50
Fee: $250 ($225)
Contact: VINS Nature Center; Quechee: 802-359-5000
VINS Manchester, VT 802-362-4373
Please contact the location closest to your venue.

Bats!
Get an introduction into the world of bats, from the smallest mammal, the Bumblebee bat to the 6' wingspan of the Flying fox. In addition, learn about the nine species of native bats that call Vermont home.

The Bear Facts
Step into the bear den! Take a look at fur, teeth, claws, and the deep silent mystery of hibernation. Myth and mystery team with science for this sneak peek into the life of Vermont's largest predator. Discover why the Black bear is considered an umbrella species, investigate the importance of wildlife travel corridors, and delve into the details of human/bear interactions.

Beavers
Vermont's amazing animal architects are the topic of the day! Beavers make some of the most intricate, structurally sound homes of any animal in the world. Find out why they build dams, what they eat and how they defend themselves. In the winter, what happens when their lodge is icebound? Is it a winter of frozen dinners or does North America's largest rodent have a trick up its waterproof sleeves? Find out how the history of beavers in Vermont is tied closely to others of our favorite animals in this educational slideshow with hands-on displays.

Flight of the Butterflies
What other insect receives the love and appreciation that the butterfly does? Each year the spring and summer sun warms their wings and sends these flashy insects splashing color across fields, meadows and gardens. And each fall they disappear as the sun sinks lower on the horizon. Where do they go? How many species are there in our neck of the woods? Are they endangered? Are any dangerous? Where do they live? And what can a Butterphile do to help them? Consider all of these questions and more in a beautiful slide presentation on the flight of the butterfly. Field visit and craft activity are optional components of this program.

Cold Blooded Critters
Slimy or scaly? Discover why reptiles and anphibians are considered "indicator species" and play such critical environmental roles, as we explore their natural and cultural history. Ask about the 1 ½ hour long Advanced Herps program (recommended for Grades 6-adult) that includes a slideshow and other hands-on materials. This hands on program does not include live animals.

Coyotes in New England
One of the most successful of the wild canids, the coyote is the bearer of many names and identities. Stories, slides, and touchable artifacts allow one a closer look at the life and history of one of Vermont's newest residents. (Recommended for Grades 4-adult) Vermont Standards: 6.4, 6.8

Loon Lore
Who laughs, yodels, and dances on water? Get a revealing close-up look at water quality issues, conservation efforts, Vermont's Loon Recovery Project, and more. Loon legends, song, and anatomy are all part of the fun!

The Magnificent Moose
Since the Ice Age this majestic creature has walked the hills of Vermont. Discover how our changing landscape is restoring this symbol of the northern wilderness to Vermont. Enjoy beautiful slides, and a wealth of information from an array of moose memorabilia, as we explore the life history of the largest member of the deer family. Vermont Standards: 6.4, 6.8

Turkey Tales
Can turkeys actually fly? Learn the answer to this question and more as we explore the lives of wild turkeys. Through a slide show and touchable artifacts, we'll take a close look at the history of Vermont's turkeys, turkey habitat, and turkey behavior! Vermont Standards: 6.4, 6.8

For more information or to book a live animal or hands on program from the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, please call 802-359-5001 X221 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm) or email lconrad@vinsweb.org

To schedule a hands on program from VINS in Manchester, VT please call Rick LaDue at 802-362-4374 or e-mail rladue@vinsweb.org.

All programs cover Vermont Standards 1.13, 2.1, 3.9, 4.6, 7.11 and 7.13. Additional standards covered within each program are listed at the end of the description.

Program fees and mileage charges cover the educator's time, travel expenses and the care and maintenance of program animals.

*Program price details are included above; discounted prices for schools, libraries and non profits are noted in parentheses. In addition to the fees listed we will add a round trip mileage fee (current rate 1.00/mile).

For large group events (Fairs, Festivals, Etc), please call 802-359-5000 for pricing options.

Outreach programs will take place rain or shine; refunds will not be issued for wet weather. If an outreach destination is closed due to heavy snow or if driving conditions are unsafe, the program will be rescheduled. Refunds will be awarded according to the following schedule:
· If requested at least 2 weeks before the program, you will receive a full refund.
· If requested between 13 and 7 days before the program, you will receive a 50% refund.
· If requested less than 7 days before the program, we will be unable to issue a refund.

Return to Education page