Welcome to VINS
The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10am – 5pm.
All outdoor exhibits are open: Raptors, Songbird Aviary, Adventure Playscape, Nature Trails, and the amazing Forest Canopy Walk. Our indoor exhibits are open: Birds Are Dinosaurs, Forest Exhibit, and Reptile Room.
We highly recommend . We welcome all walk-ins.
Contact Us
Nature Center Hours
VINS Nature Center
10 AM to 5 PM Daily
Wild Bird Rehab
802.359.5000 x212
8 AM to 4:30 PM Daily
Visitor Programs
-
Raptors Up CloseÂ
Daily 11 AM
Gain an up-close view of our majestic birds. -
Songbird Aviary Tour
Daily 12:30 PM
Spend some time with our songbirds as they fly around you. -
Animal Encounter
Daily 2 PM
Reptile: Sun / Tue / Thu
Raptor: Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat -
Raptor Feeding Time
Daily 2:30 PM
Join our raptor care-givers for feeding time.
Forest Fairy Hunts
JUNE 21 – Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure! Forest Fairy hunts offer children and their families a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with the natural world and to nurture respect for the environment.
Mayflies and French Fries
JUNE 28 – Take a deep dive into the waters of the Ottauquechee River in search of hidden giants! Thanks to the efforts of our founders 51 years ago, the Ottauquechee River now teems with life in the most unexpected places. Join a VINS educator in a benthic macroinvertebrate survey of our river, as we search for all things creepy and crawly, slimy and scaly, and fascinating and fun! Practice different sampling and identification techniques and learn what these animals have to say about the health of their local ecosystem.
Yoga in the Canopy
JUN 29, JUL 13 & 20, AUG 3 & 24, SEP 7 – Welcome to a yoga class like you’ve never experienced before. Ascend into the treetops on VINS’ Forest Canopy Walk and immerse yourself in the beauty of the summer foliage. Expect a slow-flow class that will incorporate sun salutations, standing poses, balance poses, and brief meditation. All levels of experience are welcome.
