Month: October 2018

The plants in the area have either lost all of their leaves or turned a darker shade of orange. However, the conifers such as the few Eastern White Pine and a few other woody plants are the only present green plants. It is clear that the trees are preparing for the incoming winter. There is a big difference in temperature from the first visit near the beginning of October. The air is much more crisp.

 

 

There has been many signs of wildlife such as deer tracks (in the past, deers have been spotted very often). In addition, many squirrels and chipmunks nest on the grounds and trees surrounding the brook. However, on this cooler evening, it was relatively quiet. There are signs of wildlife such as tracks, but no active noises.  There were also fish fries in the water during the warmer summer and early fall months, but there are none now.

 

 

The first day of starting my project and visiting my site was a very stormy and rainy one. The weather was slightly humid and cloudy. The water level in the stream was very high and very rapid from the rain so I was not able to observe the stream in its normal state. In my past knowledge, there is a wide variety of life within the stream bed. Macro-invertebrates such stoneflies, mayflies, other larvae, frogs, and crayfish have been spotted. The still remains leaves on the trees are bogged down with water. No signs of large mammals have been seen yet.

Common organisms found (not my photos)

    

Sources: Image 1

https://gonefroggin.com/2016/09/26/frogs-and-toads-of-vermont/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rustyblackbird/2481250621

 

Hi, my name is Anna Eekraw, and I am from Essex Junction, VT. Because I only live 20 minutes away from UVM and go home regularly, I decided it would be easier to chose my own backyard as my phenology place. I am lucky enough to have a natural area in my backyard with a stream and a diverse species of trees.

 

I chose my phenology spot because of two reasons: convenience and curiosity. This cozy stream surrounded by many trees, plants, and wildlife is just a few steps from my back patio. Even more, the stream leads directly into Indian Brooke in Essex, VT. which then leads into Lake Champlain. During the summer months I swim at Indian Brooke and go boating on Lake Champlain, so it’s nice to see part of the larger watershed right in my backyard. Indian is a very popular place to swim in my town. What happens in the stream in my backyard can directly impact this resorvoir. Second, as a kid I played in the stream but have never directly observed the area. I want to be more familiar with the trees and living organism so close to me. I believe I can use what I have learned and will learn in NR 1 to gain a new perspective on a place I have spent my childhood.