Join Us for a Field Trip in 2025!
Throughout the spring and summer, VCE’s staff scientists are spread across the state, monitoring birds, checking up on vernal pools, identifying Vermont’s wild bees, and more. We invite you to join them in the field for a full sensory experience of New England’s natural places and their animal kingdom citizens.
Check out our currently available trips on our field trip page.
Learn from VCE Staff in Person and Online
Pull up a chair and learn about the latest conservation news, plus how you can be involved. If you have an event, group, or organization that would like to host a VCE staff member for a particular topic, please fill out our Speaker Request Form.
If you’d like to support VCE’s biodiversity conservation work, please consider a contribution. Donate easily and securely online anytime!
Meadows, Mountains, and Moraines: The history (and future) of northeastern grassland
April 17, 2025While natural phenomena have long shaped landscape composition, anthropogenic influences are increasingly dictating what lives where. Grassland ecosystems have taken the brunt of human agriculture and development, with the Great Plains losing millions of acres annually. Amid accelerating climate change and global extinctions, opportunities exist in the Northeast to provide long-term habitat for grassland birds — the most rapidly declining group of birds on the continent. Join Green Mountain Audubon Society and speaker Kevin Tolan — staff biologist at VCE and graduate student at the University of Vermont — and discover the origin of our North American grasslands, the pressing threats they experience, the local conservation opportunities that have arisen, and the uncertain future they face. More Info and Register »
Vernal Pool Walk in North Bennington
April 19, 2025Join Coverts Cooperator Solon Rhode as he hosts Dana Williams from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies for a guided walk as we step into the world of vernal pools and explore the incredible biodiversity within. This walk offers a hands-on look at what makes these wetlands so special—and how we can help protect them. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy waterproof footwear or rubber boots. Register »
Conservation in Your Backyard: How to Build Better Habitat for Pollinators
April 22, 2025Vermont is home to hundreds of species of wild pollinators and some of them are living right in your backyard! Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center will host VCE's Dana Williams at Montshire Museum of Science to explore which species live near you, what you can do to help them thrive throughout the year and how you can contribute to pollinator conservation across Vermont. Sign Up »
Restore Nature in Your Own Yard
April 22, 2025Did you know that small changes in your yard can have a huge impact on biodiversity? By creating native habitat, you can help restore nature while experiencing the joy and fulfillment of connecting with the world around you. Join us on April 22nd 6:30PM - 8:30PM at Nugget Theaters, Hanover, NH for a special dual video presentation from Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park. After viewing the 1 hour 30 minute videos ‘What’s the Rush’ and ‘Restoring Insects’, stick around for a live 30 minute Q&A with local experts, including VCE's Director of Conservation Science Dr. Ryan Rebozo, and Dr. Desirée Narango, whose research informs the keystone plant guides from Homegrown National Park. Plus, we’ll have free resources to help you take action right away. Presented by the Hanover Garden Club, Sustainable Hanover, Northern Woodlands, Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center, VT Center for Ecostudies, Sustainable Lebanon, Hanover Improvement Society, A Wild Garden, and the Hanover & Norwich Conservation Commissions. Learn More and RSVP »
WEBINAR: The Second Vermont Butterfly Atlas Q&A
April 23, 2025Join us on Wednesday, April 23, 7:00 PM for a wide-ranging discussion and Q&A about the atlas and any other burning butterfly related questions you might have. From questions about field work to reporting observations, or finer points of butterfly ID and natural history. Join us and share and learn with other atlas volunteers and staff. Register »
Discover Vernal Pools
April 26, 2025Vernal pools are small pockets of forest wetlands that flood from spring snowmelt and dry during midsummer, providing critical breeding habitat for several species of amphibians and a diverse assemblage of invertebrates. Join VCE Staff Biologist Kevin Tolan to learn about these "coral reefs of the forest.” Location: Woodstock, Vermont Date: April 26, 2025, 10:00 am – noon Register today! »
Celebrate spring with VCE at the Burlington City Nature Challenge!
April 27, 2025Join VCE scientists Onome Ofoman, Amber Jones, Desiree Narango, and Dana Williams at The Intervale Center for Burlington Wildways’ Spectacular Nature Day! There will be lots of regional partners represented and fun activities for adults and kids. VCE will be there to meet and greet with Adopt-a-plant volunteers, and talk about opportunities to participate in community science activities to document butterflies, birds, and plant-animal interactions. Learn More »
Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival
May 04, 2025This family-oriented outdoor educational event features nature-based programs, activities, walks, and locally-sourced food for all members of our community in an inclusive atmosphere and a natural setting. VCE will be one of dozens of organizations and science educators providing hands-on experiences for people of all ages. Learn More »
May Suds & Science: Restoration Through Dam Removal: Rivers, Resilience, and Community Action
May 06, 2025What happens when a dam comes down—and why does it matter for Vermont’s future? Join the Vermont Center for Ecostudies on Monday, May 6th, from 7-8 pm at Putnam’s Vine/Yard in White River Junction for a riveting exploration of river restoration. We’re excited to host Karina Dailey, an ecologist with the Vermont Natural Resources Council, who will reveal how removing dams can heal watersheds, strengthen ecosystems, and build community resilience. Through stories from four recent dam removal projects, she’ll showcase the science behind free-flowing rivers and the power of grassroots action. Expect eye-opening insights, stunning outcomes, and a fresh perspective on our relationship with water. As always, no PowerPoints—just lively conversation! Grab a drink, settle into Putnam’s cozy vibe, and dive into this critical environmental topic. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a science buff, or simply curious about Vermont’s landscapes, this talk is for you. Pro tip: Arrive by 6:30 pm to snag drinks or light bites before the talk. The event is free, all-ages, and family-friendly (kids welcome!). Questions? Contact Jason Hill or visit vtecostudies.org/suds-and-science. Learn More About S&S »
WEBINAR: An Introduction to the eButterfly Website and Mobile App
May 07, 2025Do you want to learn more about how to use eButterfly? Join Dr. Rodrigo Solis Sosa, our Human Network and Data Coordinator at eButterfly, as he explains how to use eButterfly in this webinar and ask him all your burning questions. Join the Webinar on Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 PM. Register »
Birding at Mount Auburn Cemetery
May 09, 2025Join former VCE Board Member Jared Keyes for a morning of birdwatching in Mount Auburn Cemetery, one of the premier birding locations in Massachusetts, especially during spring migration. Location: Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA Date: May 9, 2025, 7:00 – 10:00 am Register to Attend »
Birding at Mount Auburn Cemetery Pt II
May 15, 2025Join former VCE Board Member Jared Keyes for a morning of birdwatching in Mount Auburn Cemetery, one of the premier birding locations in Massachusetts, especially during spring migration. Location: Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA Register to Attend »
Birding a Spring Migration Hotspot in Windsor, VT
May 22, 2025Spring migration at Lake Runnemede, one of east-central Vermont’s premier birding spots, is a sight to behold. Join birding experts VCE Director Emeritus Chris Rimmer and Data Manager Megan Massa on a birdwatching excursion that’s sure to produce dozens of sightings from warblers to waterfowl. The trip is open to up to 12 participants, new and experienced birders alike. Location: Windsor, Vermont Dates: May 22, 2025, 7:30 – 10:00 am Register to Attend »
Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Conference
May 29, 2025For this day of learning, networking, and celebration of Vermont’s community trees, 12 workshops will cover topics such as tree care, climate resilience, urban forest planning, and more! Desirée Narango from VCE will present Keystone Trees for Songbird and Pollinator Conservation. Desiree will speak about co-evolutionary relationships between trees, insects and birds and provide information about which native trees are the ‘power plants’ that support local food webs based on her research across New England and beyond. Desiree will also speak about steps you can take to conserve biodiversity at home and how your backyard observations can contribute to advancing our understanding of plant-animal interactions. Thanks to some generous sponsors, registration costs have been reduced to just $20, with lunch included! Continuing education credits (ISA & SAF) will be available for select workshops. | Thursday, May 29, 2025, 8:30am-3:45pm at Vermont State University – Randolph Campus Learn More and Register »
Pollinator Celebration Day
May 31, 2025The Vermont Pollinator Working Group presents a celebration of all-things pollinators for the learners of all ages! From managed honey bees to the 350 species of native bees in Vermont, learn from experts about their extraordinary diversity and importance. Discover how you can support pollinators in your community and backyard. Hear from keynote speakers and attend workshops (pre-registration required, intended for a young adult/adult audience). Meet organizations like VCE that are working together to tackle urgent threats to bees and other pollinators in the Northeast, visit your local native plant suppliers at the Pollinator Plaza and explore youth activities. Learn More and Register »
Rangeley Birding Festival
June 05, 2025From Boreal Chickadees in our vast forests to Loons on our magnificent lakes to the rare Bicknell’s Thrush in the high peaks above, the Rangeley Region is rich with birds. Add in both migrating and breeding warblers, and you have a unique opportunity to see and learn about birds that are difficult to find in other parts of Maine, all in one weekend: June 5-8. Get ready for four days of incredible birdwatching and unforgettable experiences. Explore some of the best boreal birding spots in the Northeast with expert biologists and seasoned birders as your guides, featuring a keynote from VCE's Jason Hill. Festival highlights include a special welcome reception at Saddleback, lift access up Saddleback Mountain for breathtaking views and birding opportunities, an inspiring keynote speaker dinner with conservation biologist Jason Hill, and a delightful brunch at The Nest, Saddleback’s high-elevation restaurant. Learn More and Buy Tickets »
VCE 2025 Community Science Teacher Workshop
July 07, 2025Join us from July 7th through the 10th for VCE’s fourth Community Science Teacher Education Workshop. This program is intended to engage science educators in inquiry-based exercises that incorporate both data collection and analysis. Throughout the four-day long program, participants will receive a primer on the Upper Valley’s ecology, gain confidence incorporating field methods into their curriculum, work with open access data, and discuss both planning and conducting community science studies. A $150 stipend and continuing education credits are available to participants. Participation is limited to 12 educators on a first come first served basis. Learn more and register here »
Interested in having a VCE conservation biologist speak at your event, or lead a field outing?
Please fill out our Speaker Request Form to start the process.
Example Presentations:
Presenter: Spencer Hardy
Title: Exploring Vermont’s Wild Bees: Natural History, Identification, and Conservation.
Presentation Summary: When most people think of bees, they imagine the famous Honey Bee (Apis melifera), yet that is just one of more than 300 species of bees found in the state. Since 2019, the Vermont Wild Bee Survey has been criss-crossing the state to document these important pollinators. We have found dozens of species not previously known from the state and are amassing a rich database that will be invaluable to conservation planners for years to come. Hear more about this project–including our most exciting findings, ideas on conserving vulnerable bees, and ways you can join our future monitoring efforts.
Presenter: Kevin Tolan
Title: Eastern Meadowlarks in Vermont: Ecology and Conservation of an Imperiled Grassland Bird
Presentation Summary: Eastern Meadowlarks in the Northeast are rapidly declining; based on the latest USGS Breeding Bird Survey results, they’re undergoing an estimated 8.7% annual decline in Vermont. With their recent designation of Threatened in New Hampshire, and imminent listing in Vermont, now is a golden opportunity for targeted survey efforts. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies is partnering up with New Hampshire Audubon to launch a bi-state “blitz” this spring to encourage birders and community scientists to target areas of grassland habitat with the goal of seeking out meadowlarks. Join VCE and our collaborators to learn about these imperiled songbirds and what you can do to help keep them on the Vermont landscape.
