Discover the Vermont Entomology Academy, inspiring curiosity and connection through insect observation and hands-on learning.
V.E.A., founded by Bernie Paquette in 2025, connects people with nature through the fascinating world of insects. From summer bug observations to mobile outreach, the Academy helps learners of all ages discover the joy and importance of insects in our ecosystems.
🪲 Vermont Entomology Academy
Welcome to the Vermont Entomology Academy — where curiosity takes flight!
Explore our current and developing programs below.
🌿 Mission
To inspire curiosity and connection through insect-focused observation and learning.
Our Academy celebrates the fun, exploratory spirit of science education — where hands-on discovery meets wonder.
🧭 Goals
Our goal is to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection with the often-overlooked creatures that keep our ecosystems thriving.
We aim to spread the love of “inverting” — the joy of observing and learning about invertebrates, particularly insects.
🔍 Objectives
Through Academy programs, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of the vital roles insects play in human life and ecosystems.
Explore ecosystem connections — the physical and functional links between organisms and their environments that support biodiversity and resilience.
Learn the fundamentals of entomology: insect anatomy, diversity, life cycles, and lifestyles.
Experience the joy of observing insects in their natural habitats.
Discover how to use iNaturalist to document and share observations.
Practice using essential field tools — nets, magnifiers, and guidebooks — to explore insects up close.
Develop keen observation skills and deepen appreciation for nature’s details.
Experience the awe and wonder of insects: noticing the small, complex, and interconnected beauty of the world.
Recognize that insects, like us, have families, find food, seek shelter, avoid danger, and strive to thrive as individuals and species.
You don’t need to know the science of insects to be amazed by them —
but learning a little makes the wonder grow even more.
🐞 Vermont Entomology Academy Programs
Bug Camp
📍 Saint Michael’s College | Department of Biology
“Bugs, Nets & Sunshine: Vermont Entomology Academy Day Camp 2026”
Hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and guided insect adventures await!
🚐 BUGmobile
A mobile natural history collection operation designed to bring lessons on insects to communities across Vermont.
Currently in the planning stage, the BUGmobile will deliver interactive insect learning experiences to schools, libraries, and community events statewide.
🦋 Bug & Bird Safari
📍 Underhill Conservation Commission | Vermont Entomology Academy
June & September — Free (Registration through U.C.C.)
Join naturalists for guided outdoor safaris to discover insects and birds in their natural habitats.
🐜 Bug Safari | At Your Yard
📅 June through August
🕒 Flexible scheduling (1–2 hours)
💲 Free
Invite the Vermont Entomology Academy to your own backyard for a personalized insect exploration experience!
💧 Incredible Workshop: “Life Begins in Water”
Currently in the brainstorming stage, this workshop will explore aquatic insects and their essential role in ecosystems.
🎪 The Great Insect Fair
Another exciting idea in development, this event will celebrate insects with exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.
🌻 Get Involved: Join the Vermont Entomology Academy
The Vermont Entomology Academy is recruiting!
We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to help grow our mission of inspiring curiosity and connection through insects.
We welcome:
🧑🎓 College students
👩🏫 Educators
🔬 Biologists & Ecologists
🎨 Artists & Naturalists
🌎 And other enthusiastic “ists” who love science, nature, and community engagement!
We currently have openings for:
Board of Directors
Steering Committee
Planning and Working Groups
One-Time Presenters
Lab and Field Facilitators
📩 Interested in joining us?
Please contact us to learn how you can get involved with the Vermont Entomology Academy.
🌼 Join the Movement
The Vermont Entomology Academy welcomes all curious minds — students, families, educators, and lifelong learners — to explore the fascinating world of insects.
Because when we pay attention to the small things,
we begin to understand the big picture of life on Earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment