Over the weekend I was able to visit Lucas Gilman’s phenology spot. It was a little bit further down the brook than mine in Centennial Woods and overall was very similar. Sugar maples and eastern hemlocks dominated the forest, minimal undergrowth was in the area, and the story floor had multiple deadfalls. It was sloped and pretty open in certain parts. Small frozen streams were dumping into the brook from the street above, possibly causing some chemical runoff. Animal activity in the area was minimal, bird calls were less common, and the only tracks I was able to spot was a squirrel. The I suspect the soil is somewhat acidic. The area is covered with needles and takes up most of the forest floor. Overall the day was overcast and warm resulting in no snow in both of the areas.
