VINS Singles Mixer
Friday, February 5
7:00pm-8:30pm
$8 per person
Whether you're a wallflower or a social butterfly, VINS is the perfect place to meet and mingle with the local wildlife (of the human persuasion). Meet a feathered guest, enjoy delicious refreshments and introduce yourself to new acquaintances. Singles aged 21-40 are welcome. For registration and cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

Looking to the Stars
Friday, February 12
7:00pm - 8:30pm
$8 non-member; $6 VINS members; pre-registration requested.
Did a hummingbird really create the stars? Or was it the coyote? Come discover the answer to these questions and more as we delve into the depths of outer space. We'll explore constellations, distant galaxies, planets, and other celestial objects. Under clear skies we'll be stargazing. Stories and activities for all ages take place whether cloudy or clear. For registration and cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

VINS Couples Night
Saturday, February 13
7:00pm-8:30pm
$15 per couple
Please join us for a night out at VINS, where you can share the humor of how other animals try to win the hearts of their mates. Make a romantic candle and enjoy delectable desserts. Wrap up the evening with a visit from the Valentine owl! For registration and cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14
admission $8 children; $10 adults, VINS members free.
Enjoy watching birds and want to add your contribution to science? Then put your skills to work at VINS as we celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count. Visit us on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th to improve your birding skills and enjoy activities and bird crafts for all ages. 11:00-2:00 Ongoing Activities such as: collecting bird data for Great Backyard Bird Count by observing birds at feeders, bird crafts (making bird feeders, etc) and interactive computer bird games.

Saturday, February 13; Guided Bird Walk 9:00-10:00 am
VINS provides limited number of binoculars and field guides; participants encouraged to bring binoculars and field guides. Appropriate winter attire strongly recommended. Pre-registration requested by Friday, February 12 (limited to the first 15 callers)! Included with admission. For registration and cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

Winter Survival Week
February 15 - 21
Included with general admission!
Lost in the woods in the winter? What should you do? Discover the basics of surviving the extremes. Learn the secrets of a one-match fire, make a fire starter kit and try your skills at building a shelter.

11am - Raptor Encounter
Noon to 3pm - Self-guided Survival Artifacts
1pm - Orienteering Scavenger Hunt
2pm - Winter survival activities and demonstrations

Climate Change and You
Wednesday, February 24
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free Adult Education Program
We all know that global climate change is an important issue, but how will it affect each of us directly? Come to VINS on Wednesday, February 24 to learn what Vermont can expect in the coming years. Find out about the changes to our growing season, local plants and animals, and what you can do today to plan for tomorrow. VINS Classroom PowerPoint presentation and discussion. For cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

VINS Full Moon Family Foray
Saturday, February 27
7:00pm - 8:30pm
$8 non-member; $6 VINS members; registration requested by February 20
Come explore VINS under the light of the full moon. Venture out on snowshoes and test all of your senses as we discover what it takes to be a nocturnal creature. We will also visit with VINS' own ‘Tiger of the Night’. Bundle up for an evening of fun and adventure! Snowshoeing, sensory activities, live bird presentation, and cookies and hot chocolate. For registration and cancellation due to extreme winter weather, call 802-359-5000 ext. 223.

Art on a Rain Barrel contest
sponsored, in part, by Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, Vermont
Co-presented by Upcycle Products
Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2010
Art on a Rain Barrel Festival, Saturday, May 15
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science challenges teams of creative, eco-conscious youth, adults and families to submit designs for Art on a Rain Barrel, a Vermont and New Hampshire-wide environmental-art contest. Rain barrel designs should raise awareness of the present or historical beauty, ecological, economic, and/or social importance of fresh water in your state.

The top teams from throughout the region will be invited to paint their designs on a rain barrel at the Art on a Rain Barrel Festival on Saturday, May 15, at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, VT.

Interested in participating? Download an application for Art on a Rain Barrel.

February
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March
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April
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VINS Gives Back
Tuesday, February 2
8:30am - 4:30pm; Pre-registration by January 25 is required.
Celebration! 5:00pm - 7:00pm, VINS Nature Center
Eager to make a difference in your local community? Then join the VINS team volunteering all day with COVER on February 2, with an evening celebration at the VINS Nature Center. Teams of VINS staff, members, and volunteers will be working with the COVER Weatherization Project, helping insulate homes against the cold New England winters. Open to various ages and skill levels, and with no previous knowledge or skills necessary. To reserve your spot on the VINS team, or for further questions, please call VINS at (802) 359-5000 ext 223.

Winter Carnival
Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17
1:00pm - 3:30pm; included with general admission!
What do snowmen and otter bowling have in common? Find out when you join us for a fun–filled afternoon of exciting outdoor activities exploring adaptations for living in the snow. Discover how the animals move around in winter, hunt for food, and even play in the powder. Celebrate the day warming up with refreshments around a campfire! Fun for children of all ages.

Black & White Wildlife Photography
Photo Exhibit by Peter Arthur Weyrauch
Opening Reception, Saturday, December 19, 5-7pm
Exhibit from December 19 - January 18
A generous portion of all proceeds from the sale of Peter Arthur Weyrauch's work will go to VINS to support their work in environmental education, conservation and avian rehabilitation. Weyrauch's photographs will be exhibited at VINS Nature Center through January 18, 2010.

Hoots and Howls
Friday, October 30, 5:30 - 8:00pm
Admission: $6 all ages, $3 Members, Children under 2 free
Give a Hoot and a Howl! Come celebrate the night at VINS with a fun and non-scary guided tour around the VINS grounds. You'll get to meet our Creepy Crawly Critters, watch a skit, listen to stories, see the Ghost Owl, explore the habitats of nocturnal animals and more! There is fun for all ages. Thanks to Lincoln Farm, Edgewater Farm, Cedar Circle Farm, Shepard's Pie, McNamara Dairy, Quechee Mobil Station and Kinko's for contributing to this great event.

The Battenkill River
Photo Exhibit by John Kudukey
September 5 - October 24
John Kudukey’s intimate portraits of the Battenkill River will be exhibited at VINS Nature Center in the classroom. Arguably one of America’s most famous rivers and known primarily for its cool clear trout waters, the Battenkill is woven into the fabric of the cultures of Vermont and New York. For over a year, Kudukey observed and captured the river’s varied and transient moods through his photographs. Visit the VINS Nature Center to view the beautiful photographs and learn more about this historical river.

The Mountain Wine & Cheese Festival
in partnership with Easter Seals
sponsored by Century 21 Energy Shield Realty, Farrell Distributing Corporation, WGXL radio, The Pulse radio, and Randolph National Bank
Saturday, September 12, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Take flight and be inspired by a beautiful fall evening full of wines, wings and wonderful food! Wine enthusiasts and novices alike will have the opportunity to try of 75 varieties of wines as well as enjoy a variety of food from upper valley restaurants and local cheese makers.

Wildlife Paintings
Opening Reception, Art Exhibit by Carrie Hayes
Friday, August 7, 5 - 8pm
Join us for the opening reception of Carrie Hayes newest Wildlife paintings on August 7 from 5:00 - 8:00pm at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, VT. The opening reception is free and open to the public. Enjoy Hayes' nature themed oil paintings with light refreshments and food. 40% of all proceeds from the sale of her work will go to VINS to support environmental education, conservation and avian rehabilitation. Hayes' oil-on-canvas pieces will be exhibited at VINS Nature Center through August 29.

Second Annual Nulhegan Wildlife Festival
The Friends of the Nulhegan
Where: Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Nulhegan Basin Division visitor contact station in Brunswick, VT
Saturday, August 22, 10am - 3pm
The 2nd Annual Nulhegan Wildlife Festival celebrates the biodiversity of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. This year’s activities will include refuge tours with newly-installed exhibits, children’s events, hands-on demonstrations, guided walks and a VINS live bird presentation. Local music and food will also be available. Free and open to the public. For more information or directions to the Nulhegan Basin, contact refuge headquarters at 802-962-5240 or The Friends of the Nulhegan.

Glass Fusing Workshop
by Genevieve Cole
Saturday, August 1st, 12pm - 4pm
Registration required by July 29 to events@vinsweb.org or 802-359-5000
Fee: $75 (includes $25 materials fee)
Students will learn the basics of glass fusing using a portable glass kiln! Focus will be on glass cutting techniques, design and firing schedules. Make jewelry, small tiles and gifts in your first class! No experience required. Appropriate for teens and adults. Students should bring their own safety glasses. Otherwise, instructor will provide all materials. Space is limited to 10 students.