The Winter Finch Forecast with Tyler Hoar – Naturalist Journeys Online Presentation Series

North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, Vermont

This presentation dives into the art and science of the Winter Finch Forecast. Tyler will provide an overview of each winter finch species, their current movements, and where we'll expect them to show up in the Northeast this season. From crossbills to grosbeaks and siskins to redpolls, the nomadic movements of winter finches depends on the interplay of weather, cone production, insect distributions, logging regimes, and more. This talk will also share a brief history of the Winter Finch Forecast, how it’s compiled and goals going forward.

Christmas Bird Count – 61st Annual Plainfield Circle

North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, Vermont

Join the nation's largest and longest-running citizen science project. The Christmas Bird Count, organized by the National Audubon Society, has been getting birdwatchers outside recording species in their backyards and towns for over a century! This project has become a powerful tool for understanding the rise and fall of bird populations over time. NBNC organizes and compiles the Plainfield count, which encompasses a 7.5-mile radius around Plainfield, including the towns of Montpelier, East Montpelier, Calais, Orange, Barre, Plainfield, and Marshfield. One of the oldest circles in Vermont, this count has occurred annually since 1960! The Plainfield count occurs on Saturday, December 18.

Event Series Winter Discovery Hike for Families

Winter Discovery Hike for Families

North Branch Nature Center 713 Elm Street, Montpelier, Vermont

December 19,  January 15, February 19 10:30 - noon | Free! - Registration required For families with children ages 6 and up Come explore nature in a new way! Imagine yourself as an ant and take a "microscopic" hike into the leaf litter. Explore your sense of touch by "meeting a tree." Expand your sense…