Lucas Eggers Phenology Blog

Visiting my site again, I was asked to take note of the phenological changes, specifically signs of animals, decomposers, and remaining leaves and vegetation. I immediately spotted signs of the decomposition of leaves on the ground.

Leaves that were once vibrant and crisp had become black, like mush, and full of holes. There had been decomposer activity here as the bacteria, worms, fungi, etc. had clearly left an impact on the leaves that were once safe high above the ground. There were also clear signs of fungi and animals in the are that were either new or new to me.

Noticing a jelly-like growth from the cracks in the bark of this tree I was confused. I had never seen anything like it before and so I pulled out Inaturalist to find out more about it. This species is the orange jelly spot and it is allegedly edible, though I had no interest in eating it. It grows in cracks in bark and de-barked trees and fruits from spring to early winter but this particular orange jelly spot began fruiting quite recently. I also noticed what I believe to be woodpecker holes in a snag that likely houses bark beetles or a similar infestation of woodpecker prey. They were not likely new, however they were clear signs of life I had previously missed. Other than these pieces of evidence, there was little trace of what life used to be here, with the birds that could once be heard constantly overhead now completely gone and even the highway having a quiet day. In terms of remaining vegetation, almost all of the vegetation was still alive, however it did not appear as though it would be for long.

These ferns once stood proud, but now droop to the point of laying flat to the ground. These are complemented by the only remaining leaves which cling to some of the American Beech trees that have the strongest grip.

This was my last visit to this phenology spot for this semester and I really enjoyed visiting it while I did. The brook overlook is beautiful and I just enjoyed exploring a new place with its own distinct characteristics. I also enjoyed exploring it as a place I had already explored coming back to it later in the phenological calendar to find differences that I might not have noticed exploring different parts of UVM’s natural areas. I particularly enjoy the topography of the area, as my hometown is a very flat area and we don’t even get large hills. This topography also creates opportunities for interesting root formations that I enjoyed studying.

Goodnight everyone!

Song of the day:

Over break I went back home to Sudbury Massachusetts and found a new phenology spot to observe.

I chose this location to be my phenology spot because it is special. Sure, it has similar ecological characteristics to the rest of Sudbury, but it is special to me. This spot was basically my backyard for many years of my life before I moved to Framingham in junior year. I have so many memories of “adventuring” through the woods with my brother as we would build little structures, balance on fallen logs over the river, and play football.

The phenology of my location is actually very similar to the phenology of my Burlington location. It is dominated by red oaks and red maples, which play a secondary role in my Burlington spot. There are a few eastern hemlocks which are more dominant in Burlington. In terms of differences, there is almost no ground coverage in my Sudbury spot and there are no American beech trees. The locations are quite similar because they both reside in the northeast USA and they both are located right next to a brook.

I really appreciate this spot and it was great to get to spend some time back in a place so central to my early life.

Song of the day:

On my return to my phenology location, I found the area I knew but with a few changes over my absence. Few deciduous leaves still clung to their trees and the ground was now covered by a patchwork of shades ranging from yellow to orange to brown. Coniferous trees had become more visible, their ever-green nature allowed their bright colors to shine through the newly empty canopy. Ferns remained a prominent feature along the ground, their bright green shone through the faded leaves that had attempted to hide it.

After I arrived I took the time to refresh my memory on the layout of the location and constructed an overhead map which is shown here:

I tried to only include the most relevant details in order to make the map more digestible as I would be remiss to call myself an artist.

I then took the time to sit quietly for fifteen minutes and observed that the quiet hum of cars on the distant highway is always in the background but stays, for the most part, unobtrusive. The stillness of the forest was remarkable, as only the last of the deciduous leaves dared to move, dipping occasionally in the wind. The only non-human sounds that could be heard were uttered from the beaks of birds up above as they chirped to one another. It began to drizzle as I took my leave with the pitter-patter of raindrops following close behind.

Now for the song of the day:

I chose a location in Centennial Woods because when I was exploring the woods earlier in the semester and I found this area by centennial Brook. It is usually free of people and has a beautiful ridge line that overlooks the brook.

To get to this location enter Centennial Woods at the Catamount Drive entrance. Walk until you arrive at the first clearance where you will take a left. Take the straight path at the second clearing and then cross the small stream. Turn up the hill to the right at the next clearing and once you are at the top of the hill, take a left. Now you must shout “I believe” three times before the forest will allow you to continue onwards. Once you do, keep walking and continue straight where the oath branches to the right. Walk across the ridge line and when it begins to head steeply downwards you have made it to the location.

This is a beautiful spot, but there is little ground cover at the center. There is only a speckling of intermediate wood ferns along the ridge and as you head towards the brook you will find a few christmas ferns. The woody species are made up of mostly eastern hemlock and american beech trees, however there are a few red maple and red oak specimens. There are no white pines on location, however they can be observed as you approach the location.

I am glad to be returning to this spot for the rest of the semester and I am excited to take you on this journey with me.

Song of the day: