Agency Details:

VINS (The Vermont Institute Of Natural Science)

The mission of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Description:
VINS has 2 nature centers located in: Quechee and Manchester, Vermont. VINS provides education all over the state through these centers, through outreach and through the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program. The Nature Center in Quechee maintains one of North America's most impressive collections of live raptors including eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. VINS Avian Wildlife Rehabilitation treats and releases hundreds of injured wild birds each year.

History:
In 1972 VINS was founded by a small group of people who had fought to clean up the polluted Ottauquechee River. VINS would focus on education, outreach, and research programs. In 1972 the Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) program was established in local elementary schools. In 1977 VINS began to study the Common Loon in Vermont which lead to the Loon Recovery Project. In 1987 the Vermont Raptor Center opens to the public. In 2004 VINS Nature Center opens on 47 acres in Quechee.

Contact person: Linda Conrad, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (802) 359-5001

Address:

PO Box 1281 Quechee, VT 05059

Web Site: http://www.vinsweb.org

Directions:

Off Interstate 89 in Vermont- take exit 1. Go west onto Rt 4, past the Quechee Gorge. VINS is on your right.

Last updated on November 30, 2009