Human History

Centennial Woods, and my spot along with it, was purchased by the University of Vermont from various private owners from 1891 to 1968. Prior to the purchase, there is little information documented as to the private uses of the land. Through observing stone walls and pieces of barbed wire in my time spent there, and my knowledge of the land use history of the majority of Vermont, I assume it used to host either sheep or dairy farms. The dominance of Eastern White Pine today also indicates reforestation, as they are a pioneer species. Centennial Woods now makes up about 70 acres and is utilized by UVM courses as a natural laboratory. Apart from this, it gets frequent use from students and local residents for recreation, as many people run and take walks through the natural area.