My phenology site is ready for the cold and ice months to come this winter. December is kicking us off with the first frosts and snow covers that begin the phenological changes in this area.

The herbaceous layer below is beginning to die and decompose, with only Partridge Berry and Ferns to be seen occasionally around the site. The fresh snow provides evidence of wildlife on my site, various bird and rabbit tracks were observed near the brook and on various fallen timber.

The ground still remains with light vegetation cover, due to the overwhelming abundance of fur and pine trees on the site and make the soil harsh and competitive of light. Only small patches of fern, moss, and partridge berry was to be found alive on the forest floor.

As I ventured outside my site I observed a large population of beech trees, which can be indicated by their late falling leaves this time of the year. Walking through Potash Brook allowed me to observe the difference in each stand and their compositions.

As is does each year, the ground is beginning to freeze and the history of the forest will be preserved with time and phenological processes. I look forward to visiting this site early next year to observe the further impacts this phenological process has had on the wildlife.