Warmer falls are part of a trend documented by climate researcher Alan K. Betts, based on 50 years of Vermont data. The first autumn freeze has arrived later by 1.5 days per decade since 1960, and lake freeze-up has occurred later by 3.5 days per decade. Growing seasons for frost-sensitive plants have also experienced a two-week extension. See the journal article here.

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, social capital may be an indispensable tool in facilitating reconstruction. A 2016 study analyzed the role of informal community actors in speeding along recovery efforts, using Vermont communities affected by Tropical Storm Irene as a case study. Those neighborhoods with particularly strong relationships tended to gain access to high value resources and rebuild more efficiently.

A large team of scientists studied projected impacts on Lake Champlain due to climate change. The researchers modeled the impacts of future algae blooms as a result of hotter and wetter weather among other modeling conducted — all to simulate the possible damages to the lake. The entire study can be found here. Image courtesy of NPR.

Organic waste, including food scraps and yard trimmings, accounts for 28 percent of Vermont’s residential solid waste. Starting in 2020, Vermonters are required by Act 148 to divert organics from the landfill. A team of researchers evaluated knowledge gaps related to composting practices, identifying several main areas that require attention—training of waste management employees to handle composted materials, defining contaminant thresholds, and a life cycle assessment of composting compared to alternatives.

Vermont was ranked the 13th happiest state in America by WalletHub. This ranking considers various factors of one’s happiness including things such as income compared to satisfaction. Vermont was also ranked 20th for work environment and 4th for our community and environment. WalletHub puts Vermont as the safest state in the country. See also a survey of Vermonter’s happiness compiled by the Vermont Data Center.

Vermont’s long history of sugaring is examined in Champlain College professor Michael Lange’s new book, Meanings of Maple. From the reverse osmosis machines and collection banks that help process the sweet syrup to the mystique of the maple tourism industry, Lange explores maple as a statewide cultural identity. Phoenix Books in Burlington is hosting a book launch on September 28^th . Ticket sales benefit the Vermont Foodbank.

You Never Can Tell: A Collection of Tales, Fact, Fancy, Fiction and Philosophy by Chuck Gundersen tells humorous stories of life in Vermont. Check out the book review in the Vermont Standard.

Send your news items to Co-Editors’ Kirsti Blow  and Madison Clark

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter