My phenology site hasn’t changed much over the past few months, besides the obvious lack of greenery from winter. There are definitely more fallen trees, logs, and sticks from winter’s strong winds.
I chose quite a beautiful day to visit my site. The sun shining bright with temperatures in the 60s. The day became even better when I was able to catch a Mourning Cloak land nearby in the dead leaves. An early spring butterfly! I also spotted a Dark Fishing Spider upon a fallen tree enjoying the sunlight.
The landmark I have come familiar with at my site is of course the stream that runs through. But, I really like the deep pool that forms in the back on the southwest side of the site. There is a human-made landmark as well, an old firepit that Trinity campus students use from time to time. A small elm tree stands at the back south edge of my site’s boundaries.
I do consider myself a part of my place. I have spent a lot of time here. Of course, stopping by for phenology assignments but also when I wanted a nice place to read or write poetry, or to just get away for a bit. I like to think the trees recognize me now and look forward to the next time I come back to sit beneath them and listen.
Culture and nature intertwine in many ways. Many cultures, such as indigenous cultures have been built entirely on living together with nature. Humans so badly need and crave a connection with nature. We have made parks, big and small, urban and wild, for people to escape to. Many of us have grown up playing outdoors, whether that was in a front yard or a stream. We consume plants in our diets and medicine every single day. We drink water from springs and lakes. We live by the changing seasons.