My Place:
When walking into Centennial Woods, the pathway goes down into the woods, getting more denser and denser. Eventually, you should get to a sort of clearing where you have the option of turning left, right, or going straight. If you choose to go straight, you should stumble upon a meandering stream flowing through the woods with soft banks made of a combination of sand, silk, and possibly, but not confirmed – peat.
It is not necessarily crystal clear flowing water, possibly and probably due to its proximity to the city and university, however, if you just sit in the grass and watch the water move amongst the pebbles, branches, and aquatic plants, it is a very peaceful place to be.
Definition:
What defines my place I am not exactly sure of, but my choice of a space for a phenology blog certainly feeds into the larger ecosystem that is Centennial Woods. It is certainly a resource for the species living in the area as it is moving water that provides for the plants and animals alike, but is also enjoyed by people who visit.
How Do I know I am There?
When you come upon the stream, there is a small man-made bridge that connects the two banks. If you cross the bridge, and take a right there is a yellow birch tree, not very wide, but large enough to support your back when you sit on the grassy spot right below it. There, you should be facing upstream at a fallen over tree that has created a buildup of sand and silt, and as a result a small waterfall.
The Experience:
Peaceful. That is the best way to describe being tucked away under the tree at the bend in the stream. Listening to the water fall down and flow along the pebbles and rocks is calming and instils a respect for the woods that you sit in as you listen. Here, It is easy to focus your thoughts and recenter yourself.
I hope if you end up here, you find it the same way.
Here Is a link to a video I took of the water flowing just after the bend in the river. To me, this is the best place in centennial woods to string up a hammock, read a book, or do your homework.
