My phenology place: a small pond at the Intervale

Burlington has many amazing natural areas to explore. I chose the Intervale because it’s not too far from campus and is near several different water features (Lake Champlain, the Winooski River, and numerous small ponds, streams, and wetlands). To get to my place, go down North Prospect street until it joins Intervale Road, then continue along the dirt road until there is a slight bend to the left. On the left side of this section of road there is a small pond covered in Duckweed surrounded by huge Eastern Cottonwood trees. I chose this spot because I think it would be interesting to study the effects of the surrounding farms on this pond, and because it’s a beautiful spot to sit, with numerous birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

The vegetation in this area is mostly short, herbaceous plants that are starting to turn brown and die from the coming cold. I observed Riverbank Grape wrapped around trees on the edge of the pond, False Nettle, Tall Blue Lettuce, and Wild Raspberry in the surrounding woods and Jewelweed growing right on the banks of the pond. The most common woody plants are enormous, old Eastern Cottonwood trees that create the canopy and tower over everything else. There are also many Green Ash trees and several Boxelders.