Forest Phenology

As the day winds to an end so does the academic school year. In this time of reflection, I have been thinking about the changes that have occurred throughout the seasons.

From the beginning of fall to the middle of spring, my visits to Centennial Woods have given me a greater sense of the passage of time. Not only the observations I have made, but my own relationship with the city of Burlington.

During my first visit, I was a stranger and now I am able to find my way in the darkness. Still, with each encounter, I become aware of new changes in the landscapes and aspects that I have not previously noticed.

Today I was excited to see the expansion of more tree buds and fiddleheads unfurling. Soon, mud season will end and the ground will dry out. This landscape has become a part of my life and vice-versa. We are both continuously changing in so many ways.

When writing this post I was poised with the task of describing the ways in which nature and culture intertwine in centennial woods. In response, I am asking: in what ways are human and nature not intertwined?

We share physical spaces and vital resources.

We crave fresh air and places that allow us to thrive.

We are a part of complex systems and subgroups.

Human history has been shaped by geological activity and the composition of ecosystems. Despite humans’ desire to complete items into different boxes, we are all aspects of the same working system. Our interactions within the system are so complex the current human understanding just scratches the surface.

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During my visit to Centennial Woods on this rainy day, there were many signs of life! The birds were singing, buds were bursting and the stream was running. When I first walked up to my site, I noticed a Pileated Woodpecker had been drilling holes into some of the Eastern White Pines in search of food. Droplets of sap had gathered into large gobs at the base of each hole as the tree made an effort to heal its wounds and protect itself from diseases.

Although there were not any spring wildflowers poking up through the leaf litter, there were a handful of ferns adding green to the understory. Today, they were flattened by the heavy rain, but they carry promises of warmer days to come.

The buds of the American Beech had begun to burst and shades of light green were spilling out into the fresh air. Similarly, one of the Sugar Maples were beginning to open and will most likely burst on the next warm day.

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The stream was full of energy after many days of rain, and created bubbles to add to the ripples coating the surface. Despite its high velocity, the water remained clear enough to view the rocks glistening at its bottom.

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Over ‘spring’ break I spent some time playing in the thigh-deep snow with my dogs and, of course, comparing the environment to my phenological site in Burlington. This space is primarily composed of edge habitat since the forest runs along the remnants of a hay field. Between the mature trees and the field is a stone wall, demonstrating the history of the agricultural use of the landscape.

The trees growing along the stone wall are primarily sugar maples and may be the remnants of a former maple stand (on the other side of the field a maple stand is still in use by our neighbors).

Deeper into the forest there are also hemlock and ash trees.

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Among the trees, there are many deer tracks, beds, and scat. The local herd has been using this area extensively for wind protection and proximity to food.

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In comparison, my Burlington phenology site is primarily composed of Eastern white pine, hemlock, and some maples (sugar and red). It also has little to no snowpack left, due to high temperatures and rain. Although both have deer populations, Burlington has a greater population of people and more foot traffic.

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Valley Clayplain Forest

The natural community associated with my phenology spot is a Valley Clayplain Forest along a stream, which divides it from a neighboring wetland. This community is located primarily in the Champlain Valley and consists of poorly drained clay soils. Since this area is in its early-successional phases, it is primarily dominated by Eastern white pine and contains red maple, hemlock, sugar maple, and American beech. Animals that are characteristic in this community and have left tracks at this site include grey squirrel and white-tailed deer.

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Since first visiting my site in early September, many changes have occurred as we have progressed from autumn through winter. When I first arrived, it was the fruiting season for many fungi and their presence of the ground was primarily accompanied by fallen Eastern White Pine needles. As the weeks went by, the scattered ferns shriveled and dried as leaves drifted to the ground. For months now, the ground has been under a blanket of snow, only appearing after the infrequent rainstorm. Throughout this time the stream has changed drastically, as well. The water filled with leaves, piling on rocks and sinking to the bottom. As the temperature dropped ice formed on the outer perimeter, shifting and formulating distinct layers.

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With the recent precipitation, the stream has carried a greater amount of soil particles, which can be seen in the soil on the banks and the dark coloration of the ice along the edge. During the most recent visit the air temperature was a balmy 30℉, so the snow was soft with a distinct layer of ice beneath.

Coated in Ice

Over the past month, the stream running through my phenology site has accumulated many layers of ice which have shifted and created an ice shelf in the middle of where the stream was during the fall and early winter.

The water and snow in the stream were light brown, due to the high velocity of the stream and sediment being disturbed by the melting snow.

Wildlife Activity

Despite the site being covered in many human footprints, I was able to find a few deer tracks. Many of them were faded due to the melting snow, as today had a high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. There was also some fresh deer skat on top of some human footprints.

Dig Them Twigs

At my phenology site, there are mostly coniferous trees, such as Eastern Hemlock and Eastern White Pine, but there are still Sugar Maple and Yellow Birch. Below is an image of the bud of one of the Sugar Maples, followed by the closest I could get to buds on the Yellow Birch, and the new needles forming on an Eastern Hemlock. 

History of Place:

This week I investigated the human and geological history of my phenology site and discovered in the 1890s it was part of the Hickok Estate and most likely experienced agricultural use (Geosprocket LLC, n/d). When looking at an aerial photograph taken in 1937, it can be seen that the area along and beside Centennial Brook was a field (Geosprocket LLC, n/d). This explains the relative youth of the forest along the wetlands since Eastern White Pine is one of the earlier species to move into early forests, which most likely consisted of Paper Birch. Since Centennial Woods is now owned by the University of Vermont, I wonder if any of the stands in the forest were planted or to what extent human activity influenced this ecosystem. Many of the fallen logs on my site appear to have been cut down and a hiking path runs through the edge, so some of our recent impacts are visible.

The geology of this place is interesting, as well. The bedrock consists of quartz and the surficial geology consists of pebbly marine sand from deposits of Champlain Sea (Geosprocket LLC, n/d). The soil type is very fine and sandy, which is due to the stream and wetlands (Geosprocket LLC, n/d).

A Bit of Snow:

Due to rain over the past few days and heavy human foot traffic, I wasn’t about to find any animal tracks on this visit. Still, I am hopeful for what I will find during my visits next semester.

An Unfortunate Sight:

When walking along the stream, I noticed a rainbow tint to a collection of bubbles, which means pollution of some kind entered the water, demonstrating another human impact on Centennial Woods. Luckily, it was only this small patch of foam which appeared to be impacted, since the other groups were white and clear.

Breaking Down:

The beauty of wood can be seen when dead trees or branches begin to break down. The weathering and decomposition being done by fungi and bacteria result in beautiful color combinations, which make it easier to celebrate all aspects of the cycle of life.

References:

Geosprocket LLC. (n/d). Maps of the Burlington Vt Region. Burlington Geographic. Retrieved from http://www.uvm.edu/place/burlingtongeographic/maps/index.php

Link to Google Map

Description of Home Place (Tone of Aldo Leopold):

This new place is one of my favorite locations on my family’s land since it represents the interconnection and succession of forest and swamp habitat. A stream feeds into the swamp and where the two meet snake grass and cattails emerge. Beginning here and throughout the swamp are many swamp kinds of grass, which prevent my feet from being completely sucked into the mud.

Deer tracks are plentiful throughout and the white snow is interrupted by mud seeping through into their tracks. On the edge of the swamp are thorn bushes, which bare blackberries in the summer. Its sharp thorns do not protect themselves from the deer which come into this area to feed at night or from my family who look forward to their berries every August. These deer not only leave behind their tracks in the snow but also nibble on the Eastern White Pine, which lines the driveway. Their constant visits harm the lower four feet of the tree and even when the trees recover the deer trim the new growth very quickly.

Yet, these frequent visits create deer trails for my brother to track and this season he successfully harvested a large buck. This area, stretching right up to my home, has provided my family with instant access to nature and the wildlife that visits and lives here. We live among the birds, rodents, deer and occasionally porcupine and coyotes and are grateful to experience this connection on a daily basis. 

There are many old conifers, which have been rooted in the muck of the swamp for decades. In recent years, some hardwoods have begun making their way from the edge of the bank and into the swamp. While many have not lived past a few years, a few have been successful and mark the change in the landscape.

 

Comparison to Centennial Woods (Tone of Mary Holland):

In comparison to my place in Burlington, this area has a greater diversity in wildlife. In this location, there are many deer and tracks of rabbits, weasels, mice, chipmunks and red squirrels. In Burlington, there seems to be a higher population of squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, but there have yet to be sightings of any large mammals. Since many of the small rodents were discovered through tracks and not sightings, other species may be noted in the Burlington place now that there is snow on the ground. In terms of woody stem composition, the two places are strikingly different.

The Burlington pace has well-drained soils, while my home place has standing water throughout most of it. The Eastern White Pine, Red Oak, Red Maple, and Sugar Maple, which thrive in Centennial Woods, would not be able to sprout in the rich muck residing in the swamp. Although, both habitats attract many bird species, such as Chickadees, Goldfinches and woodpeckers.

Yet, since my home phenology place is also near a large fielded area and interstate, many birds of prey can be seen soaring in the skies above. Overall, the two are staringly different despite having many woody stems in a close proximity to water, which demonstrate the impact the flow of water can have on its surrounding environment from water absorption in the soil, plant life and attracted wildlife.

Deer Tracks:

Freezing Rain:

Swamp Plant Life:

Event Map:

During my visit to my phenology place this week, I created an even map documenting the most memorable experiences beginning from when I entered Centennial Woods until I finally left my place. During this visit, the birds and squirrels were very active with their calls making the forest anything but silent. Yet, this was interrupted when an airplane flew overhead. This was not a passenger plane humming in the clouds, it was a jet vibrating your ears and blocking all other noise. As a human, this is a great annoyance, but for birds, it can also result in them changing their flight patterns in an effort to escape the noise. This movement wastes energy, which does not benefit the birds. For these reasons, the silence after the plane has past is deeply impactful, since it contrasts the peaceful sounds of forest life.

Changes:

There are far fewer leaves on the trees, the Red Maples still have a few, but for the American Beech, Yellow Birch, and Sugar Maple none are left on their branches. As a result, the stream now has even more fallen leaves, which have either sank to the bottom or piled up against rocks. The ferns that had been killed by the frost just before the last visit are now dried and shriveled into light brown curls.

The fallen logs are still slick from the rain in the days before, yet the needles and leaves are dry because the rain has already infiltrated the soil.

Poems:

Foam

Bubbles gather together

in the catchment of leaves

and branches, floating and

piling on top of each other,

easily excitable as they

recover from the stream’s

swift section by taking

deep breaths. Below leaves

pressed into place by the

force of water droplets reflect

through then spheres morphed

into diverse realities.

 

 

We Are Leaves

We grow up

on a tree, the only home

we have ever known. When

we morph into adulthood, we

leap from the safety of our

stems and drift down,

down.

 

Most will discover the soil,

who provided the nutrients

 to allow them to grow and

will, in turn, provide the

nutrients necessary for

future generations.

 

Some will be scattered by

the wind, discover new

ground and contribute

to other communities.

 

Others will meet the

stream be carried near

or far, to be tumbled

and dragged through

the swarm of droplets,

caught on twigs, pressed

on rocks and under the foam.

 

These leaves will form

and discover a hub

of diversity, which will

shape the soil and be a

part of the force which

threads the forest together

into a tapestry of life.

 

Over time all leaves will

degrade and there will

be no trace of their

existence except for the

memories of viewers and

the energy they borrowed

and released into the cycle.

We are leaves.

Plant Exploration:

Stream Exploration:

Foam Exploration:

Map of Phenology Place:

Change is Constant:

Since the last visit, the ferns have turned brown and shriveled up. Four clumps remain green despite the recent frost and current snow flurries.

The American Beech and Yellow Birch have both have shed every last leaf. Each leaf on every maple has turned yellow, although many of them still have a green tint to them. Meanwhile, the Northern Red Oaks still have green leaves.

The brook is filled with fallen leaves, many of which have gathered together on branches or rocks protruding the water, slowing the flow to such a pace the water goes around the temporary dams.

Most of the mushrooms have shriveled up and many have disappeared altogether. Although squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and bears are known to feed on fungi, the culprit is more likely university students.

Despite not finding much evidence of wildlife, in the distance, many chickadees and squirrels were calling to each one another. This makes me inquire about the population size of these two species in Centennial Woods and how many other bird species pass through or live in Centennial Woods annually.

Poem:

As the flurries of snow dance

down from the grey, cloudy sky

the leaves huddle together

grasping tightly as fridged

water brings them together:

dragging down, gliding over.

Does the stream welcome every

addition? Persistently

wash every last leaf downstream

in an effort to become

transparent once again? Or

do the droplets pay no mind

to the colors dropping by,

like old friends who gather each

year to celebrate the end?

Introduction:

My phenology place is located in Centennial Woods along the stream. To arrive at my phenology place, walk through the first few clearings over the bridge, continue straight through the next intersection of four paths and follow the trail around the bend until you discover an opening to your left. There will be a fallen log dividing the trail from the stream and large Eastern White Pines and Eastern Hemlocks on either side of a small clearing.

Link to Google Map

 

I chose this location due to the diversity of its woody plants, fungi and close proximity to water. The setting is very relaxing and demonstrates the many cycles that take place in forest succession and seasonal change.

Some leaves have already begun to change color and many of them find their way into the stream. These leaves will decompose and replenish the nutrients used to grow them from buds to leaves by providing nutrients for the coming years.

This time of year is not only beautiful because of the brilliant colors and crisp air, but also due to its yearly reminder of the cycle of life. We grow from small specs to breathe and live to be a part of a process which is embedded in an infinite amount of larger, more complex processes. When our time is done and the cold begins to seep into us, we must let go. Yet the impact we made during our time is highlighted by our underlying colors, which bleed through in the end. Even though our time of growth concludes, the positive impact we leave remains for years aplenty.

Vegetation:

In the center of the place is an opening that is full of ferns that sprout up from the fallen leaves and needles. The ferns were lush and green this past Friday, October 6th, but today many of them had turned yellow and orange, due to the dropping nightly temperatures.

If you look among and between the needles, you will find many species of fungi sprouting up from the ground. The most interesting part about their impact on the ecosystems is what we don’t see and are continually searching to fully understand.

 

 

Common Woody Plants:

The most prominent woody plants in the area are Eastern Hemlock trees (6), closely followed by Eastern White Pine trees (4). There are two of both Striped Maple trees growing on the edge of the bank and overhanging the steam and two American Beach trees growing in the floodplain of the stream. There are also two Sugar Maples, one Red Maple and one White Oak on the edge of the stream. Close to the path, there is one Yellow Birch, as well.

The only constant is change and I am looking forward to witnessing how my place changes with the seasons.