12.6.18

A brief history of Centennial Woods: Centennial woods grows upon the site of the ancient Champlain Sea from 10,000 years ago, this explains the forest’s sandy soils. In more modern history the Abenaki Native American tribe lived sustainably in this region of Vermont hundreds of years ago. They likely hunted, gathered and passed through areas of Centennial during this time. With the movement of European Settlers into the area during the 19th century, Centennials old growth forests were cleared for agricultural purposes and timber. Entering the 20th century re-growth began in some areas of Vermont including the northeastern region of Centennial woods. Only later on in this century, following 1947 did regrowth begin in the lower region of Centennial Woods where my phenology site can be found. This information was determined by Ariel images of the region provided by Burlington geographic.

Left: 1937 Aerial Photograph of Burlington, VT by Sunburn Co.                                              Screenshot of Centennial Woods by me.

Right: Present map of vegetation in Burlington, VT provided by Burlington Geographic. Screenshot of Centennial Woods by me.

When I visited my site this week I found it buried and a sparkly, thin layer of fresh snow. I was shocked to see how many trees had fallen since my last visit although most were standing snags that had fallen. Considering the history of this region of Centennial it makes since that some of the young forests original trees, with shorter longevities such as White Birch trees, are now nearing old age and death.