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.
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.