A Call to Stewardship What we leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of our children. —Pericles
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Spring now comes unheralded by the return of the birds, and the early mornings are strangely silent where once they were filled with the beauty of bird song. —Rachel Carson Silent Spring 1962
In the decades following Rachel Carson’s warning call, a generation of American citizens embraced the challenge of restoring threatened habitat for wildlife and became committed stewards of the environment. In Vermont, a dedicated group of activists focused their efforts on the health of the Ottauquechee and Connecticut River watersheds, creating the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in 1972. More than four decades later, VINS is one of the leading centers for environmental education in the northeast United States. Over that time, it has introduced several generations to the importance of environmental stewardship. This work is vital to the region and must continue so future generations will ensure the seasons are always filled with the beauty of bird song. This is an appeal for stewardship of that mission.
AMERICAN KESTREL
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A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. —Attributed to John James Audubon
VINS IS CREATING A NEW GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS Each year, more than 60,000 schoolchildren, teachers, families and adults experience nature firsthand at a
VINS program or exhibit.
For many, it is their first up-close encounter. For most, it makes an indelible impression about the wonder of nature and our responsibility to care for it. That is the work we do. Whether the spectacle of a raptor release, a forest walk to the river, or an immersion in a nature camp, visitors to VINS come
away with an appreciation for scientific discovery and environmental stewardship that will remain for a lifetime. A COMMITMENT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS We are actively planning VINS’ future. Through facility improvements, innovative exhibits and online experiences, we are creating new ways to reach the next generation. We understand their importance for protecting the natural world.
EASTERN MILK SNAKE
“ NORTHERN HARRIER
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I will act as if what I do makes a difference. —William James
A COMMITMENT TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Besides innovating for change in technology and social trends, we must create a financial foundation for VINS that will remain viable
50 and 100 years from now. A key step is the expansion of our endowment by $5 million over the next 3 years. This action will provide revenue for operations and reinvestment in the fund itself. Most importantly, it will allow the management and staff to focus primarily on our mission and the important task of shaping the future of VINS.
A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP In the coming years, our society is likely to face challenges even greater than those met by the founders of VINS in the early 70’s. Political, social and economic pressures will make environmental stewardship more important and challenging than ever. We must teach new generations the importance of caring for wildlife and habitat.
WE NEED YOUR HELP We can do the work, but we need champions to help us raise the needed resources. As a supporter of VINS, we ask that you consider becoming a steward of our endowment in order to help build a foundation that will make our work possible into the future. Please let us know your interest by returning the enclosed folder. You may also contact our Executive Director, Charles Rattigan at cfrattigan@vinsweb.org to request a conversation.
VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE PO Box 1281 6565 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT 05059 802.359.5000 VINSWEB.ORG
ABOVE: RED-TAILED HAWK / COVER: SNOWY OWL