Wetland, Woodland, Wildland Guide to Natural Communities of Vermont

A completely updated second edition of Wetland, Woodland, Wildland: A guide to the natural communities of Vermont will be available in late 2019. 

The land guide is well-known to anyone curious about Vermont’s forests, wetlands, mountaintops, and shores.

Co-authored by Elizabeth Thompson of the Vermont Land Trust, and Eric Sorenson and Robert Zaino of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the new second edition incorporates recent scientific research about the state’s natural communities and includes descriptions of seventeen newly recognized natural community types.

The new guide includes photographs, line drawings, and user-friendly writing, related to natural habitats of Vermont. The updates will be useful to amateur naturalists and professional scientists.

“Natural communities help us understand nature. When people can see patterns across the landscape, they have a better appreciation of nature and a heightened sense of responsibility to protect it,” says co-author Elizabeth Thompson.

Natural communities are also important for the conservation of plants, animals, and habitats in Vermont.

The book is published by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, The Nature Conservancy, and the Vermont Land Trust, and it is distributed by Chelsea Green Publishing.

It is currently available for pre-order online (https://vtfishandwildlife.com/wetland-woodland-wildland) and is expected to be for sale in local bookstores by November 15.

source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department

White Tailed Deer Apparel, Accessories, Gifts

White tailed deer apparel, drinkware, stickers, note cards, and other accessories are always popular as gifts for wildlife enthusiasts, deer hunters, and outdoor explorers. This article showcases a few white tailed deer theme items. This post contains paid links.

White Tailed Deer Big Buck Winter Scene All-Over-Print Shirt

This all over print shirt features a winter scene with a large white tailed buck.

White Tail Deer Trophy Buck Glass

Designed for sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts, this collectible glass is decorated with a "big buck" white tailed deer icon.

8 Point Buck White Tail Deer Coffee Mug

This coffee - hot drink mug features an 8 point buck white tailed deer illustration.

Running White Tail Deer Logo Oval Sticker

Featuring a running deer icon, this Euro style oval sticker could be displayed on deer hunter's trucks, SUVs, four wheelers, or other machinery.

Running Deer Pattern Leggings

These white tailed deer - outdoors theme leggings are decorated with a running deer pattern.

White-tailed Deer Buck - Doe Vintage Illustration Doormat

This doormat features a vintage style white tailed deer illustration.

Mule Deer Buck and Doe Photo Adult Cloth Face Mask

This mask is decorated with a mule deer buck and doe scene

White Tailed Deer Big Buck Winter Scene Card

This note card is designed to accompany deer-related gifts.

Whitetail Deer Trophy Buck Wrapping Paper

Featuring a pattern of white tailed deer buck icons, this wrapping paper is for hunters or other outdoor lovers.

The full line of white tailed deer collectibles can be found at North America online store.

Wisconsin Osprey Nesting

According to the 2016 Wisconsin Bald Eagle and Osprey Survey Report, record number of occupied osprey nests were observed in the state during 2016.

Osprey nests were found in record numbers: 558 occupied osprey nests were observed in Wisconsin, up from 542 in 2014.

At present, 75 percent of Wisconsin osprey nests are built on artificial platforms erected on utility poles, cell phone towers, and other tall structures.

Osprey populations in Wisconsin declined dramatically from the 1950s to early 1970s.

The osprey is one of North America's most recognizable birds of prey. Adults feed almost exclusively on fish. Their shrill call is a familiar sound to birders, anglers, and outdoor explorers.

source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count 2016-2017

The 2016-2017 annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count is coming soon.

Between December 14th and January 5th, tens of thousands of bird-loving volunteers will participate in counts across the Western Hemisphere.


The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running wildlife census in the world. Each individual count takes place in a 15-mile-wide circle and is led by a compiler responsible for organizing volunteers and submitting observations to Audubon. Within each circle, participants tally all birds seen or heard that day.

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a citizen science project organized by the National Audubon Society.

There is no fee to participate and the quarterly report, American Birds, is available online. Counts are open to birders of all skill levels.

For more information, visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.

source: National Audubon Society