Winter has arrived at Red Rock Park. With it has come a harrowing realization. Natalie Albert has informed me that the park has been called “Red Rocks Park” this entire time.
There’s a noticeable chill in the air. The hardwood trees are completely bare of leaves. Frost has begun to appear on the patch Eastern Hemlocks. However, there’s still life here, if you know where to look. Underneath a thin layer of snow and ice, there’s an abundance of moss covering many logs and rocks. The lichen, too, seems to be doing well. The dry winter air has caused it to somewhat dehydrate, but it persists through the cold.
I could hear bird calls all throughout the forest, and even spotted a few nests. I wish there had been more snow on the ground, and I’m certain I would’ve seen tracks, too.
In good news, the algae bloom that covered the shoreline the last time I was here has completely disappeared. I also spotted two ducks swimming into the sunset.
As I say goodbye to my phenology spot for the final time this semester, I thought it’d be nice to look back on my favorite parts of my spot. I love the view over the water, seeing the mountains in the horizon. It reminds me of how small I am in the grand scheme of things. I love the changing leaves, and the many different kinds of trees that can be seen here. I love going for walks down the trails and finding new places to explore.
I will miss you, Red Rock Park. Until next semester.
