Today I returned to my phenology site at Salmon Hole. Things seemed to be more in bloom. While some trees were still bare, many had budding leaves. The silver maple I’ve been observing over the course of the year has started to bud as well. The water is not frozen at all and appears as it did when I first visited Salmon Hole in September and October.
Nature and culture definitely intertwine at Salmon Hole. Salmon Hole is a popular spot for fishing and is located right next to downtown Winooski. It’s an important place for outdoor recreation and community engagement with nature. Salmon Hole is also a great place to hike, observe birds, and take in the Winooski River.
I definitely consider myself a part of my phenology site. Visiting it over the past year and seeing the phenological changes has created a deep connection to Salmon Hole for me. It has been a place I have consistently returned to and hope to visit again in the next 3 years.