Airport Park Phenology

The park was a lot quieter today, not a bird nor squirrel could be heard or seen. This could be due to the nearby construction that was occurring all day. The shift in weather was becoming more obvious as the trees were more bare and the weather colder. The only organisms seen were, humans and dogs, spiders, plants, lichen and fungi. The humans and dogs were there to play and get energy, spending the last few days they can outside before the snow comes. Spiders have their webs set up in one place if its secure, which it seemed to be hence why it was there. Most plants are dying but a few can be seen still alive. Lichen and fungi are breaking down what is dying for the year, like for example, the leaves and trees. They are also taking advantage of the the nutrient rich soil due to the breakdown of organisms. Mapping helped me get a better idea of where everything is and where nature starts becoming more prominent over suburban areas in the park.

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Airport park is a unique plot of land located in Colchester, Vermont. It’s most defining characteristics include the towering old forest, the scenic bike path leading to the Colchester Causeway and the massively ecologically diverse Colchester Bog located right behind it, as well as a historic log schoolhouse preserved by the Colchester Historical Society, which has been converted into an information center and museum. When it’s dark out, you get one of the best views of the stars in the night sky, including the Milky Way. The forest contains a wide variety of tree species, including white oak, paper birch, sugar maple, and red maple. The bog has a huge amount of diversity as well, with a swath of open peatland and shrub and tree dominated swamps. You know you are in Airport Park when you hear the sound of the local elementary sports teams playing baseball or soccer. Another hint is the sounds of birds singing, squirrels scurrying through the trees, and bike riders zipping on the bike path. You get there by taking the beltline from burlington in to Colchester. Then, following Porters Point Rd onto Colchester Point Rd, and then it is on your right. Being there is very peaceful. It’s nice to see all the community enjoying nature and its a gorgeous area. It gets quiet later in the day, so that’s a good time to go and just sit down and destress. Overall, Airport Park is a beautiful and amazing place.