Chapter Newsletter - The Harbinger
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
February 14–17, 2025
Join in this community science project organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon, and Birds Canada. Open to all.
"Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations."
"Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the four days count toward GBBC."
Details at:
Green Mountain Conservation Camp (GMCC) Scholarships
AMAS will sponsor two campers this year. For information on the camps, see:
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/learn-more/gmcc
Point of Contact for AMAS is Ellen Allman (ellenallman@gmail.com)
Programs
The Uncommon Life of the Common Loon
March 11, 2025: Tuesday 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Slide show and talk by Ian Clark about the natural history of the Common Loon, up close and personal. AMAS helped sponsor this OLLI program.
Location: Nolin Murray Center (next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church) 38 Pleasant St., Springfield, VT
Register at: https://learn.uvm.edu/osher-lifelong-learning/statewide/springfield/
What is OLLI? Founded in 2003 with support from the Bernard Osher Foundation, UVM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers affordable, enriching education for Vermonters aged 50+. Marita Johnson, AMAS longtime member, heads the committee that organizes the Springfield,VT programs.
Watch Butterflies for Conservation
Webinars (see below)
Become a community scientist and join the Second Vermont Butterfly Atlas (2023 - 2027)! The Vermont Butterfly Atlas is a 5-year study conducted every 20 years to update the state butterfly species list and understand how populations have changed over time. With the state updating our wildlife action plan, now is the time to document butterflies! All you need to participate is your phone or camera and an enthusiasm for butterflies. No experience necessary, training provided online. Learn more at https://shorturl.at/EKIfa
Upcoming webinars:
Wednesday, March 26, 7 pm, Introduction to the Vermont Butterfly Atlas
Wednesday April 23, 7 pm, Vermont Butterfly Atlas Q&A
Wednesday May 7, 7 pm, Introduction to the eButterfly app
The Importance of Planting Native Plants in Our Landscape
April 8, 2025: Tuesday 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Presented by Alexis Doshas from the Native Plant Trust
Another OLLI program of interest to all who care about our natural environment. Although AMAS is not the sponsor, we encourage attendance to learn about this important subject.
Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival
May 4, 2025: Sunday 9:30 - 4:00 PM
Back this year by popular demand and willing volunteers, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors. See the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival webpage for updates.
Spring and Summer Bird Walks
Planned bird walks. Details later.
April 26, 2025: Keen Rail Trail
May 10, 2025: Cavendish Community and Conservation Association
May 11, 2025: Paradise Park and Lake Runnemede
May 17, 2025: Herricks Cove
May 31, 2025: North Springfield
June 1 or 7, 2025: Windsor Grasslands Wildlife Management Area
June 21, 2025: Up on the Hill Conservation Area with UVLT