It has finally been warm out these past couple of weeks and as a result, spring is beginning to show visible signs at my phenology site where more and more things are starting to look green. The downed log that is right by the pool of water on my site was completely covered in moss. Also, my site was noticeably more damp and muddy than usual, due to all of the rain that Burlington has received over the past couple of weeks. This now makes my phenology spot a perfect habitat for amphibians and salamanders. I also noticed evidence of wildlife at my site from areas where the ground was dug out and there were half eaten pinecones left out on the log. Spring has finally sprung in Burlington. This seems to be about right considering the old saying “April showers bring May flowers.”
Nature and culture intertwine at my phenology site. My spot spot is located just off of the main trail, and it is right next to a wetland. I would say that the natural elements provide for both people passing through and the wildlife to interact with this unique ecosystem. Human culture in Vermont is around spending time outdoors and doing activities outside, and my phenology spot is a great place for people to come visit and hang out at when they venture off the main trail.
I would consider myself a part of my place now that it has reached the end of the school year. I would honestly say that I would not have said I feel a part of my place at the beginning of the year only because I did not yet know or understand aspects of the environment I chose to observe. It was a mystery to me, but that was okay, because I knew that I would have plenty of opportunities to get to know my place, the different elements it consists of, and the wildlife that live there over time. I have visited my place since the very beginning of the year, and came and documented observations through the different seasons. I have grown over this past year, just as my phenology place has grown over the course of the year.
I also think a reason why I now consider myself a part of my phenology spot is because I often found myself wanting to go to Centennial Woods on a nice day. I would want to go for a run, go on the man trail, pause at my spot, sit on the fallen tree log that over looks the wetland, and just listen and take in the sights and the sounds of the woods. It was quite peaceful and therapeutic. The fact that I am wanting to go to my spot to seek therapeutic refuge is proof that I have integrated myself into the culture of my spot.