Sugaring in Vermont. © K.P. McFarland
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In early March, snowbanks and frosty mornings remind us it’s still winter–but by month’s end, longer days and warmer winds prevail. On March 20, the vernal equinox marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some signs of spring to look for in the natural world to tide you over until warmer weather truly arrives. Find the Field Guide to March on VCE's blog.
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A Giant Leap Northward for a Butterfly
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Eastern Giant Swallowtail on its native host plant in Vermont, Northern Prickly-ash
(Zanthoxylum americanum). © Ron Payne
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Loon Rescue on Maidstone Lake
by Chris and Mary von Alt
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Eric Hanson preparing to transport the rescued loon to open water. © Chris von Alt
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On January 28th, VCE loon biologist Eric Hanson received an email from Chris and Mary von Alt about a loon in distress on snow- and ice-covered Maidstone Lake in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. You may be wondering–and rightly so–”What the heck is a loon doing on Maidstone in January?” We’re not exactly sure where the loon came from, but somehow it ended up on the lake in front of their house.
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Virtual Suds & Science:
Life on the Edge - Alpine Plant Communities
April 6, 2021
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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:
April 6 | Simone Whitecloud | Dartmouth/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab
"Life on the edge - alpine plant communities"
Join Jason in an interactive conversation with Dr. Simone Whitecloud about her experimental approaches to investigate the synergistic actions of plants in New Hampshire's White Mountains (where 30% of the vegetation is left over from the last ice age) and the Arctic. Do different plant species actually facilitate each other in harsh environments by modifying soil moisture or moderating the localized effects of weather? 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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Tax Time Match for Wildlife: Look for Line 23d
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Common Loon © Lee Cordner
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Do you pay taxes in Vermont? Did you know that a donation to Vermont’s Nongame Wildlife Fund through your 2020 state income tax form (line 23d) is leveraged by matching federal grants–meaning that every $1 you donate secures an extra $2 in federal funds for wildlife conservation in Vermont?
The Nongame Wildlife Fund is an important source of funds for protecting the wildlife we all love, like Little Brown Bats, Bald Eagles, and Canada Lynx. At VCE, these funds have helped support Common Loons, Eastern Whip-poor-wills, bumble bees, and more. Donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund and help conserve Vermont’s wildlife!
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Outdoor Radio:
Listen online any time
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Snowy Owl © K.P. McFarland
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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
North American River Otters by Susan Elliott
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A trio of North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) "chilling" on the ice. © Susan Elliott
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The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal that is found in and along waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. The North American River Otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent fur coat. In the 1800s and early 1900s, otters were over-harvested almost to the point of extirpation in many areas of their range. Due to pollution, habitat loss, and unregulated hunting and trapping, otter populations declined precipitously in the Northeast. Greater conservation efforts combined with closely monitored harvesting have allowed their populations to rebound to a healthy and stable size.
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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