One Last Visit

As the last week of classes comes to an end, I decided to visit my phenology location in Centennial woods for the last time this year. Since my visit in April, not much has changed, except for a few more buds on the trees and few more wildflowers starting to poke up through the underbrush. the water of centennial brook is flowing strong now and is paving its way into spring. I look forward to seeing Centennial Woods with a full and lush green canopy next fall.

Centennial woods is special in a way that it is a wild a natural area in the center of the urban hub of Burlington. And I think that perfectly describes the culture of Burlington. People of all ages and backgrounds use centennial woods as a natural escape, which is something Burlington values very highly. I would certainly consider myself a part of my place. As a student at the University of Vermont, I feel as though I have a stronger connection to the area and more of say in what happens to it. I also recreate in Centennial woods often by going on trail runs, which has connected me to my location even more. I also feel as though I am a steward of centennial woods since I’ve participated in class activities, labs, and projects there.

Earth Week

I visited my site for the first time since the absence of snow on April 23rd. the skies were clear and the temperature was in the high 60’s- you know what that means- it’s shorts season in VT!

While at my site, it became evident that spring was well on its way in the natural world. The brook was flowing for the first time since the fall, and there were water bugs gliding around on the surface. birds were chirping, but there were no obvious signs of any mammal activity. Buds were present honey suckles and sensitive ferns, according to the expertise of iNaturalist. Dandelions appeared to be just days away from blooming.

A Floridian Landscape

This week I found myself among the palms, coconuts, and salty sea breezes. This landscape differs strongly from my location in the hardwood forest of centennial woods. Cypress trees, longleaf pines, and mangroves overtake the landscape with their greenery. In much contrast to the pines and maples of Burlington, the flora of southeastern Florida thrive in sandy soils and striking sunlight. The birds differ quite drastically as well. Seagulls and and the American white ibis dominate the bird populations.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida was inhabited by native tribes over 4000 years ago. Control over the area changed between Spain, England, and then finally the U.S during the era of European conquest. The fort was built in 1838, which dictated how the land was to be used for quite some time. The fort was abandoned in 1842 after the Second Seminole War and wasn’t settled again until the 1920s. The hurricane of 1926 halted all development until after the depression. in 1941, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park was established just outside of Fort Lauderdale. The land was never used for agriculture, as no crops could ever grow in the sandy soil. The Fort Lauderdale area is now almost completely developed, save the parks located around the city.

Phenological Changes: March

Not much has changed here in the past month, as temperatures have not warmed much at all. The Centennial Brook remains frozen over, and the ground is blanketed in a layer of fresh snow covering. There are a few new tracks that I found bounding across the bank of the brook as well. The ground and soil are far below the surface of the snow, though hardened by the freezing temperatures.

Identifying the Natural Community of Centennial Woods

I would identify Centennial Woods as an oak-pine northern hardwood forest. There are eastern white pines, maples, oaks, and birches present at my location. The soil is well-drained, which is perfect for successional species like the eastern white pine. Species that frequent my location, such as grey squirrels, chipmunks, and white-tailed deer are known to prefer the habitats and resources found in an oak-pine hardwood forest.

Tracks on the Bank of the Brook

On the other side of the bank was a track that appeared to be that of a diagonal walker. I wasn’t able to cross the brook to get to the other side to look at the track up close for fear of breaking through the ice. The track disappeared at the edge of the bank.

Trees, Twigs, and Buds

 

Based on the twigs and buds I was able to look at, I believe to have identified sugar maples, red maples, and white oak. I included a picture of a tree with diamond-patterned bark which I believe to be green ash as well.

From the Intervale to Centennial Brook: Location Change

For the second semester of my phenology project, I’ve decided to move my location a bit closer to campus. Walking 30 minutes to the Intervale in single-digit temperatures isn’t very appealing, as much as I love going to the Intervale. I think it’s great that there’s a natural area right on campus, and I enjoyed exploring it for a bit.

Exact Location: 44.4766, 73.1863

To get to my location, enter into Centennial woods off of Carrigan Drive and walk downslope until the brook first comes into view. Here on the curvy bank of the centennial brook is my new phenology location.