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.
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.
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.