Posts by Susan Hindinger

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The Journey of a Single Bee Observation

October 23, 2025  |  Susan Hindinger

A geologist mentioned that he uses iNaturalist in the university classes he teaches. “We contribute a lot of observations,” he said. “Who knows if they’re really of use to anyone?” Oh, they are.

A Letter From Our Executive Director: Prepared for This Moment

August 5, 2025  |  Susan Hindinger

These are not normal times for science or conservation. And many of you have asked how recent federal actions have affected VCE’s work.

Lead Poisoning and a Love Triangle: A Tale of One Common Loon’s Brush with Death

July 24, 2024  |  Susan Hindinger

Nothing prepares you for your first close encounter with an injured loon. Thanks to countless individuals, this loon’s tale has a happy ending. However, its journey touched many, demonstrating that conservation on all scales requires a village of curious, passionate people.

The Next Generation of Mt. Mansfield Ridgeline Research at VCE

July 11, 2024  |  Susan Hindinger

With all the buzz on bees and other pollinators lately, you may be wondering if VCE is still studying birds. Are we ever! Amongst the plethora of continuing and new research, our Bicknell’s Thrush research program is going strong and has expanded to explore additional questions and build on past discoveries.

Introducing VCE’s ALL IN for Biodiversity Campaign

February 19, 2024  |  Susan Hindinger

When the VCE team developed a comprehensive organizational strategy in 2018, we charted an ambitious course, knowing that its success would require increasing our capacity. As we aspire to greater conservation impact, we’re going ALL IN for Biodiversity.

Field Report: Playing “Tag” with Bicknell’s Thrush in the Dominican Republic

February 16, 2023  |  Susan Hindinger

A VCE team recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to tag overwintering Bicknell’s Thrushes in the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, with colleagues from Grupo Jaragua. Executive Director Susan Hindinger recounts the experience, which was her first trip to the Dominican Republic and Director-emeritus Chris Rimmer’s 50th+/-.

VCE Presents the 2018 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award

December 30, 2018  |  Susan Hindinger

For her many contributions to advancing wildlife conservation as a volunteer citizen scientist, the staff and board of VCE are proud to present Elinor with the 2018 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award.

A Climate Ride Benefits VCE Interns

January 5, 2017  |  Susan Hindinger

In September Akshata Nayak embarked on the longest bicycle trip of her life. Until that day, her riding had been limited to an afternoon on a bike path or a ride around her hometown. But she heard about an organization called Climate Ride and inspiration struck.

Spiders in Winter

December 7, 2016  |  Susan Hindinger

Spiders are “poikilothermic,” meaning their body temperatures vary significantly, more or less tracking that of their environment. The chief challenge of winter for spiders in the temperate zone, then, is dealing with the cold.

Mountain Birds and Jail Birds: Another Season of Mountain Birdwatch

August 7, 2015  |  Susan Hindinger

Trees fall over trails. Bridges wash out. Gullies form and block routes. During Mountain Birdwatch, these are trivialities … compared to a couple of escaped convicts.

Jason Hill Joins VCE as Post-Doctoral Research Biologist

January 6, 2015  |  Susan Hindinger

With the new year, VCE welcomes post-doc Jason Hill, who has relocated from State College, PA to launch our 3-year, nationwide project studying the migration ecology of Upland Sandpipers and Grasshopper Sparrows.

VCE Presents the 2014 Julie Nicholson Citizen Scientist Award

December 3, 2014  |  Susan Hindinger

This year VCE honors Marv and Sue Elliott with the Julie Nicholson Citizen Science Award. This brings the award full circle, as Marv and Sue credit its namesake for their…