Vermont Institute of Natural Science facts for kids
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a special group in Quechee, Vermont. It's a non-profit, meaning it doesn't make money for owners. VINS helps people learn about nature and how to protect it. They also rescue and care for injured birds. Their main goal is to inspire everyone to look after our planet.
Helping Injured Birds
A big part of what VINS does is help sick or hurt birds get better. They work to release these birds back into the wild. VINS has special permission from the government to keep some birds for teaching. These teaching birds include amazing birds like a Great Horned Owl and a speedy Peregrine Falcon.
These teaching birds are often raptors, which are birds that hunt. They cannot go back to the wild because they might not survive on their own. Maybe they lost an eye, or perhaps people raised them. VINS also has other birds that live in outdoor homes. These birds are also injured and are not used for teaching. VINS has many outdoor spaces for dozens of these birds of prey.
VINS also teaches teachers! They hold workshops to show teachers how to teach about nature. Teachers learn how to help students become good environmental citizens. They also learn how to create lessons about important environmental issues. These workshops are not just about birds. They can cover many animals in Vermont, like trout, bobcats, and creatures in vernal pools.
Explore the VINS Nature Center
The VINS Nature Center in Quechee is a fun place to visit. It has 17 exhibits where you can see different raptors. These include hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons, owls, and ravens.
The center also has a nature shop and a classroom. You can walk on several nature trails to explore the outdoors. There's a special area where animals get support behind the scenes. Plus, there's a new exhibit with cool frogs. You can even try a flight simulator! It makes you feel like you are flying. The center is easy to find, just a short drive from the Quechee Gorge on Vermont Route 4.
