My phenology site is classified as a hemlock swamp. It is a softwood forested wetland dominated by hemlocks. The book Wetland, Woodland, Wildlands provides evidence that my site is a hemlock swamp. First, it is in the climate and elevation range – at lower elevations below 1800 feet and in a warmer climate. My site is nestled in Champlain Valley at a mere 400 feet where it is generally warmer. Hemlock swamps receive mineral enrichment from surface water and the water is generally slightly acidic, which seems probable at my site. Hemlock swamps have very thick canopies – blocking sunlight and limiting the amount of undergrowth that can grow on the forest floor. The only two dominant undergrowth species are moss and ferns.
My site also has a very thick canopy and moss and ferns are the only undergrowth present besides that near the paved path where the sun could reach it. My site contains many of the species common to hemlock swamps the dominating eastern hemlock, eastern white pine, yellow birch, cinnamon fern, and moss. A stream cuts through the middle of the landscape and is bordered by a steep, eroding slope. This valley is the lowest point in the approximate area around it. This is why the stream flows here and it is a moist area.
There have been some slight phenological changes on my site. Due to the recently cold temperatures, the river is nearly entirely frozen over with water flowing beneath the ice. The ice allows animals to freely cross the river with no difficulty – something that may have been a challenge when it is not frozen.
Another phenological change I noticed was a number the the eastern hemlocks dropping their pine cones. A different explanation for this however could be squirrel activity.
There has been ample precipitation lately and this has caused some changes to the stream banks. There seems to be new erosion and mud breaking away from the bank due to the increased precipitation.
During my visit, I saw lots of evidence of wildlife. I saw a flock of 6 song birds flying over head, a crow, and a squirrel. Other than this, my site is littered with animal tracks.
I also discovered a den of some sort where I suspect an animal is hibernating and avoiding the cold. I also saw a freshly drilled woodpecker hole in an eastern white pine. Lastly, I saw a tuft of animal fur which I can only assume came off of a prey animal when caught by a predator.