Since I last visited my phenology spot in Centennial Woods about two weeks ago, I have noticed a considerable change in the vegetation there. For example, the forest floor is now littered with fallen leaves and the canopy cover has reduced in size. This allows for more light to enter the lower levels of the forest, changing the forest dynamic. I also noticed that the jewelweed stand had completely perished, leaving behind a muddy, plant-less patch of soil in its place. Additionally, the reedy plants in the wetland turned from a healthy green color to brown and dry.
Monthly Archives: October 2015
WILDLIFE WITNESSED:
Spiders on their webs
small Insects
Bird Calls
Chickadee sighting
Chipmunk
Bird’s-Eye View
Documented on October 27, 2015
Vegetation by the Brook
My phenology spot has an abundance of plant life. On the hill that leads back to the path, ferns, shrubs, and trees are scattered around. On the flat embankment of the stream, there is a muddy area dominated by jewelweed. Straight ahead across the brook, trees and brush can be seen before the landscape turns into a wildflower-filled wetland.
A Few Woody Plant Species That Can Be Found:
Red Oak Quercus rubra
White Oak Quercus alba
Norway Maple Acer platanoides
Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis
Barberry Berberis
Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Introduction to My Phenology Spot
My phenology spot is located in Centennial Woods. To get there, enter the woods through the main entrance on Carrigan Drive. Keep walking along the main path through the pine stand, over the wooden footbridge, until you come to a small clearing with densely packed soil in front of a hemlock grove. Straight ahead and a little to the left, leave the main trail and head down the hill toward the stream. Stop and sit on the fallen tree perched over the water. This is my spot.
I was first introduced to this spot in Centennial Woods during the first lab for my NR 1 class. As a part of the lab, we had to go off on our own into the woods to find patterns in nature. I was drawn to this spot because of its aquatic features and because I wanted to sit down on the fallen tree because I was tired. I made a connection to that beautiful area of the Woods and decided to observe its changes through this project.
The Link to the Embedded Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zL-tlIW6ti7w.kTwW6aLut4Zg&usp=sharing