Before your visit to VINS, check out their calendar of events so you can schedule a critter feeding or raptor show.I'm not sure how summer slipped away so quickly, but there's no getting around it... leaf peeping season is upon us! Thousands of visitors will soon be motoring around the Green Mountain state enjoying the brilliant colors our maple trees are dressing up in. If you're one of those lucky leisure travelers be sure to add the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences VINS in Quechee (near Woodstock) VT to your itinerary.
In addition to live raptor shows, raptor habitats, nature trails and playgrounds, you'll find many interesting exhibits like this one on helping nature stay in balance.I started volunteering at VINS when Kendall and Riley were in the Vernon Elementary School, so over 15 years ago. They had a wonderful program called ELF (Environmental Learning for the Future) where parents would come into their childrens' classrooms and give hands-on training using various wildlife artifacts we managed to come up with.
Wendy runs the beautiful and interesting gift shop at Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS.Today the VINS mission is mainly focused on bird conservation: "motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation." It's a "nonprofit, member-supported, environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. Open year-round, the 47-acre campus, adjacent to Quechee State Park, features 17 state-of-the-art raptor enclosures, 4 exhibit spaces, 2 classrooms, and ¾ miles of interpretive nature trails. VINS places a priority on making high-quality, compelling, and fun environmental education programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and communities."
Ken and I visited VINS last weekend. For Ken it was a good excuse to get out on his Harley but he also found some cool trails to hike, including this one with a life-size replica of an eagle's nest.At Vermont Woods Studios we support VINS through their Adopt a Raptor, citizen science and other environmental programs. If you're interested in learning more about VINS, becoming a member or visiting their beautiful Nature Center in Quechee, VT check out their website today!
