Today I set off on my usual running route to Rock Point on the first day of March. The landscape is still looking very wintery, and there is another foot of snow in the forecast this weekend. I ventured out with my friends Caitlin and Will and we jogged along the waterfront path. I recently invested in some micro-spikes for winter hiking, and I actually used them on this run for traction because the path was covered in snow. The trails at Rock Point were covered in a beautiful blanket of snow, and there were quite a few people out walking with dogs. My spot looked very similar to the last time I was there.
I kept an eye out for certain tree species at my phenology spot today. Of the species listed I saw the most American Beech trees. I find them to be the easiest to identify in the winter because of their unique pointy twigs and smooth bark. They also stand out because some still have leaves hanging on. I did not see any evidence of these trees flowering or fruiting yet, but I expect to see this happening within my next couple visits as the weather here transitions more towards spring.
