VCE Science Projects

Bicknell’s Thrush Full Annual Lifecycle

VCE’s long-term commitment to Bicknell’s Thrush conservation demands that we pay careful attention to issues beyond its breeding range here in New England, including its habitat needs during migratory and wintering seasons. For over 20 years we have been unraveling its elusive winter ecology in the Caribbean to inform conservation efforts. Recently, we have begun new research to investigate stopover habitat for Bicknell's Thrush in the Mid-atlantic as well.

Taxa: Birds Ecosystem: Caribbean, Forests, Mountains Region: Caribbean, Northeastern US, Eastern North America, North America, Vermont Volunteers: No

Mount Mansfield Songbird Research

Our scientists, with the help of student interns and volunteers, have operated mist nets along the ridgeline of Mt. Mansfield each summer since 1992. Our research helps us understand changes in the breeding bird community in relation to weather, climate, forest changes, and more. Our findings have been applied throughout the Northeast in the management of state and national forests, alpine ski areas, timberland management, and ridgeline development projects.

Taxa: Birds Ecosystem: Mountains, Forests Region: Eastern North America Volunteers: No

Mountain Birdwatch

Every year for 25 seasons, Mountain Birdwatch's community scientists have hiked over 100 routes across eastern New York and Northern New England in June. The data they collect provides powerful insight into the health of bird populations that reside in our montane spruce-fir forests.

Taxa: Birds Ecosystem: Mountains Region: Northeastern US Volunteers: Yes - Intermediate

Second Vermont Butterfly Atlas

The Vermont Butterfly Atlas is a five-year survey that is completed every 20 years with the help of volunteer community scientists, who document the abundance and distribution of butterflies across Vermont.

Taxa: Invertebrates Ecosystem: Grasslands & Meadows, Forests, Developed, Mountains, Agricultural Region: Vermont Volunteers: Yes - Beginner

Vermont Atlas of Life

The Vermont Atlas of Life is a library of knowledge on Vermont’s animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms—an online, real-time resource with maps, photographs, and primary biodiversity data open for anyone to use.

Taxa: Amphibians, Invertebrates, Mammals, Plants, Reptiles, Mollusks, Arachnids, Birds, Fungi, Fish Ecosystem: Forests, Grasslands & Meadows, Mountains, Developed, Lakes & Ponds, Agricultural Region: Vermont Volunteers: Yes - Beginner

Vermont Breeding Bird Survey

For more than 60 summers, expert volunteer birders have risen before dawn to count birds along roadside routes across North America. The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the continent’s longest-running landbird monitoring program, a cornerstone of modern bird conservation.

Taxa: Birds Ecosystem: Forests, Grasslands & Meadows, Mountains, Lakes & Ponds, Developed, Agricultural Region: Vermont Volunteers: Yes - Advanced

Alpine Butterflies

Perched atop New Hampshire’s Presidential Range in the alpine tundra are two butterflies that exist nowhere else on earth. Although at first blush both species may seem secure on these protected summits, there are several threats to their long-term survival.

Taxa: Invertebrates Ecosystem: Mountains Region: Northeastern US Volunteers: No