Category: Basic Info

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.

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.