Seasonal changes are clearly visible in Centennial Woods as we begin to veer towards winter. Recent rainfall has increased the volume of Centennial Brook, causing the stream to be faster flowing. The red and yellow leaves from the Red Maples have completely fallen and have now formed a layer around the dying ferns. My site was also less quiet, as I heard the calls of Northern Cardinals perched upon various Eastern Hemlocks. Without the visibility of the Red Maples, the dominance of Eastern Hemlocks is very apparent. It is no wonder that they have thrived for so long in this extremely shady spot! Only shade-tolerant species can survive here under the cover of the Eastern Hemlocks, which contributes to why the understory is less dense. Ferns, maples, and yellow birch survive best here. The needles from the hemlocks also increase the acidity of the soil.
November Changes
November 5, 2018 by gmccarth