On July 20, 2016

VINS presents its third annual Insect Festival

By Sam Jaffe

Insects are cool, and VINS will explore their amazing world during a two-day festival.

July 23-24 at 10 a.m.—QUECHEE—Join the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) for adventures in the amazing world of insects on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the Caterpillar Lab, renowned expert Sam Jaffe will introduce visitors to a multitude of live caterpillars—more than 50 species from New England—throughout the day, exploring caterpillar defense, camouflage, mimicry, and metamorphosis among other behaxviors. Visitors may use digital microscopes and screens to observe caterpillars hatching from eggs, eating, and shedding.

Each day will feature uniquely exciting events and activities. Exercise creativity with ArtisTree/Purple Crayon’s Art Activity, discover the fascinating process of making mead with Artesano Meadery, and test your skill at photographing insects by participating in hands-on workshops with professional photographers from World Story Exchange.

In addition, discover how humans use insects to catch fish as Brian Burkholder demonstrates fly-tying and casting. Explore Vermont’s aquatic world by creating ann Aqua Scope that will allow participants to peer into hidden underwater lives. For lively entertainment, enjoy featured musicians, The Swing Peepers, who will engage audiences of all ages with Vermont-made music and storytelling.

In the solar-powered bounce house from SunCommon, children can hop like a grasshopper or spring like a springtail, and can take part in bug safaris in VINS’ meadows, face painting, and birds-on-glove. The Griddle & Groovy food truck will be at VINS on Saturday, and Ana’s Empanada’s food truck will be available on Sunday.

All events and activities are included with the price of admission to the Nature Center, which is $14.50 for adults; $13.50 for seniors, 62 and over; $12.50 for youth, ages 4 to 17; and free for members and for children 3 and under. For more info, visit vinsweb.org or call 802-359-5000.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

The VSO Jukebox series brings intimacy and accessibility to classical music

November 13, 2024
By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

Killington Resort’s Mike Solimano honored with the Sen. Leahy Trailblazer Award

November 13, 2024
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the fourth annual U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award has been awarded to Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort & Pico Mountain. The award, first given to and named for Sen. Patrick Leahy, honors an individual’s lifetime of service in Vermont’s outdoor…

Downtown Rutland is poised for major change

November 13, 2024
News of Walmart’s exit coupled by planned developments, including a downtown hotel and theatre expansion, has sparked talk of opportunity By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1994, Rutland City leaders eagerly awaited news of final plans for the cornerstone of their long-germinating downtown revitalization efforts: A new $20 million corporate headquarters…

Seventh Heaven Salon & Boutique reflects on past year, success in Killington

November 13, 2024
By James Kent Hair stylist and manager Katelyn Stewart and owner Peggy Campney moved their thriving hair salon and boutique from Ludlow to Killington last year after the July 2023 floods made it impossible for their business to continue in their current location. When the opportunity presented itself to Stewart and Campney, they exchanged one…