Celebrate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! #YearoftheBird
by Anna Autilio Lead Environmental Educator 2018 is the Year of the Bird, and the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. What is the MBTA and why is it still relevant? When walking through the woods, it’s not uncommon to find a gorgeous feather lying on the ground. The iridescent plume seems like…
Winter Storm: Snowy Owl
by Anna Autilio Lead, Environmental Educator VINS Ambassador “Snowy” – Allegra Boverman Winter has barely begun, and it is already shaping up to be another Snowy Owl irruption year! These stunning, mysterious arctic visitors will find themselves looking farther than usual for a wide, expanse of hunting ground to pass the winter, delighting those of…
The Numbers Are In
This year, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science helped more than 100 visitors actively identify and count wild birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 21. The VINS team of VINS staff members and members of the public recorded a checklist tallying 7 different avian species, which was added to the…
Scientist for a Day: the Great Backyard Bird Count
By Ian MiyashiroEnvironmental Educator Growing up I wanted to be a scientist, traveling around the world studying animals. I ended up being more of a science teacher, but from time to time I get to help with projects that allow me to be a scientist for a day. The 14th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count…
Owls Hit the Big Screen
At VINS, we already know owls are cool. So it was no surprise many of the staff here got more than a little excited when word of Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole got out. This animated film, which opens today, is about a group of kidnapped owls who join forces to save…
Wintering Raptors
Join VINS tonight, Thursday, Sept. 2, to hear tales from ornithologist Al Hinde about his studies and travels out west, and about Hinde’s contributions to the field of ornithology and raptor studies. His presentation, “Wintering Raptors of the Great Basin: Oasis High in the Desert,” will help prepare people for heading out into the field…
Fill Summer with Adventure, Learning
By Beth Roy Camp and School Programs Manager As the days grow longer, the trees’ leaves mature and turn a dark green and migratory birds arrive for nesting season in New England, it’s time to plan family vacations, outdoor excursions and summer camp for kids! VINS is offering an exciting array of brand new nature…
Paint for Rain
Rain barrels are not only an excellent way to collect runoff rainwater for watering gardens and washing cars. They also make excellent canvasses! Join the Vermont Institute of Natural Science this Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., to learn about rain barrels and water conservation, and try your hand at painting a barrel. The Art on A…
Recipe for Amazing Summer Camp Experience
By Beth Roy, Camp Programs Manager and School Programs Coordinator Take 8 individuals with a passion for the environment and education. Sprinkle in 4 masters degrees and 7 bachelors degrees. Include a heaping scoop of more than 45 years of combined experience. And what do you get? VINS’ Nature Camp staff for the summer of…
Fostering Future Conservation Efforts
By Beth Roy, VINS Camp Program Manager and School Program Coordinator As a child, I grew up outside exploring every inch of my parents’ property, building forts and tree houses out of whatever I could find, usually with my dog and sometimes a sister in tow. Often I would hear the words, “Go outside and…
