Introducing the Vermont Entomology Academy: Expanding Our Reach and Inspiring Curiosity
The Vermont Entomology Academy (VEA) was founded in 2025 by Vermont naturalist Bernie Paquette; the Academy’s work is rooted in inspiring curiosity and connection through insect-focused observation and hands-on learning for learners of all ages.
Because when we pay attention to the small things, we begin to understand the big picture of life on Earth.
About the Vermont Entomology Academy
The Vermont Entomology Academy seeks to make entomology accessible, engaging, and relevant to Vermont communities. Its mission is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen people’s connection to nature through insect observation, exploration, and community engagement. The Academy emphasizes a fun, exploratory spirit grounded in real-world natural history and science learning.
Through a suite of current and developing programs, VEA offers diverse opportunities for participants to learn about insect anatomy, life cycles, ecology, and the vital roles insects play in ecosystems. Activities also include guided outdoor explorations, the use of field tools (e.g., nets, magnifiers), and participation in community science platforms such as iNaturalist.
Signature Programs
Highlights of the Academy’s offerings include:
• Bug Huggers Adventure Camp – A hands-on insect learning week-long day camp hosted in partnership with Saint Michael’s College.
• Bug & Bird Safari – Guided outdoor excursions, free and open to the public, that explore insects in their natural habitats alongside birds.
• Bug Safari | At Your Yard – Personalized backyard insect explorations offered throughout the summer months.
• Workshops and Events in Development – Including aquatic insect education (“Life Begins in Water”) and a community-wide Great Vermont Insect Fair, Moth Night, Firefly night, Plant-insect interaction Project, and Six-legged Stories.
Spotlight: The BUGmobile Initiative
One of the Academy’s most exciting efforts in the development stage is the BUGmobile—a mobile natural history collection and outreach program designed to bring interactive insect education directly to communities across Vermont. The BUGmobile will visit schools, libraries, and other community events with engaging insect displays, hands-on activities, and opportunities for learners to observe and engage with insect biology in person.
To realize the full potential of the BUGmobile and its wide outreach, the Vermont Entomology Academy is seeking support from volunteers and contributors.
Specifically, we are seeking:
• Volunteers willing to offer one to two-hour interactive insect presentations at local organizations (scheduling is flexible; no fixed commitment required).
• The idea is to create a pool of individuals, each willing to commit to one or more insect-related interactive presentations during 2026.
• 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 to offer an insect- related (including iNaturalist use) interactive program of their choice.
• 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.
This is a prime opportunity to amplify insect education across the state and engage diverse audiences in entomological discovery. Whether you are an experienced educator, field naturalist, student, or enthusiast, your time and expertise can make a meaningful difference in fostering environmental literacy.
Get Involved
To volunteer with the BUGmobile or other Academy programs, or to learn more about contributing supplies or leadership support, please contact Bernie. The Academy welcomes participants of all backgrounds and interests and values contributions that help build community connections around insect science. 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.
Conclusion
The Vermont Entomology Academy represents an exciting addition to Vermont’s network of insect education and outreach initiatives. Its emphasis is community engagement, experiential learning, and broad participation. We encourage anyone interested to explore collaboration, participate in Academy activities, and consider volunteer roles that support our mission of bringing insects to the people of Vermont.
View more about VT Entomology Academy and details about each of the individual programs athttps://vtbugeyed.blogspot.com/2025/11/vermon t-entomology-academy-inspiring.html
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