Phenology and Place

I grew up in New England, specifically rural western Massachusetts. Because of this I typically feel a strong sense of place in the woods. Growing up the forest was my backyard and the wildlife that lived there were my neighbors. Some of my best memories as a child were long walks or cross country skis in the woods behind my house. When I am in my spot in Centennial Woods I get a similar feeling of comfort and nostalgia that I get from being in my back woods at home. They are peaceful and serene. This particular visit to Centennial woods was special to me because the day before was the first snowfall in Burlington. This left the woods covered in a dusting of glistening snow that adds a whole new perspective to the woods. As a child, I always thought of the first snowfall as a fresh start. Like turning to a new page on a coloring book, fresh and clean. Now that Centennial woods is mostly forested land, I find that I have a stronger sense of place there. In the mid 19th century when the land was cleared for agricultural lands and timber, I think that that would significantly affect my feeling of place in this area. Since I have never been a farmer and many of the people that I grew up knowing or associating with did share have that identity.

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