Mapping Jericho’s Invertebrates — Volunteers Needed

Jericho has a strong tradition of mapping and documenting its landscape. Now it’s time to extend that effort to the small but essential life around us—our insects and other invertebrates. 

We’re looking for volunteers to help observe and photograph species, as well as landowners willing to allow brief visits to document pollinators and insect–plant interactions on their property.

Jericho naturalists are building a community-driven record of local biodiversity. The town currently ranks 11th in Vermont for species recorded on iNaturalist—let’s push that further. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just curious, your contributions can directly support conservation, education, and efforts like the Vermont Butterfly Atlas and pollinator protection initiatives.

You can explore background and project details on VTbugEyed:

• Vermont Biodiversity by Town: iNaturalist Species Rankings, Observations, and Community Science (2026). See Jericho's current ranking.
• Jericho, Vermont Butterflies: Species Not Yet Recorded & How to Help the Vermont Butterfly Atlas
• Vermont Insect–Host Plant Index: Documenting Neglected Floral Hosts and Habitats
• New PIP Mission! Vulnerable Bumble Bees

Jericho’s mapping legacy stretches back centuries—from Benning Wentworth, who drew the town’s original boundaries in 1763, to Ira Allen and Remember Baker, who surveyed it in 1773. Later contributions by H. F. Walling and Lewis Robinson further documented the region. And of course, Wilson Bentley—“Snowflake” Bentley—set a powerful example by carefully recording the natural world around him.

This project follows in that tradition: careful observation, shared knowledge, and a deeper understanding of place.

If you’re interested in helping—by observing, photographing, or hosting access—join the effort and help map the living landscape of Jericho.

Together, let's map out the living landscape of Jericho, from invertebrates to plants, from birds to butterflies; all forms of life, including plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and chromists.

Reach out to Bernie (bugeyedbernie on iNaturalist) to discuss how you wish to participate. And join the iNaturalist project at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/jericho-vt-living-landscape.