Entering the forest, I noticed it was more still than in past visits. Within the trees, there was shelter from any wind. What had previously been an array of yellow, orange, and red leaves covering the ground was now a thin layer of brown leaves. The thin layer indicates that decomposers such as earth worms were out and working hard. The Norway Maples which had previously been the last to keep their leaves had scattered their leaves with the rest.
Although some bird nests could be seen in the nearby trees, birds themselves, could only be heard in the distance by listening very closely. It was a vast change to the chirping and rustling previously heard within the forest during past visits. No other animals were heard or seen, however, suspected homes in the holes of trees were identified. The only berries in sight were those picked from a tree or bush nearby and brought the base of a white pine tree nearby.
Above all, I enjoyed Centennial woods for its peace and tranquility. Every visit was a time to get out of my head and be somewhere other than campus. I always enjoyed how quiet but active it sounded, and how I could just sit and let time pass within thinking too heavily about it. It was also conveniently close to campus, so I could be surrounded by just trees while not needing to travel far.
