Common Redpoll. © Nathaniel Sharp |
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A Field Guide to February |
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Even though there's a lot more winter ahead, February heralds hints of spring around the corner. From Star-nosed Moles to returning Red-winged Blackbirds, this month's field guide to the wildlife around you is sure to keep your spirits high, no matter what that sleepy woodchuck predicted. Find the Field Guide to February on VCE's blog.
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2020 eButterfly Year in Review |
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Join Us for a Virtual Science Fair!
February 24, 2021 | 7-8 pm
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Cranesbill Miner (Andrena distans) © Spencer Hardy |
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We invite you to engage directly with VCE's biologists and be part of conversations at the cutting edge of conservation science. During this event you'll visit each biologist's "Zoom room" to learn about birds, bees, and forest invertebrates. We hope you will come away inspired by what you hear, curious to learn more, and aware of something you did not know before. You must register in advance to receive the Zoom link to attend this event. Space is limited to 30 logged-in attendees. Get all the details about the topics, format, and how to register for this one-of-a-kind event on our website!
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Virtual Suds & Science:
Insect Conservation in a Warming World
March 2, 2021
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Angela Laws on the Konza Prairie (inset, skipper) © Eric Laws |
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Hosted by VCE biologist Jason Hill, Suds & Science is a scientist-led community discussion that provides a forum for science fans (like you) to engage with an expert through compelling personal narratives, to gain understanding on a particular scientific research topic. These discussions have historically taken place at a warm and inviting Norwich tavern, with foamy beverages in hand, but due to COVID-19, this season Suds & Science will meet virtually (so BYOB!) in an interactive interview-style format. Mark your calendars for our March event:
March 2 | Angela Laws | Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
"Insect conservation in a warming world"
Join Jason in an interactive conversation with Dr. Angela Laws about insect conservation in the face of climate change. Angela is an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist and Climate Change Lead for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, where she incorporates climate resiliency into pollinator restoration projects throughout North America. Click here to register. We hope to see you online! (P.S. You can find recordings of previous events on our Suds & Science website.)
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Share Your Love for Wildlife this Valentine's Day |
Slate-colored Juncos © Michael Sargent |
Do you love loons? Are you wild for wildlife? On this Valentine's Day, show your beloved birder or cherished conservationist how much you love them with a gift in their honor to VCE.
VCE receives every gift with heartfelt gratitude, using your donations to deliver the science people need to make good decisions for wildlife. And, we invite you to be involved every step of the way. What could be sweeter?
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Join Julia Every Wednesday
for iNaturalist Lunchtime Learning
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Screenshot from one of Julia's earlier Lunchtime Learning online sessions. |
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Outdoor Radio:
Listen online any time
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Kent McFarland, Steve Faccio, and Sara Zahendra visit a beaver lodge. © Chris Albertine |
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Feed your inner naturalist and take your mind on a trip to the great outdoors with Outdoor Radio. Choose from over 50 episodes online, with topics ranging from birds to bats and beavers to peepers. Outdoor Radio is entertaining and educational - perfect for the whole family! You can find the episodes on our web page accompanied by photos and interesting links for more information, or you can listen to our podcast on iTunes.
VCE and Vermont Public Radio unite the sounds and science of nature in our monthly feature aired on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:20 PM, and again on Thursday at 7:50 AM. Frogs and ferns, finches and fish - anything is fair game for co-hosts Kent McFarland and Sara Zahendra. Join us to explore and uncover some of the mysteries of our natural world.
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Photo-observation of the Month
Meshweaver spider (genus Cicurina) by Bryan Pfeiffer
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Meshweaver spider (genus Cicurina) © Bryan Pfeiffer |
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Bryan noticed this spider walking across the snow near Turtlehead Pond in Marshfield and got up close and personal, noting the way “he was tapping his pedipalps (like a sewing machine) atop the snow.” Spider experts weighed in on iNaturalist and narrowed this observation to the genus level, suggesting several possible species within this diverse genus that this individual could be. While one might be surprised to see a spider, or any arthropod for that matter, out and about on a snowy winter day, there are many critters, from Snow Scorpionflies to Small Winter Stoneflies, that are active and above-ground even in the dead of winter.
Visit the Vermont Atlas of Life on iNaturalist, where you can vote for the winner this month by clicking 'fav' on your favorite photo-observation. Make sure you get outdoors and record the biodiversity around you, then submit your discoveries—and you could be a winner!
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The Vermont Center for Ecostudies promotes wildlife conservation across the Americas using the combined strength of scientific research and citizen engagement. Find us online at: vtecostudies.org
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