Tagging Monarch Butterflies
This year seems to be solidly average for monarch butterflies at VINS. Tagging continues through the month but there are not huge numbers like the summer of 2019.
A Week of Citizen Science
Each week starts off with walking the trails and checking on the camera traps around campus. There are currently four game cameras at VINS positioned strategically along wildlife trails in the hopes of inventorying the diverse species on the property. They are off the main hiking trails in areas of quality animal habitat. There are also two cameras at Old Pepper Place that are checked monthly. So far the cameras have revealed several interesting species including some that are not routinely seen on campus. So far the highlights have included, three deer fawns, bobcat, fisher, bear, coyotes, gray foxes, mink, raccoons, skunk, and a flying squirrel.
Monarch Health, A Citizen Science Project
As monarchs slowly return to Vermont, reports of observations are starting to come in throughout the state. With sightings all around it was only a matter of time before they returned to our campus meadow.
2019 Monarch Tagging Season Wrap-Up!
You may have noticed that this year was a big year for monarchs. At VINS, we were right in the middle of what is being called a “banner year” for these butterflies. Now that fall is in full swing, many of them are on their way south for the winter.
Stellar Monarch Tagging Season at VINS
By Jim Armbruster Seasonal Environmental Educator As the leaves begin to change color, the days grow shorter, and the temperatures get colder, monarchs are still on the move south. During a short break from the rain, on a nice sunny day, we at VINS tagged our last seven butterflies bringing our season total to 74…
Migrating Monarchs Tagged at VINS
by Jim ArmbrusterEnvironmental Educator A male Monarch butterfly on our datasheet. Have you ever watched a monarch butterfly struggling to fly on a breezy day and thought to yourself, “I wonder how they get where they want to go?” It might surprise you to know that in fact these butterflies can control their flights and…
The Beauty of Native Wildflowers
By Anna Autilio Lead Environmental Educator In 2018, we mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. In honor of this milestone, nature lovers around the world are joining forces to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.” March’s call to action is to cultivate…
What’s That Caterpillar?
By Anna Autilio Lead, Environmental Educator If you’ve been seeing as many caterpillars lately as we have, you’re probably curious about who they are and what they’re up to. Below you’ll find a peek into the life history of five common caterpillars seen around the VINS campus this September. How many of these have you…