Arts, Dining & Entertainment

VINS presents eighth annual Winter Wildlife Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m.—QUECHEE—On Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) will celebrate the wildlife of winter at the Nature Center with a fun-filled day of family activities.
In the morning, join the Birds and Art program with VINS naturalists and raptors in the classroom for family-friendly crafts and drawing. For inspiration, an art exhibit will be on display with wildlife photographs and paintings by two VINS volunteers. At noon, take a break from the cold and warm up over lunchtime; bring a picnic and enjoy a nature film including complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate.
Also at noon, join educators as they demonstrate how to build nest boxes, which can be taken home to provide a safe place for songbirds to nest this spring. Later in the day, participate in a guided snow shoe walk led by one of VINS’ naturalists through the winter landscape on one of several nature trails. Following the walk, raptor feeding time will take place; discover what VINS’ raptors eat and how they care for these unique and wonderful creatures.
Complete the day by a warm campfire, enjoying hot chocolate and facts about some arctic raptors that only make their way this far south during the winter. With or without snow, the Winter Wildlife Celebration is a great way to discover the wonders of wildlife in winter.
All activities are included with general admission to the Nature Center, which is $14.50 for adults; $13.50 for seniors 62 and above; $12.50 for youth ages 4 to 17; and free for members and for children 3 and younger.
VINS Nature Center and Nature Store are open to the public daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with live bird programs on weekends and holidays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout the winter season. For a detailed nature center schedule and the most up-to-date information about upcoming events and programs at VINS, visit vinsweb.org.

Photo courtesy of  VINS
Kids toss stuffed owls into a nesting box as part of  VINS Winter Wildlife Celebration.

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