With over 2,000 observations submitted in June, it was a little crazy to pick a handful of candidates for “The Best”. So the job went to the number one observer, Kyle Jones. To narrow the field, Kyle arbitrarily decided that the Green Mountain State would be represented by a plant this time. So here are five plant candidates for June 2013 photo-observation of the month. As always, if you are reading this and are a registered iNaturalist observer, you can vote (once) by replying to this post with the number of the photo-observation you like best. There is also a very good chance that the June winner will be asked to make the July selections, so vote for your arch-enemy — no good deed goes unpunished!

1. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/312107
2. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/308811
3. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/292858
4. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/289906
5. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/288971

Our June guest photo editor, Kyle Jones, went with a plant theme. The most popular photo-observation by vote was Fragrant Water Lily by Laura Gaudette. Check it out at http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/308811. Thank you to all of you for sharing your amazing observations.

Citizen scientists around the world will hang white sheets and lights in backyards, woods and fields July 20 through July 28 for the second annual National Moth Week, a global project begun last year to encourage the public to observe and document one of nature’s most diverse and under-appreciated creatures.

National Moth Week provides a much-needed spotlight on moths and their ecological importance as well as their incredible biodiversity. National Moth Week (http://nationalmothweek.org) offers everyone, everywhere a unique opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist and contribute scientific data about moths. Numerous organizations around the world have partnered with National Moth Week and are supporting the event. Through partnerships with major online biological data depositories, National Moth Week participants can help map moth distribution and provide needed information on other life history aspects around the globe.

Add your moth sightings to the Vermont Atlas of Life!