There is a lot that goes on in Centennial Woods and has gone on through the years. Currently the 70 acres of preserved forests are one of nine natural areas managed by the UVM Environmental Program. There are trails winding through the mix of trees, steams, wetlands, and fields which the public enjoy for running, exploring, and hiking. In the past, Centennial Woods has been cleared for agricultural purposes and perhaps the trees were used for logging or timber. The forest is definitely second growth and I believe it is important for it to stay protected and managed, but for the woods to still be a public resource.
For my most recent visit to Centennial Woods the trees were more bare then ever before, and there was light snow in patches throughout the woods due to the most recent snowfall. It has become clear that the beginnings of winter has reached the forest. Unlike past trips, my feet against the dead leaves was the only sound I could find here, until one squirrel scampered across the path. The flora of the forest was about the same, the only differences being more leaves and sticks on the forest floor, most likely aftermath of the more recent storm and wind.
Source:
UVM Libraries Research Guides: Centennial Woods Natural Area: Home. (n.d.). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from http://researchguides.uvm.edu/centennialwoods