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VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE
VINS Nature Center Summer/Fall Programs
Quechee, VT

VINS NATURE CENTER HOURS
May 1 through October 31
7 days a week from 10AM to 5PM
What's at the VINS Nature Center?

Winter/Spring Hours & Program Schedule

VINS Live Animal Programs are proud to be designated as an official Celebrate Champlain event by the Vermont Department of Marketing and Tourism. Please visit the official Celebrate Champlain site to learn more about the state-wide quadricentennial celebration and events.

Sample Live Animal Programs
check the daily schedule onsite for specific details; programs are presented at the outdoor amphitheater or in the pavilion

Back to topPredators of the Sky
Discover the fascinating traits that all raptors share. Learn what they eat, how they hunt and how important raptors are to the natural world.

Back to topRaptors Up Close
This first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls focuses on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Participants learn what adaptations make a bird a raptor.

Back to topRaptor Rescue
Go on a journey through the eyes of an injured bird from rescue to rehabilitation to eventual release. Meet a permanently injured bird and discover the dedication and effort it takes to care for captive animals.

Back to topOwls and Their Calls
Ever wonder whooo's calling outside your window at night? Discover the owls behind the calls you hear in our New England woods.

Back to topFast Flying Falcons
This program gives the audience the opportunity to discover the amazing aerialists that call New England their home, and to meet live falcons up close.

Back to topThe Sport of Kings (Falconry)
This program gives the audience an opportunity to learn about the sport of falconry and its influence on the work we do training our birds at VINS.

Back to topCold-blooded Critters (reptiles and amphibians)
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.

Back to topRaising a Family (the breeding season)
From making a nest and laying eggs to watching their young fly the coop; birds have amazing ways to raise a family.

Back to topMagnificent Migrations
This program looks at the magnificent migrations some animals complete each fall. Discover the why's and how's of these amazing feats, and meet some of these animals up close.

Back to topWinged Wonders (physics of flight)
Learn the forces that affect an animal in flight and observe our birds demonstrate an ability that is the envy of many humans.

Directions
click for larger map The VINS Nature Center is located just 1/4 mile west of the Quechee Gorge on Route 4. From I-89, take Exit 1 to Route 4 West. Please click on the image for a larger map.

While planning your visit, refer to the Best of the Upper Valley map to locate VINS and other area attractions.

If you'd like to learn more about the VINS Nature Center click here to watch a special presentation of Animal Tales created by CATV8.

Photography Policy
If you plan to take photographs while visiting the VINS Nature Center, please read VINS' Photography Policy.

An Event Participant of:

Awards Received:
2005 Yankee Magazine Editor's Choice
2005 Vermont Public Space Award Recipient
2005 American Institute of Architects Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter Award of Excellence

Memberships
vermont attractions association

Vermont Museum & Gallery Alliance

Vermont Hospitality Council


 


© VINS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, wholly supported by membership dues, admission and program fees, donations, and grants.
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