Climate Leadership Shakeup: Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer is leaving the Healey administration to become president of Vermont Law and Graduate School, starting Dec. 1—an important handoff for the state’s climate policy talent pipeline. Urban Forestry & Heat Resilience: Montpelier says about 80% of downtown trees are in decline, with emerald ash borer driving high-risk losses; the city is moving toward the “Stockholm planting method” to help trees survive heat, pollution, and pests. Wildlife Habitat Expansion: Vermont is working to reunite Snake Mountain land and timber rights, planning to buy back timber rights for 950 acres and add 256 acres to better connect habitats and protect wetlands and bats. Research on Snow & Water: UVM leads a $3.3M NSF-funded regional effort to study snowpack impacts on flooding and the winter recreation economy, with partners across northern New England. Food System Updates: Vermont’s Farm to Plate program highlights growing produce access efforts, including a 2025 data report showing five produce prescription programs reaching 1,100 Vermonters and buying $153,081 from local growers. Public Health & Environment: A new Nature study from UVM and Penn State links bat DNA changes to pathogen adaptation, longevity, and cancer resistance—offering clues for how immune systems evolve. Weather & Community: Vermont’s fall foliage forecasts point to early, patchy color starting the week of Sept. 8, with broader coverage mid-September. Disaster Memory: Vermont marks 15 years since Tropical Storm Irene, recalling 11 inches of rain, major road and bridge damage, and $700M in statewide losses.