The final visit to my phenology spot was undeniably bittersweet. The weather was beautiful, the birds were chirping, insects were out, and Centennial Woods was teeming with life.
My sight hasn’t changed drastically over time, and has simply changed with the seasons. As there is running water going through my phenology spot, the curves of the streambank have changed with time as the process of deposition and erosion takes place. New little streams have also come and gone during my time doing this phenology blog, likely due to the occasional flooding. Overall, there haven’t been many significant changes at my phenology spot
The most prominent landmarks at my phenology spot are definitely the wooden bridge/pathways and the stream running through the site. The stream has been the most important landmark to me, as this is what had drawn me to pick this site in the first place. The common reeds surrounding my spot have also been a prominent landmark, but they more so serve as a reminder of the prominent ecological instability present in Centennial Woods. Since my last visit, the little pool upstream from my spot has become a landmark, as this is where I found wood frogs.
The intersections of nature and culture are reading apparent all throughout Centennial Woods. Arguably, the space of Centennial Woods is integral to the culture of UVM and the Greater Burlington Area. Centennial Woods is a visibly maintained area with plenty of indicators of community involvement on the trails. This natural area is a great example of community and cultural integration in a natural area, and also showcases the importance of UVM students and staff when it comes to maintaining these trails and keeping the Centennial Woods Natural Area running smoothly as an important urban natural for the Greater Burlington Area. I undeniably consider myself to be a part of my spot, because ultimately, aren’t we all a part of everything? I’ve grown incredibly fond of my phenology spot, so I would undeniably consider myself a part of my site.
