From left to right: Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Snowy Owl
Quechee, VT – Join the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) as we celebrate OWLS this spring! Our annual Owl Festival will take place at our VINS Nature Center on Saturday, April 15 from 9 AM to 5 PM. This much-loved annual event is one that our VINS community and members look forward to each year, and we are excited to bring to our guests a day filled with adventure as you encounter live owls from around the world.
Leading up to the activities on the 15th, we are excited to welcome a series of virtual presentations on each Friday evening. Virtual Owl Friday talks are in conjunction with our annual Owl Festival, about owl conservation, research, and ecology. These virtual talks are complimentary - a $10.00 donation would be helpful to support these programs and others in the future.
Please register in advance at:
- Virtual Owl Friday – Wild at Heart Saving Species from Extinction w/Bob Fox, March 31, 6-7 PM: http://ow.ly/lUXm50NjqXs
- Virtual Owl Friday – Teton’s Poo-Poo Project, w/Teton Raptor Center, April 7, 6-7 PM: http://ow.ly/mYQq50NjqZj
- Virtual Owl Friday – Great Gray Owls & Tree Snags, w/Beth Mendelsohn, April 14, 6-7 PM: http://ow.ly/A9jN50Njr19
Then, join us on Saturday, April 15 for a day of all things owly at the Nature Center! Gather with live owls from all over the world, discover their life stories, join in a craft, and play games. Fuel up with food from Open Hearth Pizza. Spice up your experience by dressing as your favorite owl! You never know whooo you’ll run into… There will be a one-year family membership raffle for those that attend. Learn more: vinsweb.org/event/owl-festival-423
All Day Programs, and Scheduled Activities are located on our web-site for more details at https://vinsweb.org/special-events/.
We welcome two artists at the Nature Center and both exhibits are on display in the Neale Pavilion. From March 1 | 10:00 am - May 31 | 4:00/5:00 pm
Artist Exhibition – Owls
March 1 – May 31
Neale Pavilion / VINS Nature Center
Experience the beauty of owls through the artwork of painters Betsy Smith and Diana Clegg Brown.
About Betsy Smith
Betsy’s artwork is a celebration of the amazing natural world around us, from distant galaxies to the fascinating wild creatures with whom we share our sacred Earth. Her preferred mediums are watercolors and acrylics, and she particularly enjoys watercolor painting on location, where the added sensations of weather, birdsongs and bugs adds a lively dimension to the creative process. She loves the feeling of being an integral part of the landscape as she’s painting, sketching birds and other wildlife as they go about their lives always gives her joy. Betsy’s sincere hope is that through her artwork she can share her love of wild creatures and the special places they call home. View Betsy’s artwork on her Facebook page.
About Diana Clegg Brown
A love and reverence for the natural world and its creatures has been a theme and spiritual inspiration throughout Diana’s life. She has been fortunate to have had owl encounters that have made a lasting impression on her. The process of painting, of attending to each beautiful detail of these magnificent creatures inspires a sense of awe and connection—this feeling is what painting is for her. Diana relies on inspiring photographs to capture not just details, but the mystery and wonder of the owls. She maintains great respect for the wildlife photographers who spend enormous time and effort traveling and locating the owls, while taking care to respect their space as they wait for photos.
Proceeds from the purchase of artwork from artists Betsy Smith and Diana Clegg Brown will benefit VINS’ mission.
Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended for this event. Admission prices will be going up on April 1. Currently through March 31, you may purchase tickets at the lower price.
Learn more and purchase admission: vinsweb.org/event/owl-festival-423/
Discounted rates are not available for online ticket purchases. EBT cards, guest passes, and library membership cards can be presented the day of the festival for discounts on admission. (Multiple discounts do not apply.)
VINS is headquartered in Quechee, VT at the VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, VT 05059. We invite all to visit us in Quechee to explore our Forest Canopy Walk and discover the amazing diversity of mammals and birds. Also, explore our Adventure Playscape, a natural place for kids with elements for creative play, fun for all ages.
The Nature Store is open for in-person shopping, and we invite guests to shop anytime at store.vinsweb.org.
The VINS Nature Center is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (April - October). All activities are included in admission. Starting April 1, 2023, regular admission pricing is as follows: adults $19.00; seniors, students and veterans $18.00; youth $16.00; and free for members and for children three and under.
All ticket purchases may be applied toward the purchase of VINS membership. We offer $5-per-person admission for EBT and Medicaid cardholders (ID is required).
For more information about VINS’ educational programs, please visit vinsweb.org/education, and for our school programs, vinsweb.org/school-programs. For more information about VINS, the VINS Forest Canopy Walk and our upcoming events, please visit our website at vinsweb.org, our nature blog at blog.vinsweb.org, and our social media (links below).
Due to State recommendations, our Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is closed temporarily. View details here: vinsweb.org/wild-bird-rehab. Please email [email protected] with any inquiries.
CONTACT
Mary Davidson Graham
Assistant Executive Director
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
United States