Mount Holly Biodiversity's Journal

The Mount Holly Biodiversity project has completed its third full year of work and thanks to a total of 4,336 contributions from 228 volunteer observers we have identified 1,200 species of plants, animals, and fungi in Mount Holly since beginning work in January 2021! This small town in the Green Mountains of Vermont has an amazing biodiversity and it’s encouraging to see that there are so many people who care enough to help us learn about our natural world. Observations were submitted by residents and visitors, by hikers and gardeners, by children and retirees, and many who simply wanted to learn the name of common and rare plants or animals and to share that knowledge with the community.

Beyond our own community it is exciting to know that we are part of a much bigger effort to understand and to conserve our natural world. Our local data gets fed into the statewide Vermont Atlas of Life (https://val.vtecostudies.org/ ) database managed by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. The Atlas has now documented over 14,000 species in Vermont with information vital to conservation and sustainable development. Further, Mount Holly is also a contributor to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (https://www.gbif.org/) which is documenting all biodiversity on the planet! The GBIF has received over 40 million observations from 1 million observers worldwide and identified over 450,000 species. A number of those submitted observations turned out to be brand new species never identified before and several species thought to have gone extinct were found by volunteer observers!
Here's what we have found in Mount Holly as of December 2023:
528 Plant species identified (48 new this year). Over 100 of our common plants are really introduced species, a few of which have become invasive concerns. (Goutweed, Bull thistle, Hemp nettle, Wild Parsnip, Giant Knotweed, and Phragmites). These are the species that degrade natural habitats like Star Lake and may harm native species, including people. Local efforts to remove or control them are often recommended and maps on the Biodiversity Project website show where they are found in town
334 Insect species identified (44 new this year). We have confirmed 24 non-native insects and a few of them are troublesome invasives such as Japanese Beetle, Spongy moth (formerly Gypsy moth), European Earwigs, and Winter moth. Although not yet confirmed in Mount Holly, the Emerald Ash borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly are in Vermont and threaten our forests and farms making regular monitoring very important to prevent damage.
107 Bird species identified (19 new this year). Common birds seen in town include American Robin, Song & Chipping Sparrow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Chickadee, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, and Crow. A few special sightings included Red-eyed Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Thrush, and Indigo Bunting. Many species are migratory and they have now flown south to follow their food supply. The best way to protect birds is to conserve their habitats such as forests, wetlands, and meadows.
141 Fungi species identified (36 new this year). Fungi (mushrooms, molds, etc.) include a whole Kingdom of very interesting organisms that many people enjoy finding (and eating). Some common fungi we found in Mount Holly include Chanterelles, Shaggy Mane, White Coral, Ink Cap, Puffballs, Toadskin Lichen, and Amanita mushrooms.
27 Mammal species identified (3 new this year). Mammals include the animals we often think of and include Gray & Red Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, White-tailed Deer, American Beaver, Snowshoe Hare, Red fox, Porcupine, Moose, and Black Bear.
The remaining species include Arachnids (spiders), Reptiles & Amphibians (snakes, turtles, frogs & salamanders), Mollusks, Worms, and Fish. While small in numbers and sometimes harder to find, these species are very important parts of our environment and have vital ecological functions.

Finally, we have identified 39 species of threatened and endangered species in Mount Holly, including Common Loons, Merlin, Butternut, Purple Pitcher Plants, Yellow-banded Bumblebee, and American Elm. These species and their habitats are especially vulnerable and warrant extra conservation efforts if they are to survive.

The Mount Holly Biodiversity project has completed its second full year of work and thanks to 3,445 contributions from 201 volunteer observers we have identified 1,041 species of plants, animals, and fungi in Mount Holly since beginning work in January 2021! It’s exciting to know that this small town in the Green Mountains of Vermont has an amazing biodiversity and that there are so many people who care enough to help us all know our natural world. Observations are submitted by residents and visitors, by hikers and gardeners, by children and retirees, and many who simply had the curiosity to learn the identity of common and rare plants or animals and to share that knowledge with the community.

A most sincere Thank You to all who contributed to the following summary report about what you have discovered. I think it is gratifying to know that we are also part of a much bigger effort to understand and to conserve our natural world. Did you know that many (638) of the observations made in Mount Holly are considered of high enough quality and of importance to be included in the Vermont Atlas of Life (VAL), a statewide database of all living things managed by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies? The VAL currently documents over 11,000 species in Vermont and we are a part of that record by contributing to the Mount Holly Biodiversity Project! Further, the VAL is a contributor to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), an international network which curates and provides open access to biodiversity data to everyone. This is all very important because this data is the basis for many conservation decisions about endangered species, ecosystem protection, and long-term monitoring of biodiversity or population trends.
Here's what we have found in Mount Holly to date:

480 Plant species identified. Over 100 of our common plants are really introduced species. A few of these include Goutweed, Bull thistle, Hemp nettle, Wild Parsnip, Giant Knotweed, and Bittersweet nightshade. While many non-native plants have become common and cause no apparent harm (Beebalm, Queen Ann’s Lace, & Chicory) many “Invasives” and are a serious concern for their environmental or human harm. These are the species that degrade natural habitats and may harm native species, including people. Local efforts to remove or control them are often recommended and maps on the project website show where they are found.

290 Insect species identified. Common insects that were identified include Asian Lady Beetle, Monarch Butterfly, Drone Fly, Paper Wasp, Tussock moth, Yellowjackets, Sphinx moth, Stink bugs, Grasshoppers & Katydids, and Eastern Carpenter Bee. We have confirmed 18 non-native insects and a few of them are troublesome invasives such as Japanese Beetle, Spongy moth (formerly Gypsy moth), European Earwigs, and Winter moth. Although not yet confirmed in Mount Holly, the Emerald Ash borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly are in Vermont and may threaten our forests and farms so regular monitoring is very important.

88 Bird species identified. Common birds seen in town include American Robin, Song & Chipping Sparrow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinches, House Finch, Chickadee, Blue jays, Red-winged blackbirds, and Crows. A few special sightings included Red-eyed Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Thrush, and Indigo Bunting. Many species are migratory and have now flown south to follow their food supply. The best way to protect birds is to conserve their habitats such as forests, wetlands, and meadows.

105 Fungi species identified. Fungi (mushrooms, molds, etc.) include a whole Kingdom of very interesting organisms that many people enjoy finding (and eating). Some common fungi we found in Mount Holly include Chanterelles, Shaggy Mane, White Coral, Ink Cap, Puffballs, Toadskin Lichen, and Amanita mushrooms.

24 Mammal species identified. Mammals include the animals we often think of and include Gray & Red Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, White-tailed Deer, American Beaver, Snowshoe Hare, Red fox, Porcupine, Moose, and Black Bear.

The remaining species include Arachnids (spiders), Reptiles & Amphibians (snakes, turtles, frogs & salamanders), Mollusks, Worms, and Fish. While small in numbers and sometimes harder to find, these species are very important parts of our environment and have vital ecological functions.

Finally, we have identified over 30 species of threatened and endangered species in Mount Holly, including Common Loons, Butternut, Purple Pitcher Plants, Yellow-banded Bumblebee, and American Elm. These species and their habitats are especially vulnerable and clearly warrant extra conservation efforts if they are to survive.

Thank You & Congratulations to all observers who helped build this great data base of life. We have now confirmed over 1,000 species of plants, animals, and fungi in Mount Holly! This happened because 194 people provided over 3,200 observations from all around the community. Your contributions have made this possible and your continued observations will make it even better.

Please feel free to look through the amazing observations that we have compiled and see how many of these species you have seen yourself. There remain many, many more yet to be documented so please go out, explore, and report. We need new species, of course, but also common species already reported are extremely valuable so we can know where they occur and when they are present.

Thank You again, and keep on exploring!

Through climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction humans have upset the balance of nature — now, species are undergoing the greatest extinction rate in more than 60 million years. If we don’t act now, extinction may be humanity’s most enduring legacy.

All living things have an intrinsic value, and each plays a unique role in the complex web of life. The rate of extinction can be slowed. Many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover if we work together now to build a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders and scientists to demand immediate action. The first step is to learn what is now present in our living world.

The Mount Holly Biodiversity project is a small, local initiative to identify the living world around us so that we can know what we have and develop ideas to conserve the nature we need and cherish. Since its beginning in January 2021, 159 people have submitted 2,839 observations of 927 species seen in Mount Holly!

As we celebrate the 52nd Earth Day since its founding in April 1970 I’m reminded of the insightful motto of “Think Globally, Act Locally”. One easy way you can Act Locally is to contribute to the Mount Holly Biodiversity Project by contributing your observations to our community website at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/mount-holly-biodiversity . The project uses the free iNaturalist program that helps you identify any plant, animal, or fungi you find in nature and simultaneously submit your observation to our project. Spring is here, Earth Day is Friday, April 22 and there is no better time than now to get out to explore the nature around us as a citizen scientist working for the planet.

Mount Holly Biodiversity volunteers, This message is a check on the function of our journal postings. Would you please message me back at calidris1@gmail.com to confirm that you have received this posting. BTW, the previous journal posting went out on March 10, 2022 and I would also like to know if you received that one as well. Thanks.

It's been a long, strange winter and observations have been slow for almost everyone. As March begins and day length gets longer there are more opportunities to get out and make good observations in Mount Holly. Remember to keep reporting common species (birds, squirrels, deer, trees, etc.) and well as keeping an eye out for the rare ones. Very soon we will start seeing early shoots of spring wildflowers and it's very helpful to submit photos of early growth as well as mature plants and flowers. Also, early migratory birds will soon be here and first sightings of plants and animals are very important to learn about their phenology and changes that might be happening. Looking forward to seeing your new observations!

The Mount Holly Biodiversity project has completed its first full year of work and thanks to 2,810 contributions from 156 volunteer observers we have identified 924 species of plants, animals, and fungi in Mount Holly this year! It turns out that this small town high in the Green Mountains of Vermont has an amazing diversity of living things and many people who care enough to help us all know our natural world better. Observations were submitted by residents and visitors, by hikers and gardeners, by children and retirees, and many who simply had the curiosity to learn the identity of common plants or animals and to share that knowledge with the community. A big Thank You to all who contributed to the following summary report about what you have discovered.

442 Plant species identified
Most common found: Canada bunchberry, Sensitive fern, Balsam fir, Bluebead lily, Colt’s foot, and Red Trillium. There are many other common species we all know like Sugar maple, American Beech, White pine, Goldenrods, and Hawkweed.
Some of our common plant species are really non-native (introduced) species. A few of these include Broad leaved dock, Tansy, Bull thistle, Hemp nettle, and Bittersweet nightshade. While many non-native plants have become common and cause no apparent harm (Beebalm, Queen Ann’s Lace, & Chicory) some are classified as “Invasives” and are a serious concern for their environmental or human harm. Invasives identified include Giant & Japanese Knotweed, Wild Parsnip, Bull Thistle, & Goutweed. These are the species that degrade natural habitats and may harm native species, including people.

246 Insect species identified
Common insects that were identified include Asian Lady Beetle, Monarch Butterfly, Drone Fly, Paper Wasp, Tussock moth, Yellowjackets, Sphinx moth, Stink bugs, Grasshoppers & Katydids, and Eastern Carpenter Bee.
Similarly to plants, we have 18 non-native insects and a few of them are troublesome invasives such as Japanese Beetle, European Earwigs, and Winter moth. Although not yet confirmed in Mount Holly, the Emerald Ash borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly are in Vermont and may threaten our forests and farms.

82 Bird species identified
Common birds seen in town include American Robin, Song & Chipping Sparrow, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinches, House Finch, Chickadee, Blue jays, Red-winged blackbirds, and Crows. A few special sightings included Red-eyed Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Wood Thrush, and Indigo Bunting. Many species are migratory and have now flown south to follow their food supply but we still have a good selection of residential birds to enjoy over the winter.

84 Fungi species identified
Fungi (mushrooms, molds, etc.) include a whole Kingdom of very interesting life that many people enjoy finding. Some common fungi we found in Mount Holly include Chanterelles, Shaggy Mane, White Coral, Ink Cap, Puffballs, Toadskin Lichen, and Amanita mushrooms.

19 Mammal species identified
Mammals include the animals we tend to think of and included Gray & Red Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks, White-tailed Deer, American Beaver, Snowshoe Hare, Red fox, Porcupine, Moose, and Black Bear.

The remaining species included Arachnids (spiders), Reptiles & Amphibians (snakes, turtles, frogs & salamanders), Mollusks, Worms, and Fish. While small in numbers and sometimes harder to find, these species are very important parts of our environment and ecological functions.

Participation in our town Biodiversity Project has been expanding as more people get out a find all the great nature we have in Mount Holly. Thank you to everyone who have been submitting observations, this all adds to our knowledge of the biodiversity in Mount Holly and the region. I encourage you to keep up your observations and to recruit friends and family to join in. I also encourage everyone to get out to new locations to look for plants and animals. More observations in more places will all build a stronger project.

Identification TIP: In addition to contributing information we need, iNaturalist is, of course, a great way to learn the names of the common and unusual species we see around us. Sometimes when we submit a species to iNaturalist and click on "What did you see?" at the top we don't get a definite identification. This is very normal but it's important that when you submit this observation that you select at least a very general category for the mystery species. All identified submissions get reviewed by volunteers who specialize in broad classifications such as birds, plants, insects, reptiles, etc. These Observers will suggest an identifications for you. Observations submitted only as "Unknown" do not get reviewed and remain unidentified. It's easy to avoid this by simply selecting the general category that you know the species belongs to (plant, bird, insect, fish, etc.). That will attract reviews and suggestions.

If you have any questions about using iNaturalist or about our project please don't hesitate to message me.

As of late May the Biodiversity Project has made 1,644 total observations in town. We are now 109 observers, including 38 project members who have identified 659 species (56 new species since April!) in Mount Holly. That breaks down into 330 plants, 141 insects, 74 birds, 59 fungi, 17 mammals, 8 amphibians, 5 reptiles, and several smaller groups. Among these, observers have identified at least 28 species of non-native plants and 14 species of introduced insects. Some of these are now common but a few are an important ecological and economic threat to our forests and agriculture. Invasive non-natives like Purple Loosestrife and Phragmites displace native plants and provide little benefit (food, cover, etc.) to native wildlife. Invasive aquatic plants and algae can devastate the ecosystem of wetlands and lakes. In order to deal with these invasives we need to continue to identify and monitor them so effective controls can be applied in their management. If we know what they are and where they are we can take measures to protect our native ecosystems. The flip side of invasive species are the threatened species and project participants have identified 18 threatened species in town. These are birds and plants that need extra protection to prevent their continued decline and loss.

These are some of the key roles of the Mount Holly Biodiversity Project and I thank you for joining in this exciting and important effort. As a member of this Project you can always view these data yourself by looking at "Stats" on the home page. If you use the "Filters" you can see the data for specific types of observations too. It's fun to try this and I encourage you to give it a try yourself.

Spring has brought out all kinds of wildflowers, birds, insects (including black flies!) everywhere and there’s much more to come. Migratory birds like warblers, grosbeaks, hummingbirds, thrushes, flycatchers, are moving in and passing through. Please try to submit observations of those common species that you see in many places around town to help us learn about their distribution and abundance. We need photographs and reports of the fish and aquatic plants in Lake Ninevah or Star Lake too.

Thank you for making this project so successful and productive already. In only a couple months since our beginning in January we have confirmed over 600 species in Mount Holly and spring is just beginning. Now is a truly exciting time to get outdoors, there are new species of birds, wildflowers, and insects appearing nearly every day. It's always exciting to find a new species but we also need to know about all species, including the common ones, that occur regularly around the area. Please remember to photograph and report those common animals, plants, and fungi wherever you see them. Repeated reports of the same species in various places are very useful for determining where our most valuable resources are located. If you look at the map you can see there are several areas in town that lack solid observations. For example, we need more reports around Star Lake, in the Okemo State Forest, and south of Rte. 155. Spring is here, take an iNaturalist walk whenever you can and help us learn more about the biodiversity of Mount Holly.