Get "eye to eye" with Snowy Owls, Peregrine Falcons and other birds of prey at Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) newest offering, VINS Nature Center in Quechee.

Opened in June 2004 as one of the Institute's largest endeavors,  the Quechee Nature Center offers spectacular bird shows, interactive exhibits, nature trails, a gift store, classes and educational programs.

Built on 47 acres of rolling forestland, the state-of-the-art facility and nearby Quechee Gorge provide several highlights to a perfect Vermont vacation.

Pristine forested surroundings, friendly & knowledgeable staff, and the heroes—injured birds that struggle to gain their independence and fly free once again―are well worth your time to see.

Located near one of Vermont's top tourist attractions, Quechee Gorge, the VINS Center is set in a lush valley surrounded by towering trees. It's breathtaking location enhances new Raptor Exhibits that include 17 large, state-of-the-art enclosures to house Bald Eagles, Screech Owls and North America's finest collection of birds-of-prey.  Treated with kid gloves, these injured creatures enjoy some of the finest accommodations available to live out their lives or rehabilitate back into nature.

Visitors can get close and personal or "eye to eye" with over 30 non-releasable, North American raptors, all permanent guests in an esteemed list that includes Snowy Owls, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, Bald & Golden Eagles, Great Gray Owls and numerous  birds-of-prey.  

We're really proud of the VINS program and new facility," said Communications Director Jason Aldous of Vermont Tourism. Charged with promoting all of Vermont's great assets, Aldous is particularly pleased that the facility and VINS' efforts have fostered relationships and attracted visitors (including scientists) from around the globe.

Starting with a grassroots group of concerned citizens who wanted to clean up the polluted Ottauquechee River in 1972, VINS has grown to a corps of 2,500 volunteers and over 60 employees at four facilities throughout Vermont. In addition to research and education, VINS also promotes conservation globally.

One example is a program that sends scientists to dwindling rain forests to create and implement methods for  saving endangered bird species, many that migrate to Vermont to breed in the springtime.

Locally, a partnership with Vermont Agency of Transportation to provide nesting boxes for American Kestrels on the back side of Vermont highway signs has resulted in over 100 falcon hatchings since 1995. Flying from wintering grounds as far away as Tierra del Fuego, Argentina near the southern tip of South America, the smallest and most colorful raptors are graceful, fast, powerful fliers known for their remarkable ability to hover.

Shoppers seeking a keepsake remembrance can soon purchase furniture  created for the institute by an environmentally-conscious, Vermont based manufacturer, ClearLake Furniture. Yet another example of innovative partnering, a portion of proceeds from sales will be contributed to VINS.

Be sure ask for details about the new furniture design at VINS Nature Store when visiting the Quechee Nature Center. The gift shop includes hundreds of unique souvenir items, gifts, postcards, books, plus ice cold soft drinks, water and snacks.

After you've completed your VINS tour,  head out on the Nature Trails near the raptor exhibits. This easy hike past  Ottaquechee River continues to the spectacular Quechee Gorge at the adjacent State Park trails.

VINS / Quechee VINS Nature Center
(just west of Quechee Gorge)
6565 Woodstock Road
Rte. 4, P.O. Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059
Call: (802) FLY-5000

Open year round except  Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
www.vinsweb.com

Directions: The VINS Nature Center is located just 1/4 mile west of the Quechee Gorge on Route 4. From I-89, take Exit 1 to Route 4 West.