What We Do
At VCE, we deliver the science needed to sustain biodiversity.
We monitor wildlife populations and conduct cutting-edge research to assess their conservation status and predict how they may respond to natural and human-caused stressors. We use that research to create practical conservation tools that land stewards throughout the Americas can use to better protect them.
To do this work, we recruit, train, and coordinate community scientists at all skill levels to help us collect observation data. Our approach has received international recognition as a cost-effective and rigorous model for the collection, organization, and dissemination of biodiversity data.
Check out our projects, learn about the results of this research, find volunteer opportunities near you, or partner with VCE biologists on your next event or project.
Featured Research and Conservation Projects
Eastern Meadowlark Conservation
The Eastern Meadowlark, a large member of the blackbird family, is a favorite among birders for its bright yellow breast and gentle, whistled song. VCE is working to keep this iconic grassland bird on the Vermont landscape through outreach, targeted monitoring, and community-sourced data. By tracking meadowlark locations and population trends, you can help ensure future generations can continue to experience the songs and presence of the Eastern Meadowlark across Vermont.
Learn more and join »
Eastern Whip-Poor-Will Monitoring
On moonlit nights in the summer, volunteers listen out for the unique song of the Whip-Poor-Will. Their monitoring helps us track the prevalence of this increasingly nostalgic bird.
Currently recruiting in Averill, Orwell, Pawlet, Salisbury, Vernon, and South Tunbridge!
Learn more and join »
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.
Currently recruiting in New Hampshire and Maine!
Learn more and join »
Pollinator Interactions on Plants
In February of 2023, VCE launched a community science project studying plant-insect interactions across the northeastern United States. It's called the Pollinator Interactions on Plants project, or ‘PIP’ for short. You can contribute—all you need is a camera (or your phone), and an enthusiasm for observing insect life and flowers around you.
New PIP Mission! Vulnerable Bumble Bees
Keep a special look out for:
Bombus terricola - Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (Northern PA, NY, New England)
Bombus fervidus- Golden Northern Bumble Bee (whole region)
Bombus pensylvanicus - American Bumble Bee (Southern NJ, and Southern PA)
Learn more and join »
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.
Learn more and join »
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.
Learn more and join »
Vermont Vernal Pool Monitoring and Atlas
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 »Our Research
For decades, VCE scientists have worked to understand and conserve biodiversity across the Americas using innovative techniques. Our research is published in peer-reviewed journals, and have directed and redirected science and policy when it comes to conservation.
Education & Outreach
The scientists at VCE lead field outings and give presentations and talks. Go deeper and learn more by attending an event put on by us or one of our partner organizations.
