One Year of Mount Holly Biodiversity!
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.
