Adult Learners

Live Animal Presentations
Let us bring our traveling toolbox of environmental education right to your doorstep! VINS’ Traditional Outreach Programs feature stunning slides, "touchable” artifacts, and live animals such as falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, snakes, salamanders and turtles. Our 45 to 60-minute programs are available onsite, or can travel within a 2.5 hour radius of VINS Nature center.

Programs can be custom tailored for groups of children, youth, or adults. Favorites include: Raptor Encounters, Cold Blooded Critters and Animal Tales (view descriptions below).

For reservations and availability, please contact our Guest Services Manager at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 802.359.5000 x221.

45 minute program
3 live birds
Class size: 75 max
$300; $275 non-profit
(discounts with additional programs)
$1/mile added for travel

Raptor Encounters: Live falcons, hawks and owls provide the lens through which we examine food webs, predator-prey relationships and the interdependence of the systems that support life. This first-hand encounter enables participants to understand the defining characteristics that make a bird a raptor and their adaptations for life as a predator on the wing. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

45 minute program
turtle, snake and salamander
Class size: 75 max
$300; $275 non-profit
(discounts with additional programs)
$1/mile added for travel

Cold Blooded Critters: This program explores the characteristics of organisms with live reptiles and amphibians as the focus species. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials complete the experience as we explore the similarities and differences between these organisms. This first-hand encounter enables participants to explore the importance of amphibians as indicator species and the human population impacts on amphibian ecological systems.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

30-minute program
Class size: 30
Grades preK-K
$200 (without live animal)
$250 (includes live animal)
$1/mile added for travel

Animal Tales: 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.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Continuing Education Programs
Though many organizations focus exclusively on kids and families, VINS embraces learning as a lifelong process that is necessary for an exciting, well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. Our Adult education programs offer in-depth insight into environmental issues, natural processes and species investigations. Format and location of the programs vary by topic and include lectures, workshops, hikes, and canoe tours. Topics change monthly and have included invasive species management, climate change, homeopathy, native crafts, and Vermont ecosystems.

For dates, locations, and registration information view Activities Calendar

Road Scholar/Elderhostel
Looking for a fun and educational way to explore Vermont with your grandchildren? VINS works closely with Road Scholar, formerly known as Elderhostel, to help you share with your grandchildren just how truly amazing Vermont is. Through hiking, canoeing and learning about the natural history of the Green Mountain state, all participants will walk away with a greater appreciation for our world and an exciting adventure with their family.

For dates, locations, and registration information go to www.roadscholar.org

Become a fan: Facebook Flickr Twitter YouTube	Proud Partners of:
copyright © 2010 Vermont Institiute of Natural Science \| contact us