Field Guide to February 2026
Hibernation spans a broad physiological spectrum, from being completely conked out for 10 months underground to rousing occasionally to hunt or even breed in the deep snow of February. Here’s what, where, and how to find signs of life in this month’s
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
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.
Field Guide to February 2026
Hibernation spans a broad physiological spectrum, from being completely conked out for 10 months underground to rousing occasionally to hunt or even breed in the deep snow of February. Here’s what, where, and how to find signs of life in this month’s most extreme conditions.
Got Caterpillars? New Research Finds They’re Essential for Eastern Bluebirds
How important are insects to bird diets? Are some insects more important than others? These are questions I’m asked regularly—and for good reason. Much of my research focuses on studying…
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.
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.
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Native Plant Ecotype Experiment
We are collaborating with Native Plant Trust and Northeast Seed Network on a first-of-its-kind, community-based garden experiment to assess how plant provenance influences plant resilience, plant traits, 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.
