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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.

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Contact Us

802.359.5000
info@vinsweb.org

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

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Visitor Programs

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"My daughter and I enjoyed our visit yesterday very much. You continue to do outstanding work to preserve the natural world and educate people about your mission. I was very inspired by all that I saw and experienced. I wanted to share a photo of the volunteer that inspired me with her kindness, wealth of knowledge, and expertise in the care and handling of the amazing birds currently on site."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"VINS (17³Ô¹ÏÍø) is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, featuring scenic trails, interactive exhibits, and incredible up-close encounters with birds of prey. The live raptor programs are both educational and engaging, offering insight into wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The beautiful setting, hands-on learning experiences, and well-maintained facilities make it a perfect spot for families, hikers, and anyone passionate about nature. Whether exploring the nature trails or watching majestic eagles and owls, VINS offers an unforgettable experience that inspires a deeper appreciation for wildlife."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Fun place to go to and take your kids, close encounters with some of the most iconic birds - bald and golden eagles, snow owls etc., canopy trail is really cool."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Wonderful place for a day trip! Educational and amazing! Great staff that are helpful and very knowledgeable."

VINS Nature Center Visitor

"Awesome place to visit! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the birds are beautiful. The new treetop walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding pond, and the tall tower is a little scary! Come prepared to wear a mask and follow the safety guidelines set by the institute. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø is very dedicated to making your visit a safe one!"

VINS Nature Center Visitor

Robert Frost Through the Seasons: Spring

MAY 15, 29 & JUNE 12 – Join VINS Executive Director Alden Smith to explore the poetry of Robert Frost.  Each session will be dedicated to reading and interpreting poems relevant to the season. These workshops will involve gentle trail walking through the woods and meadow of the VINS Nature Center, visiting natural spaces reminiscent of locations Frost wrote about. Poems will be sent to participants in advance of each session for those who want to read the poems ahead of time. The workshops will include walking, presentation, and discussion.

Read More about Robert Frost Through the Seasons: Spring

Clean Water Day

MAY 17 – Join us for a day-long celebration on May 17 honoring the environmental legacy of VINS Founder David Laughlin. This family-friendly event celebrates all things clean water, beginning with the pivotal water quality efforts, led by Laughlin in the 1970s, that transformed the Ottauquechee River and set new standards for environmental protection.

Read More about Clean Water Day

Wildlife Ambassador Photo Contest

MAY 18 – JUNE 12 – Calling all wildlife photographers! Showcase your stunning Ambassador Animal photos in our annual Wildlife Ambassador Photo Contest. Your winning image could be featured in the VINS Ambassador Adopt Calendar and help inspire conservation efforts across our community. Selected photographers will receive a FREE calendar featuring their work, while retaining copyright to their images. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to share your wildlife photography passion!

Read More about Wildlife Ambassador Photo Contest
Forest Canopy Walk

Forest Canopy Walk

TAKE A WALK

Nature Center

VINS offers quality environmental education experiences to all.

Environmental Education

We deliver specialized education and training programs to schools and communities.

School Programs

VINS School Programs are focused on science inquiry and place-based education. 

Wild Bird Rehab

Our highly-trained rehabilitators treat injured and orphaned birds from throughout New England.

Nature Camp

Each day of camp is an exciting journey, revealing the wonders of the natural world.

Support VINS

Your contribution enables us to offer outstanding educational experiences to all ages.