ANNUAL REPORT 2017~2018 Photo Tig Tillinghast Credit: VINS in Retrospect April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018
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VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE ANNUAL REPORT 2017~2018 Photo Tig Tillinghast Credit: VINS In Retrospect April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 VINS NATURE CENTER Amazing Transformation 149 Natures Way Citizen Science P.O. Box 1281 The Vermont Institute of Science’s fiscal year Under the leadership of Anna Morris, Lead Quechee, VT 05059 2017-2018 marked an extraordinary period of growth. 802.359.5000 Environmental Educator, the VINS Citizen Science VINS experienced amazing transformation in several program has undergone promising growth. Crafting Charles F. Rattigan Executive Director areas, including a record 37,044 visitors to the Nature and presenting compelling public workshops, among Mary Davidson Graham Center, an unprecedented number of onsite field trips, other events, Anna continues to guide many bird Assistant Executive Director the robust expansion of both the Citizen Science and enthusiasts in how to participate in scientific research. Judith Callens VINS School Programs, and the addition of five new VINS actively engages with the Cornell Lab of Senior Advisor birds to the education program. Chris Collier Ornithology by collecting and submitting data from Director, On-Site Programs key events such as Great Backyard Bird Count and & Exhibits Field Trips & Outreach NestWatch. Hannah Putnam A significant rise in onsite school field trips, Director, School Programs & Teacher Professional Development implemented by the VINS Outreach Program team, School Programs was a substantial accomplishment in 2017. Integrating BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Center for Environmental Education achieved Jack Lee, Chair new subjects and speakers in the STEM fields, Linda phenomenal strides in our VINS School Programs. Tig Tillinghast, Treasurer Conrad, Lead, VINS Experience Navigator, and Emily The increase in the number of students and teachers Jonathan Bouton, Secretary Johnson, Science Outreach Educator, grew the number served by the program is stunning: student participation Simon Carr, Former Chair of Outreach field trips by 43% in 2017-2018. Both Douglas Bolger, Ph.D. soared from 4048 to 5726, a 41% hike, and teacher Thomas Ciardelli, Ph.D. children and adults participated in geology hikes to participation accelerated from 363 to 889, a 145% Rick Ferrell the Quechee Gorge and took part in explorations jump! Further, the number of lessons taught by VINS Joan Goldstein of diverse ecosystems on the VINS campus, among Science Educators more than doubled, from 153 to Brucie Hubbell other adventures. Patrice Mushlin 308 – a testament to the expertise and hard work Ron Paprocki of a stellar team of VINS Science Educators, Tom Weschler including Director, School Programs and Teacher Debra Williamson Professional Development Hannah Gelroth, M.Ed. and Science Educator Michelle Amato, M.Ed. VINS ANNUAL REPORT April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 2 VINS In Retrospect April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 TUCK FELLOWS Derek S. Farnung Also, five new education birds were added to VINS’ Katrina Goulden Speaking of Stars. Erica Toews current group of avian ambassadors, bringing the total VINS School Programs received a very generous grant to 15 birds by the end of 2017. The education birds, HONORARY TRUSTEES from the Butler Foundation to purchase StarLab©. Deborah Granquist who greet the public nearly each day, settled into a This unique, portable planetarium permits students J. David Laughlin, D.D.S. new home – a heated enclosure built to conform Jenepher Lingelbach the rare opportunity to learn about the night sky in to updated size guidelines. This project was made (D. 1935-2017) their own backyard. Eleanor Richmond possible by the generosity of two VINS supporters. FOUNDERS Adventure Playscape Richard Farrar, Jr. Expanding Nature Camp J. David Laughlin, D.D.S. VINS’ Adventure Playscape, which opened in May The VINS Nature Camp Program continues Sarah Laughlin 2018, offers children an authentic opportunity to use June McKnight to expand and improve its compelling day and their imagination, build confidence and agility, and (D. 1918-2017) overnight programs. In the summer of 2017, 425 cultivate their teamwork skills – all while exploring BOARD OF ADVISORS campers (a considerable percentage of whom were (featured on pages 3 & 4) and unearthing nature’s clues in an outdoor wood returning campers), from the United States, Canada, Sandy Allen and stone structure. Adventure Playscape was made and United Kingdom, enthusiastically took part in Greg Baker possible by a gift from a generous donor. Tom Blinkhorn varied offerings such as archery instruction, animal Matt Bucy Wild Bird Care adaptation adventures, challenging wilderness survival John Butterly tests and fascinating fieldwork. Sarah Strew, Lead, Carey Callaghan The Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation maintained Judith Callens Nature Camp and Adult Programs, and her band Megan Camp steady numbers of birds cared for in 2017. Birds of expert counselors contributed to a meaningful, Anne Carrihill admitted to the rehab center totaled 466 in calendar magical and memorable summer for many campers. Lisa Cashdan year 2017. Lead Wildlife Keeper Lauren Adams and Margaret Cheney Charles Daghlian her team of colleagues and volunteers worked Gordon DeWitt tirelessly and passionately to ensure that each Matthew Dunne bird received expert care and continuous Matthew Eckhouse Rick Farrar attention as required. Richard Ferrell Amy Florentino Robert Fox Stacey Gerrish Nathan Grabeel Martha Graber 3 VINS ANNUAL REPORT April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 VINS In Retrospect April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 BOARD OF ADVISORS Canopy Walk The Nature Store continued steadily increasing (featured on pages 3 & 4) its merchandise sales, experiencing a 24% rise in Deborah Granquist The launching of the Canopy Walk fundraising James Hand campaign was very successful as the initial goal was revenue in FY2017-2018. The store offers a broad Mimi Heuser met spot-on so that construction could begin on the array of handmade, unique gifts created by talented Lori Hirshfield artists from throughout the Upper Valley and Rachel Hochman project in the following year. The 2018 fundraising goal Laura Jeffords was set at $1.7 mil and proposes to drive the project Vermont. Emily Jones to completion by Fall of 2019. James Kerrigan And, most importantly, we applaud the superlative Mark Knott work that we have seen throughout the year from Michael Amos Kornfeld A Few Additional, Notable Highlights: our dedicated, dependable, passionate volunteers J. David Laughlin Scott MacLachlan The solar eclipse in July 2017 attracted upwards of (7,426 hours). From the long hours of baby bird Frank McDougall 600 visitors to the VINS campus; participants wore feedings and the daily husbandry of VINS’ animal Charlotte Metcalf 3D solar glasses to get a clear, safe view of this residents and patients to assistance with tasks and John Minelli Richard Mounce rare event. projects in the administration office, building and Deborah Ogden grounds, and educational programs, VINS volunteers The third successful en Plein Air Painting Festival Robert Ogden are an indispensable resource to both the organization John Osborn attracted dozens of artists from throughout the and local community. With the invaluable help of our Virginia Palmer community, Vermont, and beyond. Painters met Ronald Paprocki volunteers, an outstanding staff, a first-rate Board during the last week of September through the first Andrew Paul of Trustees – and you, our extraordinary supporters Mary Louise Pierson week of October to commune with the natural – VINS has touched nearly 60,000 people in Gregory Prince world, share ideas, paint in the beautiful outdoor Gordon Rice FY2017-2018. Nick Russell surroundings of the Nature Center and garner Heather Salon inspiration for their work. As we look forward to coming years, whether gazing Frank Sands at the stars or peering through binoculars at the John Sands Robin Shield backyard feeder, we embrace the collective goal of Peter Silberfarb excelling far beyond all that we have already achieved. Chris Sneddon James Gustave Speth Richard Thompson James Varnum John Vogel Tom Wessels Jennifer Williams VINS ANNUAL REPORT April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 4 Financials April 1, 2017 ~ March 31, 2018 The Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported solely by OUR MISSION donations, grants, volunteers, program fees, admissions to the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont, and VINS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sales from our Nature Center Store. We receive no government funding for operating support. organization whose mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife Income rehabilitation. Donations $1,638,136 Donations 60% Program Income $757,991 Program Income 28% OUR PRIORITY Making high-quality, compelling, Merchandise Sales $142,953 Merchandise Sales 5% and fun environmental education Other Sources $127,640 Other Sources 4% programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and Memberships $72,637 Memberships 3% communities. Total $2,739,357 OUR VISION To promote and deliver integrated Expenditures programs and services that are designed for a broad audience and Education $471,185 Education 25% address current ecological challenges. Specifically, VINS offers: Project Contruction $341,024 Project Contruction 18% • An exceptional environmental Nature Center $324,069 Nature Center 17% education resource at the Management & General $258,772 Management