For my last trip to Gilbrook Nature Area for this project, I choose a very rainy day. I couldn’t find any deciduous trees with leaves left and there was virtually no animal activity.
One thing that interested me was how there were still patches of grass that were very green, I assumed that most patches of grass would be pretty dull at this time of year but I was wrong. Also, there was a massive fallen branch right on the shoreline. However due to the temperature I assume, there was no sign of of rot or fungal activity. Another interesting piece about Gilbrook is the human interactions. A section of the path that was once littered with cattails had been mowed. I tried looking into this as of why but I wasn’t able to find a definitive answer as most sources say trimming cattails down to the water surface means it will take a very long time for them to grow back.
I think Gilbrook is so interesting because it is a nature area that is nestled in between many built-up sections of Winooski. Seeing how an area like this can thrive between neighborhoods, industrial areas, and highways, and also serve as a nice recreational area is awesome. I think studying and improving areas like this is essential to be able to continue conservation in urban areas.