Know Your 5: Bees That Pollinate Winter Squash
Insect-mediated pollination is crucial for squash fruiting. Squash blooms open for one day only, beginning pre-dawn and generally closing around noon, never to reopen. The more pollen deposited on the stigma, the better the fruit set. Here how to attract bees that can help.
Field Guide to July 2026
July is abundant—gardens bloom and buzz with insects, loon calls echo across lakes, berries ripen in the mountains.
Know Your 5: Wild Bees That Pollinate Tomatillos and Other Ground Cherries
Ground cherries and tomatillos are in the genus Physalis, which also includes at least one native species in Vermont. With five Physalis associated native bees, this genus presents an opportunity to support several rare bees with a commercial crop.
They’re Alive! Banded Birds Flock to Mount Mansfield for Our 34th Season
For the last three years, this moment has defined the beginning of my summer. It’s our first evening on Mansfield, and the Bicknell’s Thrush are singing their evening chorus before settling in for the night as the sun sets on Lake Champlain.
Bicknell’s Thrushes Are Back on Mount Mansfield!
It’s become clear that survival was higher than expected last winter. Over 70% (14 of the 19) of the Race to the Atlantic lineup have either been detected via Motus or recaptured on Mount Mansfield so far this season.
How Birds Are Impacted by Atlantic Hurricanes
“So devastating were these storms that we have little to report in the way of storm-blown birds: the affected areas were too damaged and inaccessible to permit birding, and many beloved birding and banding areas along the Gulf of Mexico coast were altered beyond recognition.” – Sullivan & Wood 2005
Where Did My Hayfield Birdsong Go?
Meadowlarks are down to 50 breeding pairs in Vermont. But if you hope to provide breeding habitat for Bobolink then there’s good news. If you maintain it, they will come.
Plant These Native Flowers Around Your Farm to Attract Wild Bee Crop Pollination
Wild bees are responsible for pollinating many Vermont-grown vegetables and fruits, in addition to pollinating wild plants that create resilient landscapes. Pollinator habitat on farms can take many forms, from planted rows of cut flowers to neglected field margins. Here are some bee-supporting flowers that you can plant or let grow wild.
Teaching the Educators About Community Science
Every July, science educator and naturalist Ron Smith partners with VCE to facilitate a free (with stipend) Community Science Teacher Education Workshop. We still have a few open spots, so read up on what teachers can expect in this four-day workshop in White River Junction, and send it to a science teacher you know!
Good News: More Loons Now Protected from Wakeboat Waves
This story ran in Loon Caller, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies’ annual loon publication. Support Vermont loons today—mark down that your gift is for the Vermont Loon Conservation Project. The…
Something is Killing Our Loons: A Comic
Loons pick up rocks to fill their gizzards, organs that help break down tough materials from their diet. But sometimes, other things get mixed in.
In the Silence of Whip-poor-wills
I’m neither bored nor disappointed on zero-count nights. I relish the chance to pay close attention outside at night, and to do so as part of a community ritual.
