Tuesday, November 1, 2022 5:08pm
59°F very cloudy, no sun, not too chilly
The seasons are changing
Ethan Allen Park has begun its annual transition from fall to winter. The vegetation has changed significantly since my first visit. The ground was covered in fallen leaves on the hike up to the pinnacle and most of the trees were bare. The lush array of oranges and reds that filled the landscape just weeks ago has disappeared, leaving barren branches and a thick brown blanket of leaves on the forest floor behind. The understory vegetation at the pinnacle has died as the temperatures have dropped. The grass that covers the clearing is also starting to turn from a lush green to dull shades of brown as it enters its dormant state for the winter.
A map of my phenology spot:
Engaging with my phenology spot through my senses:
Sitting at the center of the clearing I….
- saw leaves falling from trees
- saw the sun setting over the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain
- heard ruffling leaves as people walked by
- heard airplanes flying from the Burlington Airport
- felt mosquitoes biting me
- heard cars on a nearby freeway
- saw dogs and people walking on the trails
- smelled the brisk fall air
- saw barren tree branches blowing in the wind
As the days get shorter and the trees loose the last of their leaves, I am reminded that winter is fast approaching in New England. The vegetation I saw during my second visit to Ethan Allen Park is vastly different from my observations during my October visit. I look forward to sharing how the ecology at Ethan Allen Park further changes as the winter season progresses.