An invitation to help shape the future of insect education in Vermont
Dear Friends of Nature and Entomology,
What might it take to bring more hands-on entomology experiences to people across Vermont—especially young people?
That’s the question I’m hoping to explore with you as the Vermont Entomology Academy (VEA) moves from an exciting concept toward a more fully functioning program.
VEA began with a simple goal: to give Vermonters more opportunities to discover insects firsthand. Entomology Adventure Camp, Backyard Bug Safaris, school insect surveys, and Bird and Bug Walks have all demonstrated the appeal of learning about insects through direct observation and discovery.
Now comes the challenge: building the capacity to do more.
We’re looking for a program manager for a second annual Entomology Adventure Camp, following a successful first year at SMC in 2026. The basic framework is in place, but making the camp happen again—and potentially expanding it—will require additional instructors, organizers, volunteers, and administrative support.
Another promising idea is a Bug Mobile: a way to bring insect specimens, microscopes, collecting equipment, and hands-on activities directly to schools and community groups. This could be especially useful during the late fall and winter, when outdoor insect exploration is limited.
Other possibilities: connecting insect observation with biodiversity research, conservation, and community science.
Taken together, these opportunities suggest real potential for accessible, hands-on entomology programming in Vermont. But good ideas alone aren't enough. We need people, partnerships, and a workable structure.
I'm looking for conversation, not commitments.
What might VEA become? Could entomologists, university students, educators, naturalists, conservation organizations, and community volunteers find ways to share their knowledge and enthusiasm? Might a few interested people be willing to explore an idea or help develop a pilot program?
My hope is that VEA can grow into a network of people and organizations working together to make insect education and discovery more accessible throughout Vermont—rather than a collection of programs that depend on one person to make everything happen.
I'd welcome your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions. We don't need to have all the answers before we begin. An informal conversation may be just what we need to discover what's possible.
For background, here's the Vermont Entomology Academy overview.
Interested in exploring the possibilities? I'd love to hear from you.
What's the next step?
I'd like to start by bringing together a small group of interested people for an informal conversation—by phone, online, or around a table.
The goal is simple: share ideas, identify the most promising opportunities, and consider what people and partnerships might help move one or two programs forward. The main initiatives are Bug Mobile and the second annual Entomology Adventure Camp.
No commitments required. At this stage, I'm looking for people willing to think with me about what VEA could become and how we might make it happen together.
If you're interested in joining that conversation, please contact me. Let me know what interests you and whether you might be willing to join an initial discussion.
Let's see what we can build together!
Bernie Paquette
Vermont Entomology Academy
