Project Details

The Grand Opening for the VINS Nature Center was on June 12, 2004. Here are a few basic facts about this exciting new project.

Phase I
Phase I of the VINS Nature Center in Quechee includes 17 state-of-the-art raptor exhibits that house hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons, owls and ravens. The facility also has a nature shop, a classroom, nature trails and a behind-the-scenes animal support facility.

Location: .3 miles west of the Quechee Gorge
Site size: 47 acres with 1,600 feet of frontage along Vermont Route 4

Project Components
Welcome Building: 1,300 square feet of retail space as well as ticketing and visitor information

Education Building: 1,400 square foot facility with classroom, restrooms and a multi-purpose room

Raptor Exhibit: 17 state-of-the-art enclosures ranging in size from the 17-by-40 (680 square feet) Bald Eagle enclosure with a 20-foot ceiling to the 9-by-16 (144 square feet) Screech Owl enclosure with a 16-foot ceiling

Animal Care Facility: Storage and office space for site maintenance and animal care functions

Nature Trails: Leading from a trailhead at the raptor exhibits around the 47-acre mixed habitat site to the Ottaquechee River. The trails connect with adjacent State Park trails leading to the Quechee Gorge

Contractors
Architect: Bohlin, Cywinski, Jackson, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Exhibit Designer: Main Street Design, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Contractor: Engelberth Construction, Inc., Colchester, VT

Key Dates
Site purchased: April 2001
Site preparation: Summer 2002

Groundbreaking for:
Animal Support Building: May 2003
Raptor Exhibits: September 2003
Welcome Building: January 2004

VINS Nature Center Opened: June 12, 2004

Phase II

Project Component:
VINS Headquarters building to house our Conservation Biology Department, Education Department and Administrative Offices. The building is 7000 square feet and includes a classroom of 750 square feet that can accommodate 90 people for educational programs, lectures and special events.

VINS HEADQUARTERS BUILDING GREEN ELEMENTS

• Insulation used in all exterior walls is a soy-based foam which contains no ozone depleting chemicals, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde or asbestos.
• Exterior windows have a high energy efficiency rating.
• The classroom has cork flooring and the lights have daylight and occupancy sensors.
• All slate floors and granite countertops were harvested from Vermont quarries.
• Work surfaces in the Education and Biology offices are a biocomposite material made from sunflower seed hulls.
• Maple flooring was supplied by a regional manufacturer who purchases lumber that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
• Desks, tables and chairs, provided by ClearLake Furniture, were manufactured from FSC certified lumber that was harvested from sustainable growth forests.
• Windows on upper tier will be opened in warm weather to allow for fresh air and natural cooling.
• All bathrooms have dual flush toilets.
• All ceiling mounted light fixtures have 95% efficiency rating and are approved by Efficiency Vermont.


Architect: Bill Gardner (www.gk-architects.com)
Contractor: Kessel Duff (http://www.kesselduff.com)
Furniture: ClearLake Furniture (www.clearlakefurniture.com)


Key Dates:
Dedicated by Senator Jeffords; September, 2006
Opened to the public: November, 2006


Click here for visitor information.
Click here to learn more about conservation efforts during the construction project.