Brookside
I loved this spot in Centennial Woods from the first moment I saw it on our first lab because of the sound of the brook flowing across the landscape. It was nostalgic of the park near my house which had a small wetland area surrounded by trees. I knew I wanted to focus on the brook, so I chose the area of land immediately in contact with the water on both sides. To get there, I walked about 10 minutes down the trail (entering from Carrigan Dr.). My chosen area begins just past the first footbridge and occupies the land surrounding and crossing the brook. With the interactions of the brook and aquatic life in addition to the forest surrounding it, this area will be fascinating to study as the seasons change.
The most common woody plants I observed on the outskirts of my area were Eastern White Pine and Green Ash. Northern Red Oak, Buckthorn, and Norway Maple were in the center, mostly near and around the Brook. I was excited to find a few last remnants of summer florals such as Goldenrod and American Aster. The areas near the pines also had a prolific understory featuring Sensitive and Wood Ferns. Right up against the water I found lots of Jewelweed and Colt’s Foot.
Understory Vegetation
Woody Plants
Flora & Fauna
I noticed many different kinds of berries on the trees surrounding my area, some black from Honeysuckle and Buckthorn, and others red from the Chokeberry trees. I was also lucky enough to spot a large Green Frog in Centennial Brook before it hopped away!
