RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains
Online Newsletter April 1997
Vermont Institute of Natural Science is just one of the many organizations with which RSVP of the Upper Valley and White Mountains (VT/NH) works to get things done in the Upper Valley.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program's services are free to the volunteers and organizations we serve.
RSVP home page to find out more about the benefits of being an RSVP volunteer, or how your non-profit organization can provide volunteer opportunities through RSVP, most anywhere in the United States.
Brief History of VINS
- 1969: Research programs which were the precursors of VINS begans: water quality analysis of the Ottauquechee River and ornithological research with a banding station in South Woodstock, Vermont.
- 1972: VINS founded, envisioned as a statewide environmental education and research organization.
- The first Vermont Bird Conference held.
- Staff: a half-time executive director, half-time program coordinator, and half-time secretary.
- 1974: The Bragdon Preserve, including 57 acres and a dairy barn built in 1942, donated by June McKnight in the memory of Marjoie Salstonstall Bragdon through the Nature Conservancy. Renovation to the barn began.
- 1975: VINS moved to the Bragdon Nature Preserve; one-fourth of the barn renovated.
- 1976: Six staff, 15 ELF towns, and annual budget of $52,175
- 1977: Lower floor renovation completed.
- 1978: Upper floor converted into auditorium.
- 1979: First Birdathon held.
- 1980: 20 acre Pasture Hill Preserve donated by Margaret Mann.
- First Wildlife Art Exhibit and Sale held.
- 1981: Hill House residence donated to VINS.
- Planning for Raptor Center began.
- 9 staff; 21 ELF towns; budget of $150,000.
- 1982: 10th Anniversary of VINS; during this period 25,000 school children reached through ELF.
- 1985: Avian Medicine Conference hosted by VINS.
- 1986: Infirmary built.
- 1987: Hands on Nature, ELF curriculum published by VINS.
- VINS Raptor Center opened to public in August.
- 14 staff; ELF in 33 towns; budget of $427,000.
- 1989: WASTEWAY published.
- 1995: 30 staff; ELF in 60 towns; Raptor Center had 25,000 visitors; research department has high-elevation bird program in four states and the Dominican Republic; annual budget of $1.1 million.
VINS
Volunteer Opportunities at VINS
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