Phenology blog

My new found place tucked away in a small area of kempsville Virginia. This place does not have a name so I gave it a name, goose pond. The surrounding plant life is made of cattails and other bushy and weed like  plants. The tree species shown is a grouping of short leaf pine,Eastern white pine, Virginia pine, and white oak. Virginia is known to have a variety of oak tree species as many as seven different types of oak. Comparing this little place to my phenology spot in Burlington the maple trees are the species that stands out. Both spots have oak and pine in them but the difference in the two is the maple tree species is found in Vermont more abundantly even though there are maple trees found in the Virginia state forest. In a city that I thought lacked biodiversity proved me wrong, I was surprised to see similar species in abundance and the size of the pines in this state. I had an eye opening experience coming to see a new state observing the landscape versus Vermont landscape. One highlight that is shown in the pictures is Canadian geese; it’s one the reasons I picked this spot. They are lovely and large birds. It was a joy watching them and seeing them return every day.

I first started out behind Jeffords hall and found an adorable baby Christmas tree in the garden. I then made my way along Crabapple lane( Carrigan Drive). I came to the centennial woods sign and ventured onwards. My first observation that caught my eye was the white pine tree grove. I took a right from the white pines and stumbled on some fungi growing on a dead paper Birch. Walking farther down I saw a massive boulder and small creek behind it. As I followed the creek I came across a cool arch way above the water. I retraced my steps going left of the white pine grove walking along the wooden bridge. There was a tree with two or three significant holes for maybe birds or squirrels. I took a left from there and found a big grey mushroommmmm. I stumbled upon another creek with a nice log to cross to the other side. Finally I see an amazing giant twin white pine.