While my Phenology Spot has many characteristics that define it, its most prevalent features come from the species found there. In terms of trees, I found Eastern White Pine, Boxelder, and Norway Maple. These trees are indicators that you have arrived in my spot, as well as being focal elements of the spot. The Eastern White Pine is across the stream and is one of the oldest trees in the area. It is much taller than the surrounding trees and has a much larger base than the others. This tree is marked with a band, and is indicative of the history of the area. The other trees such as Boxelder and Norway Maple are very prevalent in the area and make up a majority of trees in the area. A few other species seen at the spot are pill-bugs, squirrels, worms, sawgrass, and foliose lichen. The sawgrass shows how Centennial Woods is affected by human interference. Sawgrass is a plant native to Florida, and is considered highly invasive. This species often outcompetes natural forest floor vegetation, and so it can be detrimental to native species.
Since the last visit to my Phenology Spot, the vegetation in the area has changed drastically. The previously lively forest was now completely dead. The ground was covered with fallen leaves and other dying plants. This makes a great habitat for the worms as it causes a buildup of detritus and a damp environment. It appears, judging by the state of the woods, that fall is almost, if not already, over and winter is coming soon.
Because of the excess of worms and other organisms in the ground, the soil is very pilly. This likely shows that the worms have been active in breaking down the increased organic matter, as well as churning the soil. In terms of topography, the site is nearly the same. There seems to be excess sediment in the stream due to recent rain events, as well as a slightly increased flow.
Mapping out the site really helped show me what my subconscious finds most predominant about the area. I first thought of the meadow and the stream, but when I reevaluated after visiting the spot again, there were many more features I picked up on: the trees, the wildlife, the vegetation. All of these features define the space and make it what it is. Mapping it all out gave me a broader sense of the character of the spot, and really deepened my knowledge of the surrounding area.
