Since last visiting Redstone Quarry in early November the landscape has changed, but not as drastically as I had predicted it would. A month later, in December, I assumed the ground would be covered in snow, and icicles would hang off the rock face, but a 30-degree day full of sun (and icy wind) greeted me. However, while not as drastic, some changes were still evident. The marshy areas had filled significantly with water, creating ponds in previously dry areas.
Additionally, the quarry was not completely devoid of signs of winter. Frosted grass crunched under my feet and about a quarter inch of ice covered the stream and ponds. Most of the deciduous trees’ leaves had fallen and many were trapped under the ice. One Northern Red Oak was tightly clinging to some of its leaves and an invasive Japanese rose plant and some Buckthorn plants still had some berries.
Without snow, I was unable to successfully identify any tracks or scat, but I could identify some non-migratory bird species sticking around like the Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, and Carolina Wren (according to the Merlin app). Squirrel nests also dotted the trees along the edge of the quarry, in addition to the tops of acorns littering the ground that pointed to their activity.
I am sad to be losing my mandatory monthly trips to this spot. The bike ride down the hill always cleared my head and the light chirp of birds that I often miss around campus helped me feel much more grounded. Finding commonalities between this spot and my favorite natural area at home has helped me to form a greater sense of place in Burlington. I think that I will continue to return to this spot when I am feeling homesick or wishing for some time in nature. I am quite thankful for the opportunity to explore the city more and find this place.