VCE in the News
Press Releases
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. Read the Press Release »
The Fish Lead Free Project Encourages Vermont Anglers to Protect Loons and Wildlife
The Fish Lead Free Project launched by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) in partnership with local lake associations and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department aims to help anglers adopt loon-friendly fishing practices more easily. VCE and partners have installed collection tubes at boat access areas at 24 bodies of water across the state for anglers to easily and safely discard lead sinkers plus unwanted monofilament lines and hooks. By getting lead out of people’s tackle boxes, loon biologists hope to reduce future loon and other wildlife mortalities. Read the Press Release »
Blunt Trauma is Determined as Cause of Death for Vermont’s Oldest Loon
Last month, the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) announced the death of Vermont’s oldest known loon, a 31-year-old male from Newark Pond. At the time, VCE Vermont Loon Conservation Project biologist Eric Hanson was awaiting results from an autopsy report, hoping it would shed some light on the loon’s cause of death and overall health. Hanson received the results last week, and they show the loon was in excellent health at the time of its death and displayed injuries consistent with blunt trauma. Read the Press Release »
New Report Uses Big Data to Establish Vermont Biodiversity Baseline
By 2100, Vermont is estimated to experience a net loss of 386 species (or 6%), under the current carbon emission scenario. This comes among several key findings outlined in a new report from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE). Their report marks the 10th Anniversary of the Vermont Atlas of Life, an ambitious project that harnesses the power of community science and professional biologists to discover, document, and map Vermont’s biodiversity. Read the Press Release »
After Two Decades of Searching, Biologist Discovers Rare Butterfly in Vermont
A rare and elusive butterfly has been discovered for the first time in Vermont, flying this spring at one of the state’s protected natural areas. Bog elfin, patterned in brown and rust, and no bigger than a penny, had eluded detection in the state until one flew past a Vermont field biologist who had been searching for it for two decades. Read the Press Release »
Vermonters Invited to Help Search for Butterflies
Vermonters now have another excuse to get outside on sunny days: to join a statewide survey of the most angelic insects—butterflies. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies is recruiting volunteers to help search fields and fens, mountains and meadows, and even their own backyards to help document the status of Vermont’s butterflies. Read the Press Release »
This Spring, Feed the Bees—Don’t Buy Them
Concern about struggling bee populations has spawned an industry of mail-order wild bee suppliers that often target landowners. Despite good intentions, importing live bees into Vermont poses a significant threat to native species and is not recommended without carefully considering the risks and benefits. Read the Press Release »
State of Vermont’s Wild Bees Report Assesses Conservation Status for First Time
Over 350 wild bee species call Vermont home, but 55 of those species urgently need conservation action. A new report from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), in collaboration with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD), provides the first comprehensive assessment of Vermont’s bees. Read the Press Release »
Vermont Center for Ecostudies Announces Incoming Executive Director
After a comprehensive, six-month search, Susan Hindinger has been appointed as incoming Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE). Hindinger has served as VCE’s Associate Director since 2014, adding operational leadership and helping to guide the organization’s growth. She will officially assume her new role on October 1, 2022, succeeding retiring founder Chris Rimmer. Read the Press Release »
VCE Offers New Free Bumble Bee Guide
This first of its kind Guide to Bumble Bees of New England is available to download and print. The easy-to-use guide and accompanying illustrated plate may just spark a new hobby. Read the Press Release »
VCE Executive Director Chris Rimmer Receives Partners in Flight Lifetime Achievement Award
On March 10, 2022, Rimmer received the David N. Pashley Lifetime Achievement award from Partners in Flight (PIF) to recognize his outstanding career, particularly his work in the Greater Antilles studying Bicknell’s Thrush (BITH). He is only the eighth person to have received this award. Read the Press Release »
VCE Bids Farewell to Founding Executive Director
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE) formally announced today the upcoming retirement of their co-founder and Executive Director, Chris Rimmer. VCE’s leadership team is currently preparing for the transition, as Rimmer expects to officially step down from his position Oct. 1, 2022. Read the Press Release »
