Month: November 2022

Last week, while visiting my hometown for Thanksgiving break, I’ve seen my home-town ecology through an entirely different lens. A large difference I observed when I went home was how many more leaves there were on the trees. While New Jersey has never stood out to me ecologically, it was fascinating to see it differently now that I’ve developed a more ecological background. Jersey has had its first frost, yet the leaves persist nonetheless. Which proved to be very convenient for me and my tree ID capabilities. Therefore, I come to you with a short list of some of the trees I found. Trees I had not been able to identify in the past. In the spot I chose specifically the standouts were; Norway Maples, Red Maples, and Northern Red Oaks. I’ll include some pictures below.

In addition to the trees, there seemed to be some ground cover in the form of fallen leaves and the invasive Japanese Pachysandra. A plant I have not yet discovered in Burlington. What was comforting is since I live in the northeast so the common trees are very similar. While the winter phenology has been a bit accelerated in Burlington, it is still progressing back home.

While I was unable to leave a gift, reading Honorable Harvest did give me insight into valuing the land once more.

Before I begin this blog post I definitely recommend taking part in this activity. To take 15 minutes out of your day and visit a natural spot, take this time to absorb what’s around you and enjoy the beauty of this land. Now into the post.

I am constantly amazed by the beauty around the spot that I’ve chosen. I love the bend in the river and the slow rush of water. These 15 minutes were a much-needed break during this busy time in the semester. The spot I’ve chosen sits in a clearing surrounded by conifers, there’s a gentle rush of the stream accompanied by the strong winds of the afternoon. The Eastern White Pines that stand strong around the clearing felt the wrath of the wind as the echos of their trunks hitting against each other rang through the air. Looking deeper at the trees and around the bends of the river, I found so many natural secrets that lay hidden. On the tree I was able to find little cocoons indicating a life hidden away on this boxelder. Around the bend theres a little pocket under the soil above that I’m sure houses some creatures in a tiny little ecosystem of its own. Looking at a spot is one thing, but when you take a closer look

There were definitely some main differences between the foliage now and when I first went. It’s not like the spot has lost its beauty, it has just changed with the seasons. When we first arrived, the maples were plentiful and the milkweed was thriving. The greens and yellows of the tar-spotted Norway maples no longer dotted the sky and silky dogwoods were bare. The water doesn’t seem to have changed much, it flows gently still and it’s not cold enough to freeze over. By just listening I could hear the difference between now and before. There are less birds calling to others Just to set the scene of where I was planted I have included a little map of what I’m surrounded by.