VT Entomology Academy: From Concept to Operational Reality

An invitation to help shape the future of insect education in Vermont

Dear Friends of Nature and Entomology,

What might it take to bring more hands-on entomology experiences to people across Vermont—especially young people?

That’s the question I want to explore with you as the Vermont Entomology Academy (VEA) moves from an exciting concept toward a more fully functioning program.

VEA began with a simple goal: to give Vermonters more opportunities to discover insects firsthand. Entomology Adventure Camp, Jericho and Underhill Yard Insect Surveys (31 in 2026), and Bird and Bug Walks have all demonstrated the appeal of learning about insects through direct observation and discovery. 

VEA encourages students to "conduct their own nature education", with VEA acting as a guide and facilitator.

Now comes the challenge: building the capacity to do more.

We’re looking for a program manager for a second annual Entomology Adventure Camp, following a successful first year at SMC in 2026. The basic framework is in place, but making the camp happen again—and potentially expanding it—will require additional instructors, organizers, volunteers, and administrative support.

Another promising idea is a Bug Mobile: a way to bring insect specimens, microscopes, collecting equipment, and hands-on activities directly to schools and community groups. This could be especially useful during the late fall and winter, when outdoor insect exploration is limited.

Other possibilities: connecting insect observation with biodiversity research, conservation, and community science.

Taken together, these opportunities suggest real potential for accessible, hands-on entomology programming in Vermont. But good ideas alone aren't enough. We need people, partnerships, and a workable structure.

I'm looking for conversation, not commitments.

What might VEA become? Could entomologists, university students, educators, naturalists, conservation organizations, and community volunteers find ways to share their knowledge and enthusiasm? Might a few interested people be willing to explore an idea or help develop a pilot program?

I hope that VEA can grow into a network of people and organizations working together to make insect education and discovery more accessible throughout Vermont—rather than a collection of programs that depend on one person to make everything happen.

I'd welcome your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions. We don't need to have all the answers before we begin. An informal conversation may be just what we need to discover what's possible.

For background, here's the Vermont Entomology Academy overview.

Interested in exploring the possibilities? I'd love to hear from you.

What's the next step?

I'd like to start by bringing together a small group of interested people for an informal conversation—by phone, online, or around a table.

The goal is simple: share ideas, identify the most promising opportunities, and consider what people and partnerships might help move one or two programs forward. The main initiatives are Bug Mobile and the second annual Entomology Adventure Camp. 

No commitments required. At this stage, I'm looking for people willing to think with me about what VEA could become and how we might make it happen together.

If you're interested in joining that conversation, contact me. Let me know what interests you and whether you might be willing to join an initial discussion.

Let's see what we can build together!

Bernie Paquette
Vermont Entomology Academy

 In 'Legends & Lattes' by Travis Baldree, a gnome defines "A destined cadre: Individuals brought together, like to like". I am thinking about how to take VT Entomology Academy to the next level, to inspire that destined cadre.

P.S. Check out this link (which uses elementary money management) as a blueprint for creating a program for early insect education. It highlights a Barnard business owner tackling today's educational gaps with a classroom economy to shape tomorrow's workforce. -WCAX 10/23/2026 https://aldosallowanceacademy.com/

Inside the card from Jericho Elementary School after the VEA Insect Survey with three classes.

"Explore Vermont’s Insect Life: 120 Amazing Photos by Bernie"

Tiny Worlds, Big Details:

 Photos by Bernie, Insects by Nature. 

Explore a mesmerizing array of insect photography, 100+ outstanding photos from the bizarre and ghastly to the unexpectedly beautiful. 

A visual journey through the strange, the haunting, and the sublime—where insects become art. An entomological exploration in images—documenting the astonishing diversity, morphology, and natural artistry of Earth's insect life. Check out a wild mix of insect photos—from weird and creepy to surprisingly beautiful, all captured like works of art.

Butterflies stand vertically in the sun to regulate their body temperature while preventing overheating. As cold-blooded insects, they rely on external heat to warm their flight muscles. By adjusting their angle to the sun, they control how much solar radiation their delicate bodies absorb. - BUTTERFLIES: WARMING UP, Hilaire Ashworth.

As John Muir said, "... I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness. My own special self is nothing."

Who is the predator and who is the prey?

Vermont's millinery is creative and inclusive.

Can you guess what my favorite color is?

Maternity ward

Nature is art for the eyes that look.

Fly - by - night

Don't you just want to tickle her or his belly to watch all her or his legs shimey in glee?

The Redcoats are coming, the Redcoats are coming. 

Fusion in nature turns to silver.

This fellow climbed a stalk to go eye to eye with me.

Leprichans ride these hoppers like cowboys ride broncos.

YOU are a bee, I am a dragonfly, isn't that obvious?

Bee hitch-hiking a ride on the Dragonfly

Two's company, three's a crowd.

Honeymooners

Never should have told the sweat bee, 

"Don't sweat it, those robber flies couldn't catch a fly."

Mama has eyes on the TOP of her head, so you all had better behave. 

I say dear fellow, could you point me in the direction of a good flower stand?

The king lost his head.

Musical chairs down to one chair.

We love hugging

I feel fully deflated

Nature uses a fine artist's paintbrush.

Look, we only just met in a bar; I don't even know your name.

Look, ma, no hands.

Camaflouged poop

This grasshopper pooped as I took the photo. Looks like a Gherkin pickle.

Ol Blue Eyes

Freckles, you just cannot wash them off. I love them. 

Ready for take off; Up Up and away. 

If I don't win the beauty pageant this year, well, I don't know what I will do.

Who knows what is going on, on the other side of the world? 

Straws are best for Buttonbush. 

I have a 'back-up' heart.

Practicing for head-butting my brother.

"Mustacha'

Body Armour: best beetle barriers.

The army taught me to stay well polished.

I'm sorry, was this your flower?

Why do they call me a pink spotted beetle? My spots are black, I mean, really.

Wanna know why they call me Blister Beetle? One touch and you will find out.

Jimmy Durante had nothing on me.

With chompers like mine, well, let's just say that I use my massive mandibles to dismember my prey, covering the bug in digestive juices and sucking up the liquefied nutrients. It ain't pretty but it works for me.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. 

Tower to incoming, GO AROUND, repeat go around. 

Caterpillars with TEETH, oh my. 

Who needs radar when you have antennae like mine?

Fly Optician

\

Wolly Moth. Lives in Vermont, no wonder it is woolly.

I am so tired that I have not only circles under my eyes...  

I have circles all around my eyes.     

Paperhanger for the nursery.

On top of the world

but wish to remain anonymous

I have a strange feeling I am being followed. 

Now children go out and play, and give mama a few minutes to herself.

Dr. Spock I presume.

No worries, on my side of the family, we are all vegetarians. 

Cheshire Cat

If you are going to fly, fly happy.

Why didn't you tell me the fence paint was WET?

I keep my cards close to my vest.

The Perfect Landing

I am the judge, the jury, and your worst nightmare. 

This airport is so busy.

Short and stout like a green tea pot.

Dog pile: 

So much fun when you are on top; 

not so much when you are on the bottom. 

There is another world inhabited by intriguing life, no less complex, no less capable in the context of their world than we are in ours. They are bugs - insects, and they are as close as your backyard. 

Go Discover Them!