No. Definitely Not. My boots sunk into the slush ever so slightly as I once again returned to the side of Centennial Brook. I brush away the snow in search of fiddleheads emerging from the soil, but only find the slightest green bumps protruding from the center of a few ferns. The red maples seem to be further along in the budding process, and the red clusters can be seen from 50 feet below the towering trunks. I hear the whirring of cars in the distance, and am reminded I am just yards away from the bustling UVM campus. I’m at the edge of an isolated interior forest block, but its hard to forget I’m surrounded by civilization on all sides. I hear a pileated woodpecker in the distance, and am filled with hope that interior forest species can prosper in such a small block of woodland. The increased traffic from Burlington and the university definitely take a toll on the ecosystem, and the trail is worn and muddy from the slushy snow. I shrug and figure its better the ecosystem is somewhat preserved rather than more academic or residential buildings. As always, thanks for reading! It’s hard to see such a lovely place be so affected by surrounding development, but as long as respect is maintained and the forest is allowed to thrive to the best of its abilities.
Above: sketch of fiddlehead emerging from snow.