These were taken over the course of the semester but are all dated
Taken from the head of the path (Sept 22)
Beautiful sunlight on a walk with my roommates (Oct 28)
Maple and Hemlock findings (Nov 27)
Decomposing Maple leaf (Dec 1)
Bright green fern (Dec 1)
Changes:
There are no leaves on the trees, save for the needles of the white pines and hemlock trees, and most of the leaves that were vibrant and colorful are now brown on the ground of the greenspace. After a wet spell here, the ground is very damp and the trees look especially dark and stark against the overcast sky. The ferns and Mushrooms are still thriving. One Birch tree in specific has seen a good amount of decomposition.
Nests or signs of animals:
none that are apparent. There are some tracks ion the mud of the path but I am almost certain that they are attributable to dogs as this is a very popular greenspace for trinity and other neighboring residents.
What does this spot mean to me:
Throughout the course of the semester, as this spot is so close to where I live, it has been frequently where I go to relax or get a breath of fresh air. I’ve taken may walks here with my roommates and sometimes I just go and sit and breath in the outside air as the dorms can feel very stuffy. It’s a very small amount of land, but it is special, and well loved by Trinity Residents.
Google Maps Image of Location
Beautiful Fallen Foliage in the evening light
Main trail approx. 1 mile from head
Where?
This spot is in suburban Northern Virginia, behind a skate rink that my brother used to skate at. On days when he had hockey practice, my mom and I would walk through the woods and talk.
What is this place like?
This place has mountain biking trails that are frequented by families and pros alike, and has a stream running along side it. The path is hilly at times but the walk is never strenuous and there are several miles of trail.
Why is it meaningful to me?
To me, this spot holds a lot of memories and has facilitated lots of really wonderful discussions with my mom. When I visited it over the thanksgiving break, I actually went with her, and in the spirit of old times, we walked and talked for about an hour and a half, only stopping because it was getting dark. I love that my mom and I are able to connect in such a beautiful place.
Comparison to Trin Woods
Similar to Trin Woods, this place also has many Red and White oaks. It however has no Eastern White Pines or Hemlocks, and instead has lots of American Beech. There are very few ferns or mushrooms that are visible when walking along the path, and there are few felled logs as these trails are mainly used for mountain biking, and that would be quite dangerous.
Google Maps Image of Trin Woods
Loosely drawn map of trin woods with key features
Shelf Mushrooms on felled Birch
Shelf Mushrooms on felled Birch
Shelf Mushrooms on Beech
Musing:
I am sitting on the felled Birch Tree at Trinity Woods. The log is slightly damp, and today it is feeling more like fall than most other days. I feel like I can smell the leaves turning, which may be attributable to the early stages of decomposition of the leaves (the leaf mold has a very distinct scent. The sky is clear, and I can hear the rumble from Colchester Street in the near distance. Here is a small and unrelated poem that I am writing while sitting here:
Haiku Love Sequence
I feel that maybe
The sky here is prettier
Than it is at home
But it doesn’t have
The usual birds and bugs
Which I miss dearly
The two of us are
A pair of gulls on the coast
Suspended in wind
The two of us are
Like glacial stones to the sea
Smooth and warm and strong
The two of us are
Stars that aren’t touching yet
But soon will collide
What is Trin Woods?
Trin Woods is how UVM students refer to the greenspace behind the Trinity Campus housing. It is a small wooded area with a well kept path cutting through.
How do you get to Trin Woods?
The woods can be reached by following a paved path from the back door of the McAuley Building and then cutting across the grass to reach a small opening in the edge of the woods. This is the beginning of the path that leads through the woods.
What kinds of trees and woody plants live here?
Close to the path are lots of Red Oak, White Oak and Red Maple. A little further up the path and off to the right side of it down the hill are mature White Pines and even further ahead are a few Eastern Hemlocks. There is some shrubbery that is difficult for me to identify, and some ferns scattered down the hillside. There are also several felled Paper Birch.