How to Find Your Local Vernal Pool
A proposed rule change puts unconfirmed vernal pools in Vermont in peril. Reporting vernal pools to the Vermont Vernal Pool Atlas ensures that they’re afforded regulatory protection. You probably have one right in your neighborhood!
Uniting People and Science for Conservation
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies advances wildlife conservation across the Americas through research, monitoring, and community engagement. We envision a society that sustains healthy ecosystems through science-based decision making.
Latest from the Blog
How to Find and Confirm Vernal Pools in Your Neighborhood
A proposed rule change puts unconfirmed vernal pools in Vermont in peril. Reporting vernal pools to the Vermont Vernal Pool Atlas ensures that they’re afforded regulatory protection. And you probably have one right in your neighborhood!
How Your Winter Drinks Affect Our Wintering Songbirds
The vast majority of our New England songbird species spend most of their year in the tropics, overwintering in places where coffee and cocoa are grown.
The Unique Impact of Solar Farms on Grassland Birds
Clear-eyed conversations about where solar development occurs, how impacts are mitigated, and what success looks like for wildlife are essential if we hope to meet our energy goals without losing species that are already in decline.
Explore Our Impact
Scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals
34Years that VCE has led the charge to research, monitor, and conserve Bicknell's Thrush
55Vermont wild bee species targeted for urgent conservation in 9 “Important Bee Areas” identified by the Vermont Wild Bee Survey
147Territorial loon pairs recorded in Vermont by LoonWatch
600+Community scientists participating in VCE-led field studies
1 millionResearch-grade biodiversity records confirmed on iNaturalist Vermont
What We Do
With the help of hundreds of volunteers and partners, we lead monitoring and research projects focused on the status and ecology of birds, amphibians, insects, and other species. We then publish and share our findings with policymakers, land stewards, gardeners, and wildlife lovers so everyone can take science-backed action to protect biodiversity—from backyards to mountain peaks. Read about some of our current projects below and explore more of What We Do through the link above.
Vermont Loon Conservation Project
Four decades ago, Vermont had only seven pairs of Common Loons left in the state. Now 115 nesting pairs call our lakes and ponds home, and the number continues to increase. This conservation triumph is the result of many organizations and people—including regular folks like you—working together.
Learn more and join »
Vermont Vernal Pool Monitoring Project
Vernal pools are one of the Northeast’s most dramatic seasonal ecosystems, bursting with life as frogs and salamanders gather to breed. While vernal pools provide critical breeding habitat for charismatic species and serve as hidden powerhouses within forest ecosystems, they face an uncertain future in Vermont.
Learn more and join »
Native Plant Ecotype Experiment
We are collaborating with Native Plant Trust on a first-of-its-kind, community-based garden experiment to assess how plant provenance influences plant phenology, flower resources, and pollinator support.
Learn more and join »Events
Workshops, Webinars, Field Trips, and More
Attending an event with VCE staff members is a phenomenal way to expand your knowledge about our region’s natural wonders and get the latest research updates.
