Centennial Woods:
Spring Changes:
Centennial Woods is fully in bloom now that it is spring! The leaves on the sugar and striped maples are budding and some leaves have started to unfurl! The grass has grown back and many ferns are also unfurled at this point. I heard birds like the American Robin and Song Sparrows chirping nearby. I walked by a small stream on the way to my spot and noticed many minnows swimming around too.
Above are some images of ferns unfurling and new plants such as the Chelidonium pictured in the second image. There was also the invasive species, garlic mustard, growing nearby.
Species Diagram:
As seen above, there are numerous species interacting with each other in Centennial Woods. As seen in the diagram the Eastern Hemlock and the White Pine compete for space and sunlight but also provide seeds and habitat for the American Robin and Grey Squirrel. The Red Berried Elder also provides food for them. The White Pine Weevil however attacks the White Pine and is invasive.
Nature and Culture Intertwining:
Nature and culture intertwine at Centennial Woods because of the educational and human benefits it provides. Nature provides us with this space and sustains this natural area which enables us to be able to go and study it. Throughout all of NR1 and 2 we have become tied to our places and learned what it means to create a sense of place somewhere. Many people in the area use it to recreate, relax and recharge. Without nature we would not have this spot to create memories and educate ourselves in. The outdoors-oriented culture of Burlington as a whole is heavily integrated with nature such as Centennial.
Am I a part of Centennial Woods?
After learning about how interconnected humans and nature are this year, I do believe that I am a part of Centennial Woods. In the past I had been taught that humans and nature are two separate entities but now I see them as a part of one big system. I think that the memories and connection I created in this place have an impact on it and therefore, I have become a part of the social-ecological ecosystem of the woods.