November 5, 2017

Walking through the paths I noticed that not much had changed since my last visit. More leaves had fallen, and the undergrowth had died back a bit more, but nothing too drastic shifted on the land. I strolled out towards the rocks, my favorite place to sit in the sun like a lizard, when I realized the rain from the past week caused the water levels to rise over the rocks. The water was beautiful running over the rocks, but I needed to find myself a new place to plunk myself down. I moved from spot to spot find one that was too public, one that was too windy, one that was too pointy, until I found one that faced the rushing water. I found peace there watching the everchanging water flow, and admiring the changes through the landscape.

Changes in Vegetation

Rocks looking towards the cliffs

The shady cross roads from the early days of October that lay on the shore of the Winooski River no longer exhibit the full green plumage that once engulfed the passer by. The leaves from the tree tops have almost all fallen to the earth, and the sensitive ferns have turned brown as the days have supposedly grown colder. A few herbaceous plants still stand tall and vibrant, though the subtle brown tint has begun to creep up a leaf or two. From the looks of it Salmon Hole is preparing itself for a long winters nap behind a blanket of snow.

The view from the edge of the trail looking up river

Sitting on the foot bridge my ears searched for the call of birds, but was greeted with the sound of passing traffic just up the hill. The occasional dog strolled past frightening the creatures that rest just outside of sight. Aside from one fat squirrel and two garter snakes seen, the evidence of wildlife was slim. My hypothesis for the lack of wildlife is how high trafficked the area is. Between the busy road that runs along the park and the high foot traffic of those fishing or enjoying nature, it would make sense for a large portion of wildlife not accustomed to humans would be frighten. My hope, however, is that there is more wildlife that lives outside of my observations.

A garter snake

 

Map of Salmon Hole on the Winooski River containing a section of trails, the rocks highlighted in pictures and aspects of writing, and views from the rocks.

October 22, 2017

Welcome to Salmon Hole

Salmon Hole is a beautiful portion of the Winooski River. There is a calming combination of slowly meandering, and fast paced waters capturing those who pass through. This is precisely why I chose this location. This small nook of Burlington is an alluring place because of the water and the small woods that separate it from the road, creating a small escape from the pressures of urban life.

To get there one must go towards Winooski, but before crossing the river turn down Riverside Ave. There you will find the small retreate. 

Vegetation

The vegetation within my site is a mixture of herbaceous ground cover and larger woody plants. Multiple types of ferns can be found there, and a collection of down trees. The trees DBH are mostly on the smaller size and the average total height can be estimated to be about 20ft.

 

Common Woody Plants 

Norway Maple

Green Ash

Buckthorn