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.
VEA: Curious Connected Alive
🌿 Mission = why we exist
To spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen connections to nature through insect-focused observation and learning.
To promote the value of community-science observations for conservation and for monitoring ecosystem health.
To express an identity that is fun, exploratory, and grounded in the natural world.
🧭 Goals = what we want to achieve
Inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection with the overlooked creatures that keep ecosystems thriving.
Promote “inverting” — the joy of observing and learning about invertebrates, especially insects.
Encourage community-science participation so more people contribute meaningful insect observations.
Foster a culture of wonder that motivates people of all ages to explore, notice, and care for the natural world.
🔍 Objectives = what participants will learn/do
Through Academy programs, participants will:
Understand the vital roles insects play in ecosystems and in human life.
Explore ecosystem connections — the physical and functional relationships that support biodiversity and resilience.
Learn the fundamentals of entomology: anatomy, diversity, life cycles, and lifestyles.
Experience the joy of observing insects in their natural habitats.
Use iNaturalist to document, identify, and share observations (and become familiar with other entomological resources, including museum collections).
Practice using essential field tools — nets, magnifiers, and guidebooks — to investigate insects up close.
Develop keen observation and identification skills, deepening appreciation for nature’s details.
Cultivate a sense of awe for the small, complex, interconnected beauty of the insect world.
Recognize insects as living beings with needs: finding food, seeking shelter, avoiding danger, and striving 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.
Our VALUES: Acceptance. Acceptance of ourselves, of others, of all life forms.
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🐞 Vermont Entomology Academy Programs
Bug Huggers Adventure Camp
🚐 BUGmobile
- Volunteers willing to offer one-hour interactive insect presentations at local events (scheduling is flexible; no fixed commitment required).
- The idea is to create a pool of individuals, each willing to commit to at least one insect-related interactive program during 2016.
- Notices will go out to libraries, schools, and other community organizations offering a 1-2 hour insect-related program.
- Once an organization expresses interest and suggests a date and time, a note is sent out to the pool of individuals to see if anyone wishes to commit to that date and time.
- Equipment and Supplies for the mobile operation, including microscopes, field guides, insect nets, hand lenses, insect capture tools, entomology pins, display materials, and specimen trays.
🦋 Bug & Bird Safari
🐜 Bug Safari | At Your Yard
💧 Incredible Workshop: “Life Begins in Water.”
Currently in the brainstorming stage, this workshop will explore the role of aquatic insects in ecosystems.
🎪 The Great Vermont Insect Fair
Another exciting idea in development, this event will celebrate insects with exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Presentations
📅 Locations Community Center in Jericho: February day and time tbd
When Birds Meet Bugs: How One Yard Became a Wildlife Haven (5-minute Lightning talk)
Yard Highlights:
Have you ever wondered what is living in your yard? Bernie will show photos and discuss some of his findings from a 1.3-acre Jericho yard, including some uncommon and even a few firsts for Vermont (40 minutes).
Spencer Hardy (Vermont Center for Eco Studies Biologist and of the Farm Upstream will present highlights from the research paper he helped write:
"New Vermont Bee Checklist and Conservation Rankings Published".
The study, led by researchers from VCE, in collaboration with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and experts from across the continent, provides the first comprehensive faunal list and conservation assessment of Vermont’s wild bees. A decade-long study published this month found that 352 wild bee species call Vermont home. The bad news is that 60% of those species are likely in need of conservation action. But the good news is that with this study, we've taken a crucial step toward protecting them. (45 minutes).
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🦋 Moth Night
📍 Locations TBD Date: Week of 7/18-7/26, 2026
In the planning Stage,
“Lights, Sheets & Wings: Vermont Entomology Academy Moth Week Celebration 2026”
Discover the magic of nighttime biodiversity! Join us after dark for moth-watching, light-sheet exploration, and guided observation with Vermont Entomological Academy and Vermont Entomological Society naturalists.______________________________________________________________✨ Firefly Night📍 The Farm Upstream, Lee River Road, Jericho, Vt. Date between mid-June and mid-July“Glow & Wonder: Vermont Entomology Academy Firefly Discovery Evening 2026”Experience the sparkle of summer nights! Learn about firefly communication, watch their bioluminescent displays, and enjoy guided twilight exploration with VEA naturalists.____________________________________________________________
🐝🌼Plant–Insect Interactions Project (2026)
VEA Residential Yard & Garden Study
Curious about the bees, butterflies, and other insects visiting your yard? Jericho residents are invited to take part in a 2026 Vermont Entomological Association community science project exploring plant–insect interactions in home yards and gardens.
Do you live in Jericho, VT?
The Vermont Entomological Association (VEA) is seeking residents of Jericho to participate in a 2026 community science project focused on plant–insect interactions in residential green spaces.
What participation involves
• Brief 20-minute surveys of your yard
• Conducted biweekly during select plants* bloom periods
• Surveys conducted by Bernie
• Flowering plants and insect visitors photographed
• Observations submitted to iNaturalist
Why participate?
Your yard can help answer important questions:
• Which pollinators use specific plants?
• What pollinators are active in Jericho?
• Are uncommon or at-risk insects present?
• Which plants best support specialized pollinators?
Focal plants & bloom timing
*View the list of target plants and projected bloom dates:
https://vtbugeyed.blogspot.com/2025/12/targeted-flora-for-key-and-under.html
Interested or have questions?
Contact: Bernie Paquette
Vermont Entomological Association
_________________________________________ Six-Legged Stories 🐞📚 Insect-themed outdoor library events
The idea behind this program would be to offer a summer offering in conjunction with the Jericho Library for an outdoor kids reading session using books about insects (fictional and non-fictional). Combined with pinned insect and live insect observation, and discussion. Below is a first draft of the proposal.
🦋 Moth Night
📍 Locations TBD Date: Week of 7/18-7/26, 2026
In the planning Stage,
“Lights, Sheets & Wings: Vermont Entomology Academy Moth Week Celebration 2026”
🐝🌼Plant–Insect Interactions Project (2026)
VEA Residential Yard & Garden Study
Curious about the bees, butterflies, and other insects visiting your yard? Jericho residents are invited to take part in a 2026 Vermont Entomological Association community science project exploring plant–insect interactions in home yards and gardens.
Do you live in Jericho, VT?
The Vermont Entomological Association (VEA) is seeking residents of Jericho to participate in a 2026 community science project focused on plant–insect interactions in residential green spaces.
What participation involves
• Brief 20-minute surveys of your yard
• Conducted biweekly during select plants* bloom periods
• Surveys conducted by Bernie
• Flowering plants and insect visitors photographed
• Observations submitted to iNaturalist
Why participate?
Your yard can help answer important questions:
• Which pollinators use specific plants?
• What pollinators are active in Jericho?
• Are uncommon or at-risk insects present?
• Which plants best support specialized pollinators?
Focal plants & bloom timing
*View the list of target plants and projected bloom dates:
https://vtbugeyed.blogspot.com/2025/12/targeted-flora-for-key-and-under.html
Interested or have questions?
Contact: Bernie Paquette
Vermont Entomological Association
Six-Legged Stories is a summer program developed in partnership with the Jericho Library, offering outdoor reading and discovery sessions for children centered on insects and the natural world. The program combines insect-themed fiction and nonfiction books with hands-on observation, discussion, and creative activities that encourage curiosity, respect, and care for local insects.
Through guided exploration, children will observe live insects, view pinned specimens, and learn how insects live in gardens, fields, and forests—always emphasizing gentle handling and safe release.
Program development ideas
- Targeted audience age matched to the book(s) we choose for each session.
- Categorize available insect books by recommended age groups.
- Name tags: Jr. Entomologist: _______ (name of attendee)
- Sketch pads and implements
- Field notebooks
- Collaborative or individual story creation based on insect(s)
- Attendees create page(s) for a library insect encyclopedia or guidebook (laminated)
- Insect dictionary (bee anatomy terms, for example)
- Insect artwork by attendees (display at the library and City Hall)
- Maintain an outdoor waterproof box of accessible insect-related materials
- Duration: (1-2 hours?)
- Seek donations of insect-related materials to make available in the Library loan program
- Consider possible library pollinator garden maintenance and expansion
- Story read and discussion outdoors, weather permitting.
- Insect observations outdoors, weather permitting. (Library grounds and pollinator garden near JCS.
- Insect observations within a sealed display case.
- Dead insects made available to (gently) handle and examine.
What the Program Includes
📚 Storytime & Discussion
Outdoor reading sessions featuring insect-themed books available through the Jericho Center Library, paired with age-appropriate discussion.
🔍 Hands-On Discovery
Activities may include:
Guided bug hunts using magnifying glasses and simple nets
Daytime and nighttime “white sheet safaris” using sheets and lights
Live insect observation and pinned specimen trays
Journaling, drawing, and storytelling inspired by insect encounters
🏨 Build & Create
Construction of small insect observation stations or “bug hotels”
Creative use of natural materials such as sticks, bamboo, pinecones, and leaves
Program Structure
Pre-Event Setup
Outdoor reading nook with books, field guides, and nature journals
“Bug hunt” discovery kits (magnifiers, bug viewers with air holes, notebooks)
During the Event
Guided insect exploration using simple scavenger hunt prompts
Observation and documentation through drawing or writing
Read-alouds tied to the insects participants encounter
Write a single insect-related story, together, adding new chapters at each Six Legged Stories event.
Key Principles
🌱 Observation First – Gentle handling, respectful curiosity, and prompt release
👶 Age-Appropriate Design – Simple activities for younger children; deeper exploration for older participants
📖 Literature-Based Learning – Stories and poems connected directly to real-world discoveries
Planning & Logistics
Create a list of insect-related books available at the Jericho Center Library
Coordinate with Catherine (librarian) on interest and scheduling
Recruit volunteer readers and activity facilitators
Develop themed sessions and age-specific programs
- Reading Nook: Set up a cozy outdoor area with insect-themed picture books, field guides (e.g., for pollinators, local garden bugs), and nature journals.
- Discovery Kits: Prepare "bug hunt" bags with magnifying glasses, clear jars/bug viewers (with air holes!), small nets, and notebooks/pencils for drawing or data collection.
2. The Event: Activities & Exploration- Guided Bug Hunt: Start with a scavenger hunt list (e.g., "find a bug with wings," "find a bug in the grass") using magnifying glasses to explore plants, logs, and soil.
- White Sheet Safari (Day/Night): Shake leaves over a sheet to see what falls (day), or hang a light to attract nocturnal insects (night).
- Creative Observation: Encourage participants to draw or write stories about their findings in their journals, noting insect behaviors, colors, and habitats.
- Insect Hotel Building: Provide materials (bamboo, sticks, pinecones, pallets) for kids to build small habitats for beneficial insects.
3. Key Principles for Success- Focus on Observation: Emphasize gentle handling and prompt release back to where they were found.
- Age-Appropriate Tools: Use simple checklists for young kids and more detailed data charts for older participants.
- Connect to Literature: Read stories or poems related to the insects they find during the event.
- Reading Nook: Set up a cozy outdoor area with insect-themed picture books, field guides (e.g., for pollinators, local garden bugs), and nature journals.
- Discovery Kits: Prepare "bug hunt" bags with magnifying glasses, clear jars/bug viewers (with air holes!), small nets, and notebooks/pencils for drawing or data collection.
- Guided Bug Hunt: Start with a scavenger hunt list (e.g., "find a bug with wings," "find a bug in the grass") using magnifying glasses to explore plants, logs, and soil.
- White Sheet Safari (Day/Night): Shake leaves over a sheet to see what falls (day), or hang a light to attract nocturnal insects (night).
- Creative Observation: Encourage participants to draw or write stories about their findings in their journals, noting insect behaviors, colors, and habitats.
- Insect Hotel Building: Provide materials (bamboo, sticks, pinecones, pallets) for kids to build small habitats for beneficial insects.
- Focus on Observation: Emphasize gentle handling and prompt release back to where they were found.
- Age-Appropriate Tools: Use simple checklists for young kids and more detailed data charts for older participants.
- Connect to Literature: Read stories or poems related to the insects they find during the event.
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🌻 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.
Our organization is being built on passion, shared leadership*, and the belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute. There is a place for you.
* Everyone has the power to shape things. The leader’s role then focuses on facilitating shared decision-making and supporting others. A community leader facilitates people who are there by choice. Leadership essentially becomes about facilitating co-creation circles and deep listening.
A hybrid approach between centralized and decentralized leadership may sometimes be needed.
- Leadership by proposal: The community leader is the group’s main resolver of ambiguity.
- Leadership by invitation: The community leader’s role is to proactively and personally invite people to contribute.
- Leadership by role-modeling: The power of a community leader to shape culture and embody a group’s values.
🌼 Join the Movement - bring to the table whatever you are good at!
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.
Vermont Entomology Academy offers insect learning experiences from your yard to public parks; entomology and invertebrate education for kids in classrooms at schools, libraries, churches, and other meeting places.
THANK YOU Donors
- Bee The Change (Mike Kiernan et al): Scholarship funds for Bug Huggers Camp
- Anonymous donor: Scholarship funds for Bug Huggers Camp
- Spencer Hardy: Glass vials to temporarily hold live insects for close-up observation
- Brad Vietje: Copper Sieve for straining out water invertebrates from ponds or streams.
- Declan McCabe: Magnifying glasses with lanards.
- Emily Rowe (Northern Woodlands org.): 30 copies of Northern Woodlands magazine.
- Alden Wicker (Communication Specialist, Vermont Center for EcoStudies): 25 copies of VCE Field Notes magazine.
- David Barrington, Cathy Paris: Loan of a vintage 'Dinky Toys MG Roadster' for a Bee Photo Shoot.
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🕹️ Connections Game Grid: Insect Edition
Here’s a Connections-style game grid (like The New York Times Connections) using insect anatomy and basic entomology terms. Your task (or your students’ task) is to group the 16 words into four sets of four related terms. Each group has a common theme related to insect anatomy or entomology.
Group 1 – Body Parts (External Anatomy):
Group 3 – Structural / Protective Features:
Group 4 – Respiration & Reproduction:
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Reflections on Wonder, Place, and Paying Attention
"The greatest human discoveries in the future will be the discovery of human intimacy with all those other modes of being that live with us on this planet…"
—Thomas Berry, The Great Work
"If you want to feel new, alive, full of fresh hope, and in love with the world, the place to visit may be your backyard."
—paraphrased from Pico Iyer, The Art of Stillness
“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.” ~Bradley Miller
And from a somewhat unexpected source:
"If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with."
—Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
The message is the same across science, spirituality, and story:
Look closely. Look often. Look where you stand.
You might discover something uncommon.
“The biophilia effect states that humans have a genetic tendency to affiliate with other forms of life and are drawn to experiences in nature in order to increase their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Try an Awe Walk
Choose what you put your attention on; place your awareness in the present moment; and observe and be curious about the small wonders unfolding all around you instead of judging your experiences.”
Feeling a sense of awe improves feelings of happiness and can increase your overall mood. It can lessen negative emotions and decrease the overall amount of stress hormones in the body, which can lead to body-wide inflammation.”
- Be Well: How Hiking Can Improve Our Mental Health by Samara Anderson, Esq, North Ferrisburgh, Vermont.
VEA Framework for Development
- Online courses endorsed by iNaturalist in entomology, taxonomy, and photography
- Photographers and amateur community scientists on iNaturalist are often interested in refining their skills and expanding their knowledge.
- Book recommendations and links to external resources and synergistic online portals such as BugGuide.net
- Enhancing photographic skills for iNaturalist (crop photos, take sharper images, and multiple angles...
- Broaden and build on iNaturalist advocates, who currently promote iNaturalist, to carry out the vital role in encouraging more taxonomists to enter the community. (extracted from Callaghan et al. 2022). "It is generally accepted that the number of undescribed insect species is at least as large as the number of described species…” (Warburton, P. J., Ascher, et al. 2025)
- Create a list of Vermont taxa that require identification based on features that photographs are never likely to show.
- Recruit and increase insect ID experts.
- Develop, sponsor, or support projects that focus on areas lacking in observations for taxa in general or for specific taxa.
- Also, focus on the wide insect-to-flower interaction (cover as many flowering plants as possible). List Floral Resources to Target.
- Develop a local Community of Practice for iNaturalist use, observation, photo, collection, and other invertebrate study techniques.
- "A Community of Practice is a working group of a community of stakeholders, based on ideas by Lave and Wegner (1991) about community learning and development. The constituents of a Community of Practice group would be influential or senior representatives of each of the stakeholder communities with an objective to formulate actionable strategies for improving the use of iNaturalist..." ((Warburton, P. J., Ascher, et al. 2025).
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