Within the few months that I have been frequenting Sunny Hollow Natural Area I have had the privilege to observe many changes within the forest. One of the biggest changes I have noticed is the leaf cover. Since October there has been a steady decline in the amount of leaves on the trees. The interesting part about this is that the amount and speed of the falling foliage is different for every species. Throughout my visits I noticed which leaves were falling around me. On my second to last visit I saw a lot of oak leaves making their descent. However on my most recent trip I saw very few leaves fall. The leaves that I did see were all American Beech, and some of them were still holding on to their branches. With the deciduous trees shedding their leaves it became much easier to identify the coniferous species. I saw stands of young Eastern White Pines throughout my hike in various stages of infancy. There were also a considerable amount of Christmas Ferns peeking through the snow. Surprisingly they still had their vibrant green color despite the cold temperatures.
Another interesting natural phenomenon that I observed are the ice formations on the forest floor. When I first saw the crystalline structures I was shocked, I had never seen anything like it and thought it was a one off. But as I kept walking I saw more and more patches of ice that seemed to stretch out like tentacles from the ground. Upon further inspection and research I have identified this pattern as needle ice. It occurs when ice grows from the moist soil moving upwards. Knowing the source of this ice it is not surprising that this occurs within this area as the soil is moist which is exemplified by the swamp like areas surrounding the forest.
All in all I deeply appreciate Sunny Hollow Natural Area for its serene beauty and calming effects. I am glad that I chose a phenology spot that requires a small hike. It has been incredible satisfying to walk along the same trail every few weeks and observe the same spot. I feel a much deeper connection to the area and the plants that reside there.
