This weekend, I took my last visit to Potash Brook this semester. While I was there, I noticed a few changes since the last time I visited in November. There were no more leaves on any of the trees this time and the fall foliage that had fallen on the ground seemed to decrease from the last time I was there, indicating the presence of decomposition. Persisting vegetation included ferns and some deciduous saplings. I was surprised to see that mushrooms were continuing to thrive in this area as well. Unlike my previous post, there were no wildlife sightings or signs of wildlife in the area. This was the first time I visited the site immediately after rainfall. The leaves were soaked and decomposing, the once sandy soil had turned to mud, and the brook was flowing higher and faster than it normally flows. The temperature was cooler and it appeared that a couple more branches and logs had fallen into the brook from the opposite bank. I have really enjoyed visiting this natural area throughout this semester and observing its phenological changes and phases and taking photos and notes of these changes. I enjoyed studying the brook and the vegetation the most. I hope that Potash Brook can continue to be part of a protected area and one day no longer be considered an impaired stream due to its pollutants. I hope to continue to visit this area throughout my time at UVM.
