ecoNEWS VT – Winter 2020-21
Highlighting the latest findings in ecological research and monitoring from across Vermont
We’re deep into winter, which means voyages into the mountains and forests are reserved for the brave. However, you can still learn about these landscapes through this edition of ecoNEWS! Our winter newsletter highlights research about political influence on sugar makers’ decisions regarding climate change, the threat of invasive plants in national parks, COVID-19’s impact on visitors to natural areas, and a new interactive tool that uses community science to track ten species of mountainous birds.
Views of U.S. and Canadian Maple Syrup Producers on Climate Change
A widespread survey of maple syrup producers reveals political view and geography play important roles in climate change perceptions.
Invasive Plants Threaten National Parks; Vermont Manages to Decrease Invasive Population
Researchers uncover the extent to which rapidly-spreading non-native plants are impacting national parks in the eastern U.S.
COVID-19 Increases Visitors to Urban Natural Areas
Vermont study finds pandemic pushes people to seek refuge outdoors for the first time in years.
Featured Online Tools, Maps, and Mobile Apps
Explore Vermont’s Mountain Bird Species
Community scientists collect twenty years of data for interactive tool displaying prevalence of northeastern mountain birds.
Research Webinar – March 31, 2021
Fisheries Research in Lake Champlain
By Ellen Marsden, Professor, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Program, University of Vermont
Date: Wednesday, March 31st, 2021
Time: Noon – 1 PM EST
For more information and how to join the webinar: https://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/programs/events/research-webinar-series-fisheries-research-lake-champlain
Research Webinar – April 28, 2021
Visualization Tools to Communicate Riverine Erosion Hazards and Improve Flood Resiliency in Headwater Communities of the Lake Champlain Basin
By Kristen Underwood, Research Assistant Professor, and Lindsay Worley, PhD Candidate, Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont
Date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Time: Noon – 1 PM EST
For more information and how to join the webinar: https://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/programs/events/research-seminar-series-visualization-tools-communicate-riverine-erosion-hazards-and
These seminars/webinars are part of a series, sponsored by Lake Champlain Sea Grant, that occurs monthly. Please see the Lake Champlain Sea Grant website for more information.
Request for Proposals
Indigenous Forest Knowledge Fund
The deadline for applications is 4:30pm EST, April 2, 2021.
The Northeastern States Research Cooperative recognizes and respects the deep, primary knowledge of Tribal Nations in the Northern Forest region and announces the NSRC Indigenous Forest Knowledge Fund to support:
- The education, mentorship, and training of Indigenous youth in applied forest research and/or Traditional Ecological Knowledge about forest systems;
- New applied forest research that advances Tribal priorities; and
- The synthesis and translation of forest research and/or Traditional Ecological Knowledge to advance communications, outreach, and economic programs for Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.
$100,000 in NSRC funding will be awarded in 2021 to support between two and five projects, each in the $20,000 to $50,000 range, for one- to three-year funding terms.
To learn more please visit: https://nsrcforest.org/indigenous-forest-knowledge-fund.
Lake Champlain Sea Grant Staff Position
The University of Vermont is hiring a Lake Monitoring and Community Outreach Coordinator. This is a partnered position between Lake Champlain Sea Grant and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Application review will begin on March 15, 2021.
Please visit https://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/opportunities/staff-openings for more information.