A 2-year study was conducted on the distribution of parasitoids of gypsy moth, Lymtmtria dispar (L.) (Lep. : Lymantriidae), in mesic and adjacent higher elevation transition and xeric forest habitats in Vermont (U.S.A.). In both years, overall parasitism ranged from 12-18 % in each habitat. When analyzed according to the life stage at which the host was collected, parasitism rates of greater than 40 % were obtained among the late instars. Parasetigena silvestris (Robineau-Desvoidy) and Phobocampe disparis (Viereck) were recovered most commonly from the mesic habitat, and Cotesia melanoscehts (Ratzeburg) and Blepharipa pratensis (= Sturmia scutellata) (Meigen) were most common in collections from the xeric area. Parasitism by Compsiho'a concinnata (Meigen) occurred at similar levels in all three habitats, and this species was responsible for the highest parasitism rates on the site, reaching 40 % among the late instars in 1985. Percent parasitism by C.concinnata increased three-four-fold from 1984 to 1985, while parasitism by other species declined.

Florets of eight provenances representing three native North American azalea species [Rhododendron calendulaceum (Michx.) Torr., R. prinophyllum (Small) Millais, and R. viscosum (L.) Torr.] being grown in Burlington, Vt., were compared during three seasons for cold hardiness by laboratory freezing during cold acclimation. There was a large variability in the number of florets killed within an inflorescence in response to freezing temperatures. Cold hardiness of florets of the three species ranked, from most to least hardy, were R. viscosum, R. prinophyllum, and R. calendulaceum. Some differences were noted in cold hardiness of florets of provenances, but these were not necessarily related to latitude or elevation of origin. Cold hardiness of most provenances showed a significant linear relationship with the daily mean temperature of the 3 days preceding freezing tests. Ambient temperatures just before subfreezing test temperatures may affect winter injury more than provenance differences for these species.

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For the last three years Delaware State University (DSU) and the University of Vermont (UVM) have implemented a new approach to a summer program or Institute that emphasizes evaluation and accountability. Beginning in 2005, both institutes changed the focus of their programs to fulfill not only the primary objectives of instilling inquiry and project-based learning in the field of transportation but to incorporate rigorous evaluation criteria. If goals are very narrowly defined, that is, counting the number of students entering a career in transportation, then there are limitations. Students in the 9th through 12th grades are still experimenting with different career paths. Summer programs like the Summer Transportation Institute enable students to get to post-secondary education. Evaluation is necessary to ensure that funds are spent effectively but success should be measured on several fronts.

As part of a nationwide study of the potential for woody crops to supply biomass for energy use, we evaluated seven hardwood tree species and six hybrid poplar clones on four different sites in Vermont, with three fertilizer treatments on some sites. Not all species were evaluated on all sites. Plots containing 25 trees were replicated three or four times at each site. Trees were planted at a spacing of 0.6 x 0.6 m or 0.9 x 0.9 m and grown for 3 years. The application of fertilizer did have significant effect on height, diameter, and stem weight. Species with high yields (about 16 oven-dry t/ha/year) included four of the hybrid poplars. Silver maple, black locust, and the other two hybrid poplars yielded about 10 oven-dry t/ha/year. Based on growth alone, these species and clones were recommended for short-rotation intensive culture in areas with similar climate and growing sites. North J. Appl. For. 2:43-47, June 1985.