I’ve had a tough year, but being able to see nature in such an intimate way has helped ground me throughout my ups and downs. I’ve begun to notice even the slightest signs of life around me– birds seem to sing a bit louder, there are more colors on the forest floor.

Visiting my original and current phenology sites were some of my favorite times throughout each semester. I could take a second alone and watch black capped chickadees bounce through the trees around Centennial Brook, or jump through the snow trying to carefully avoid disturbing any tracks.

I’ve figured out new ways to enjoy nature both in the company of others and in solitude, something I had struggled with before.

I have a new appreciation for the changing of the seasons, as I now can comprehend how life changes on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Even though my formal exploration of my phenology site has come to a close, I intend to keep exploring and branch out to understand more and more of our natural world