Welcome to Centennial Woods!

Hi! I chose a spot a little ways into Centennial Woods where I hope to document changes in the area throughout the year. The spot is right next to the creek so you can hear the babbling of the brook as it flows over rocks and sticks. I thought this spot was special because it is very small clearing right next to the creek, just big enough for me to sit down, and has a beautiful view of the field of wildflowers. The sun always hits this spot beautifully and lights up the golden fall grass. The sun provides a wonderful contrast to the dark evergreen trees in the background. The scene looks very picturesque, like a painting as the sun rays shine on the grass and the wildflowers wave in the breeze. The tall grass is clearly turning yellow as it nears winter, but there are still remnants if beautiful purple flowers across the field. Near the edge of the field, a large portion of he grass is completely bent over in the opposite direction suggesting human or animal involvement.

The plant life is much greener around the creek. Ferns and bushes line the water because it is a great source of nutrients and the plants filter bacteria out of the water. A beautiful low growing bush hangs nearly completely over the creek providing coverage to the water below. The recent rain caused the water to be significantly faster and the noise from a slight waterfall over a bridge of rocks was much more apparent. The loud rushing water near the rocks greatly contrasts with the small bubbling downstream caused by multiple sticks on the edges of the creek.

At first it appears almost silent in the area, but then you begin to notice the rustle of the wildlife. Grass and plants shake as chipmunks run across the ground in search of food. Birds chirp in conversation and you begin to become more aware of the different songs each use to communicate. The occasional crow makes its appearance and its loud caw dominates over the other birds. The only reminder of nearby civilization are the planes that fly overhead every once in a while. The power of their engines drown out the animals and the serenity. Despite this slight interruption, the animals go about their day and its easy to get lost in the quiet and simplicity.

Directions:

1. Enter at the trail head of Centennial woods
2. Follow the path until you reach the first clearing of a wide open space with trees around it
3. Take the path with the wooden bridge
4. Follow the wooden path until you reach the second, larger clearing
5. Notice the large tree nearly straight ahead at the edge of the clearing, its is growing at the edge of a slight downward slope
6. Go down the slope until you reach the creek, there should be a fallen tree over it acting as a bridge (do not cross it, just a landmark)
7. Follow the creek to the left, there is a lot of vegetation but it is a slight clearing with to fallen trees on the ground
8. Pass those until you reach the giant fallen tree that crosses over a slope, the creek, and into the field.
9. From here you will notice there is a small space on the other side of the creek next the the fallen tree
10. Cross the creek to the space and you have found the special spot!