Symbol | Official Item

Vermont designated the painted turtle as official state reptile by joint resolution in 1994 due to efforts made by students of Cornwall Elementary School. All State Reptiles

Joint Resolution

NO. R-179. JOINT RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF THE PAINTED TURTLE AS THE STATE REPTILE. (J.R.S. 57)

Offered by: Senator Ready of Addison County.

Whereas, the Painted Turtle is a hard worker and can withstand cold temperatures like the citizens of Vermont, and

Vermont's state flag was authorized in 1919 and features the state coat of arms (which includes the state motto) against a field of blue. All State Flags

From Vermont Statutes Online:

The state motto of Vermont is "Freedom and Unity" (the motto appears on Vermont's coat of arms, state seal, state flag, and the U.S. Mint's commemorative quarter for Vermont. All State Mottos

Slate, marble, and granite were designated as the official state rocks of Vermont in 1991. Vermont has a complex geology with rich and diverse mineral resources. All three of the official state rocks were important to the minerals industry that began in Vermont over 200 years ago. All State Rocks

Vermont designated walleye (Sander vitreous vitreous) as the official state warm-water fish in 1978 (brook trout was adopted as the state cold-water fish). All State Fish

Walleye Facts

Walleyes are most at home in large, clear, cool lakes. Their eyes are sensitive to light, so walleyes go to deep, dark waters during the day and move to shallow areas at night.

In 1982 the state legislature designated "Arizona" by Rex Allen, Jr. as the alternate state anthem of Arizona (the original state anthem was adopted in 1919). All State Songs

The Arizona tree frog (Hyla eximia) was designated the state amphibian of Arizona in 1986. Elected by the school children of Arizona during the "Arizona Wildlife Awareness" program in 1985 (sponsored by Arizona Game & Fish Commission), the Arizona tree frog won over the other three finalists: the red spotted toad, the Colorado River toad, and the spadefoot toad. All State Amphibians

French explorer Samuel de Champlain called the Green Mountains of Vermont "Verd Mont" (green mountain) on his 1647 map. Vermont's nickname is "The Green Mountain State." All State Name Origins

The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) was designated the official state reptile of Arizona in 1986. All State Reptiles

First known to science in 1905, this small brown snake is one of the most primitive rattlesnakes found in the United States The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake is a unique species which is an important and irreplaceable part of North America's natural heritage.

Vermont designated the apple as official state fruit in 1999 (and also recognized apple pie as the official state pie). All State Food Symbols

Vermont grows more than 150 varieties of apples.  Pick-your-own apples are a popular feature - about 200,000 bushels are picked by visitors to Vermont orchards every year.