Feb. 24-25—QUECHEE—Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) welcomes families to this season’s Family Owl Prowl Friday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participants will join a VINS educator to discover the mysterious and exciting life of one of New England’s most elusive nocturnal residents. Begin the evening by meeting one of VINS’ resident owls and learning common owl calls.
Owl prowlers will then snowshoe, weather permitting, into the habitat that these birds call home and, perhaps, hear the call of a wild owl. Later, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Please dress warmly. A headlamp is recommended. Although limited in number, snowshoes are available at the VINS Nature Store. This program is $12.50 for VINS members and $16 for non-members. Registration for the event is requested.
On Saturday, Feb. 25, join VINS from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for its annual Owl Festival to celebrate all things owl, featuring many different live owls and other raptors throughout the day. Enjoy face painting, crafts, and an afternoon campfire highlighted by captivating stories and legends of owls from around the world.
Kick off the day with Owl Chats, and wind their way through the raptor enclosures, meeting VINS educators and discovering the amazing abilities of owls. Explore Owls and Falconry in which Jessica Snyder shares a Eurasian eagle owl and a barn owl from New England Falconry. Join the Wilsons from Eyes on Owls for hooting lessons and an introduction to numerous native and international species of owls. And spend time exploring inner craftiness with professional artists from ArtisTree.
Mid-afternoon, guests can meet Mike Clough from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, as he introduces participants to pint-sized owls. VINS’ own Raptors Up Close will take place several times throughout the day. Please dress warmly, as activities will be held both indoors and outdoors. Food trucks will be available during the festival.
All Owl Festival activities are included with the price of admission to the VINS Nature Center.
Registration is encouraged due to limited space available. Admission is free for VINS members. The price of admission to the Nature Center is $14.50 for adults; $13.50 for seniors 62 and over; $12.50 for youth ages 4 to 17; and free for children 3 and under.
For more information or to register, call 802-359-5000 or visit vinsweb.org.
Photo courtesy of VINS
Snowy the resident snow owl at VINS, along with several other owls that inhabit the center, will be the center of attention during events focused on the majestic raptor.
