Line dancing between Vermont and Quebec
For the communities of Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line on the Canada-US border, the presence of US Border Control is present in all aspects of life. A recent article examining the effects of increased security in the region following the attacks of 9/11 explains the current dynamic through the shared love of line dancing in these communities. The author writes, "I would argue that while the project of increasing security at the border has undoubtedly increased the gulf between the two sides of the line, the border has always been central to existence, to the ways of being in the world of those who live in proximity to it." 

Environmental justice in Vermont
Vermont is one of eight states in the United States without an environmental justice policy. A recent report based on 569 surveys collected throughout the summer of 2019 finds that non-white residents and low income residents were more likely than others to face a variety of disparities. Specifically, non-white residents and residents with an annual income below $25,75 had significant difficulties paying for utilities and fresh food, were less likely to have a primary care doctor, were more likely to experience health problems, and were more likely to use public transportation and face environmental risks.

Bobcats don’t like human noise
When human activity increases in protected wildlife areas, bobcats have been known to become more active at night. Even recordings of human conversation were found to decrease the diurnal activity of bobcats by 31% (Suraci et al., 2019).  This is substantiated by a recent study aiming to better understand the impacts of low levels of human activity on bobcats in New England. The findings suggest closing off lands to recreation could better protect wildlife, since human activity in protected areas causes animals to divert attention from foraging, mating or raising young to avoid contact with humans. Recreation in protected areas generally detracts from the goal of preserving areas where wildlife can thrive. 

Migrant Justice and Collective Agency
Since 2009, the non-governmental organization, Migrant Justice, has worked to facilitate resources for Latinx farmworkers in Vermont. A recent article explores why and how collective agency was formed outside the state power to facilitate resources for Latinx farmworkers on dairy farms. The article discusses the ways in which collective identity and structural characteristics of the dairy industry in Vermont have influenced the formation and evolution of collective efforts and actions to address Latinx farmworkers’ needs and challenges.

History of phosphorous levels
Phosphorus levels in Lake Champlain haven’t always been a cause for concern, according to an article examining historical land-use changes and phosphorus levels in the lake. During the pre-settlement period (before 1770 C.E.) concentrations of all phosphorous species were low and stable. These levels slowly increased with the increase in human activity but were unaffected by deforestation and the development of small, family-scale farms in the 19th century. It wasn’t until the early 20th-century when marginal farms were abandoned causing afforestation of the watershed that accumulation rates increased.

Homelessness in rural areas
Experiences of those facing homelessness in rural areas are very different from those in urban areas. A recent report from Dartmouth aims to better understand homelessness in the Upper Valley and identify solutions based on the continuation and expansion of current programs or the implementation of programs that have been used in other communities.

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