The natural community of Centennial Woods can be classified as the Northern Hardwood Forest, and is located in the Champlain Valley. This forest is dominated by Yellow Birch, Sugar Maple, American Beech, Eastern White Pine, and Eastern Hemlock; which dominates my natural site. This is also the natural forest type below 2,500 feet in Vermont.
Recent Changes
As you can see from the content of this blog, there has been significant phenological changes here since the fall of last year. Recent changes include the increase of snags, which leads to an increase of branches scattering the forest floor. I may have spotted some deer tracks during my last visit, however, there is so much foot traffic on the trail that finding clear tracks is challenging. There was less snow cover, leaving the ground with a layer of ice, which could affect the substrate when it melts, and wildlife habitat, especially because my site is located around a steep incline (difficult to hunt, find shelter).
Changes Since last Year
Since the fall, the biggest difference is the prevalence of Eastern Hemlock. They’ve always been here, but absence of hardwoods (leaves, noticeable growth) gives the Hemlock dominance. The ferns have died/have become covered in snow, which changes the appearance of the landscape. The land seems barren and deserted, compared to its lush state of last year. Lack of birds and noticeable wildlife makes the area unusually quiet, and its presence over the sloping hill is emphasized. I also hadn’t considered the impacts of the adjacent clearing next to my site until my last visit. It was cleared to put up power lines, and this disturbance could account for the lack of wildlife so close to the site.