This week I made my return to Potash Brook to examine the American Beech tree I picked out about four weeks ago. The tree still had some of its pale, yellow leaves clinging to the branches, which surprised me since it is almost time for the trees to have green new leaves. I also noticed that the buds on the tree looked slightly more developed and longer than they did the last time I saw them. They seemed to lose their scaly shields that protected their tips, so it seems like the leaves could be budding soon. Once again, I have uploaded a picture to iNaturalist, which is pictured below.
As for the rest of my trip to Potash Brook, there was considerably less snow than my last visit and much more mud and puddles of water. I also noticed that the trail that is in the area had been compressed to a solid chunk of ice from people walking over it to see the brook. The ravine that I usually walk down to get to the brook was transformed into its own little stream because of the snow melt. I also noticed that the water of the brook was much higher and moving pretty fast because of snow melt too. None of the trees have any leaves yet, however, I noticed that all of the trees seem to be starting to budding. I also noticed that most of the animal tracks that were present in the area had melted quite a bit and just turned to indistinguishable holes in the icy snow that has been left over. The snow also seemed much more icy and less powdery than it did last time I visited. Since spring time finally came, I was very happy to visit Potash Brook in the warmer weather with less snow. I can’t wait to return in the coming weeks as the weather continues to warm up and the plants start to bloom.
