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Conservation Corner
Bobcat Research
Bobcats range through portions of all 48 contiguous states, yet in recent years they have become a species of concern here in Vermont.
Download the teaching materials created by Len Schmidt (and students), Community High School of Vermont, S. Burlington, VT.
Bat Research
Vermont is home to 9 species of bats. Biologists recently discovered that large numbers of Indiana bats spend the summer in the Champlain Valley.
Download the teaching materials created by Mary Anne Deer (and students), Putney Central School, Putney, VT.
Bear Habitat
Thanks to returning forests and habitat protection, the bear population in Vermont is growing 3 to 5% each year.
Download the teaching materials created by Robin Gannon (and students), E. Montpelier Elementary School, E. Montpelier, VT.
Beaver Baffles
When it comes to making things out of wood no animal is more persistent and more proficient than the beaver. Beaver dams provide valuable wet land habitat for several species of fish and wildlife. But these same dams can cause a lot of damage to roads and septic systems. In this segment, we look at a unique project called the "Cooperative Beaver Baffle Demonstration Project" that uses water control structures to properly manage beaver dam water levels.
Spruce Grouse
The boreal forest of the Nulhegan Basin is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont this area is a wildlife viewer’s paradise.
Download the teaching materials created by Sam Nijensohn (and students), Wheeler Mountain Academy, Barton, VT.
Wise on Weeds
For centuries various plant species have been imported from other countries as ornamentals for various landscaping projects. They may look great when manicured by a landscaper but when these plants are spread into the wild they can become extremely invasive, out-competing native plants, increase erosion along stream banks, and provide less nutritious food and insufficient cover for wildlife. To help combat the spread and promote awareness of invasive plants the Nature Conservancy has developed a program to get us all “Wise on Weeds”
Duck Banding
The first record of banding birds in North America dates back to 1803 when John James Audubon tied silver cords to the legs of phoebes. This allowed him to identify two of the nestlings when they returned the following year. It wasn’t until 1902 when the first scientific system of banding began in North America. In the early 1900’s concerns over the declining numbers of waterfowl, passenger pigeons and over harvesting of egrets for their plumes resulted in an international agreement to manage migratory birds. Over the past century banding data has been a critical tool used to manage waterfowl. Banding birds requires capturing them and when it comes to waterfowl the most effective method is the use of rocket netting.
Timber Rattle Snakes
Mention the word “rattlesnake” and the reaction you’ll get is either awe and fascination or fear and loathing. Timber rattlesnakes are listed as an endangered species in six of the 27 states that they inhabit from New Hampshire to northern Florida. Here in Vermont at the northern extent of their range a small population exists and is barely holding on after years of persecution. Today wildlife biologists, the Nature Conservancy and concerned volunteers are taking steps to ensure that timber rattlesnakes survive and thrive in Vermont.
Big Night
On warm early spring nights amphibians across Vermont are on the move. Salamanders and frogs migrate in mass from their upland wintering habitat to wetland breeding grounds. Unfortunately in many areas these migrations take them across heavily traveled roads resulting in high mortality rates. In recent years however a dedicated group of volunteers has been keeping an eye on the spring weather. When conditions are right these salamander saviors descend on known crossing sites both to ensure a safe migration and to learn more about some of Vermont’s most delicate and rarest residents.
Moose Survey
Vermont’s Moose population was virtually extirpated by the late 1800’s. By 1980 an estimated 200 moose had made their way back into the mountains of the Northeast Kingdom and the numbers have been on the rise ever since. The fact that moose can be found in every Vermont county is great news but as the population increases so does some of the negative impacts. Knowing the number of moose in the state is critical to properly manage the population. To accomplish an accurate count, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is going high tech using infrared technology from the sky.