Annual Report 2022

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.

Posted on December 12, 2022 12:23 AM by jcorven