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iNaturalist Vermont Hits One Million Research-grade Records!

October 30, 2025  |  Kent McFarland

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

October 29, 2025  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

The new study provides the first comprehensive faunal list and conservation assessment of Vermont’s wild bees.

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.

How to Become an Ecologist

October 22, 2025  |  Isabella Soddu

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

October 22, 2025  |  Alden Wicker

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

October 21, 2025  |  Jim Goetz

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

October 20, 2025  |  Emily Anderson

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

October 16, 2025  |  Kent McFarland

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?

October 13, 2025  |  Alden Wicker

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

October 2, 2025  |  Emily Anderson

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

October 1, 2025  |  Vermont Center for Ecostudies

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!

Field Report: The Secret Lives of Catbirds: Uncovering Nesting Behavior with Tracking Technology

September 8, 2025  |  Kevin Dernier

We’re studying how we can track the behavior of these skulky, secretive birds. With luck and persistence, we may be able to piece together how the reproductive burden affects females season-to-season and year-to-year.