One’s sense of place is forever growing and changing. This is evident in the phenological changes of Salmon Hole. At this point, most of the leaves remain attached to their trees but are dead. It is a reminder that change is the only constant, and even beautiful great things like the fall foliage at Salmon Hole come to an end. This change is allowing me to witness the seasons change in Vermont, which is the first time I have gotten to see this. Watching this change has made me feel more deeply connected to this place. In larger terms, watching Vermont make this transition and even having the first snowfall of the year has made me feel like a real Vermonter. I am beginning to feel less like a visitor or a tourist and more like a part of this great state. In terms of history, it is interesting to think about what this river would have looked like before the installation of the dam. The water level above the dam is significantly higher than that of the water level below the dam, yet there are developments along the banks above the dam. What would all of that look like if the dam was gone or before the dam was installed? It is also an important thing to note that the form that the river takes can have a large effect on what plant life will grow along its banks. The forest surrounding the river is still relatively young, so this makes me wonder if the river had drastically changed its course in recent history. This has an effect on my sense of place in Vermont because it is a reminder that things can change quickly on different scales from personal to ecological. My time at Salmon Hole has made me feel a deeper sense of place here in Vermont.
Field Notes 11/2/19
Recently, Salmon Hole has undergone some drastic changes. With the recent rain event that caused the Winooski to flood, much of the plant life that called the rocky river bed home is now no longer visible. The river is still at about 25,000 CFS. It is safe to say that many of these plants have been washed away. The river is completely covering the dolostone slabs that allow you to walk out into the river at this point. Leaves remain on trees but are mostly dead.
