Field Guide to November 2025
Stick season is here and bird migration is petering off, but don’t let that get you down. The chickadees are bopping around the feeders, and mammals are getting fat and cozy. There are still even butterflies to be found! Here’s what to look for in November.
iNaturalist Vermont Hits One Million Research-grade Records!
More than 30,000 researchers and community scientists contributed to this milestone.
Over 350 Wild Bee Species Found in Vermont, with Help of Community Scientists
The new study provides the first comprehensive faunal list and conservation assessment of Vermont’s wild bees.
The Journey of a Single Bee Observation
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.
How to Become an Ecologist
One day, I sent my mom a photo of me holding a freshly banded bird. She texted back: “That’s the face of someone who’s found what they love to do.” I hadn’t realized it until then, but she was right. Somewhere during this summer, I’d stopped feeling like an imposter and began to feel like a real ecologist.
Bernie Paquette Receives the 2025 Julie Nicholson Community Science Award
VCE bee biologist Spencer Hardy first met Bernie Paquette at the 2019 Jericho-Underhill Christmas Bird Count. Paquette had long since retired from his career at IBM in Essex Junction, but…
A Quick Trip to Birding Paradise
The D.R.’s biodiversity features hundreds of endemic species—ones you’ll find nowhere else on the planet—among them orchids, iguanas, frogs, ferns, and (happily for us) 33 extraordinary bird species.
How States Like Vermont Fill the Gaps in Wetland Protection
Even with the rollback of federal protections, data still matter, especially at state and local levels. Thanks to VPMon and other research programs, VCE is able to contribute to evidence-based decision-making in Vermont and beyond.
Why We Don’t Hoard Data
In the past, many scientists viewed the data that they collected as something belonging to them, sometimes guarding it zealously out of fear that they would be scooped by another scientist or with a sense that the data reflected too much hard work to simply give away.
Why Bicknell’s Thrush?
How one elusive bird inspired generations of biologists—and helped create Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
More Than Weeds: Herbicide Dicamba’s Return Could Impact Wildlife, Too
Dicamba is a controversial herbicide that has caused issues for both ecosystems and people. However, the EPA announced in July its intention to authorize its sale to farmers—again.
Field Guide to October 2025
Nature is putting on its final, colorful autumn show. Leaves are turning and falling, bees are buzzing around the asters, and mushrooms are putting out their final fruit. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it!
