Vermont Entomology Academy 2026: community event for bug lovers, educators, and citizen scientists. Join the planning and exploration!
The Vermont Entomology Academy is in the works — and we’re inviting our community of nature lovers, educators, and curious explorers to help shape it! Planned for early summer 2026, this 1–3 day event will celebrate the amazing world of insects through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and plenty of curiosity. Participants will discover how insects connect to people and ecosystems, learn to use tools like nets and iNaturalist, and experience the joy of observing bugs up close.
Right now, we’re in the brainstorming stage and looking for folks to join the effort — from presenters and planners to volunteers and venue supporters. If you’re passionate about insects or simply love sharing the wonder of the natural world, we’d love to have you involved. Together, we can bring the Vermont Entomology Academy to life and inspire the next generation of bug-eyed adventurers!
How to Get Involved
We’re building a collaborative team to make this event come alive — and we welcome your ideas and enthusiasm. Here are a few ways to participate:
Join the Working Group or Steering Committee – Help guide the vision and organization of the Academy.
Volunteer as a Presenter – Lead a short talk, field walk, or hands-on activity related to insects, ecology, or nature observation.
Contribute Resources or Skills – We’re seeking help with video recording, event setup, educational materials, and field gear.
Spread the Word – Share this project with anyone who might want to participate or attend!
If you’d like to be part of this exciting effort, please reach out to Bernie Paquette to express your interest or learn more.
Let’s make Vermont buzz with curiosity and community in 2026!
Join us in creating a hands-on learning experience about insects, ecosystems, and discovery.
🌿 Overall Goals of the Vermont Entomology Academy
By the end of the Academy, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of the vital roles insects play in human life and ecosystems.
Learn the fundamentals of entomology — including insect definition, anatomy, diversity, life cycles, and lifestyles.
Experience the joy of observing insects in their natural habitats.
Discover why and how to use iNaturalist to document and share observations.
Practice using essential field tools — nets, magnifying glasses, and guidebooks — to explore the insect world up close.
Our goal is to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection with the often-overlooked creatures that keep our ecosystems thriving.
🐝 Who’s Involved
Steering Committee:
Bernie Paquette, TBD, TBD
Working Group*
Declan McCabe, Sandy (Sandra) Fary
Contributors*
Michael Sabourin, Mike Kiernan, Ellen Martinsen, Mercedes Oxford Kemp, Cole Logan, Leslie Spencer, Sam (Samantha) Alger
Presenters: Volunteers Needed
*If you’d like to be part of the Working Group or serve as a presenter, please contact Bernie Paquette.
Let’s bring this idea to life by early summer 2026!
🪲 Current Needs
We’re still in the brainstorming stage and welcome ideas, energy, and helping hands. Here’s where we could use support:
Presentation Volunteers: We’re especially seeking individuals to help design and lead engaging talks or hands-on sessions.
Video Recording: Capture presentations to share learning beyond the event.
Venue Decision: Finalize which location(s) best fit the Academy’s needs.
Steering Committee Members: Seeking two additional members to round out the leadership team.
Ongoing Framework Development: Continue shaping the structure, schedule, and activities of the Academy.
🌸 Commitments and Resources So Far
We’re fortunate to already have some strong commitments and resources taking shape:
Saint Michael’s College (SMC) – Venue and equipment provided by Declan McCabe, Professor at SMC. Includes microscopes with cameras, laptops, bug pinning gear, a teaching collection, sweep nets, and 365 acres of natural area with an outdoor teaching pavilion equipped with tables and chairs.
University of Vermont (UVM) – Lab space (up to 16 participants) with microscopes, coordinated by Ellen Martinsen, PhD researcher at UVM.
Educational Resources – A take-home bug guide and activity booklet for kids, developed by Mercedes Oxford Kemp.
Pollinator Tools – Mike Kiernan, founder of Bee The Change, has provided 22 butterfly nets and pollinator habitats already in use in 17 schools.
- Course Content and Field Activities – Cole Logan, UVM alum and entomologist, is developing lessons and field/lab activities, and providing collecting gear such as backlights and nets.
- Course Content – Daniel Koenemann, District Manager | Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District offers a presentation on pollination biology and pollination syndromes.
- Course Content - Interactive presentation promoting the joy of inverting. - Bernie Paquette
🌻 Looking Ahead
The Vermont Entomology Academy is still in its early stages — a growing idea nourished by creativity, community, and curiosity. As we continue to build the framework, we welcome anyone who shares a love for insects, education, and the natural world to join us. Whether you’d like to teach, organize, contribute ideas, or simply follow along as plans develop, your participation will help this Academy take flight.
Let’s work together to make early summer 2026 a season of discovery, learning, and appreciation for the incredible insects that share our world.
To get involved or learn more, please contact Bernie Paquette — and help us make Vermont buzz with excitement for the Entomology Academy!
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