For the last time this school year, I revisited my original phenology spot in Centennial Woods. Overtime my site has not changed much. Small changes have occurred like the fallen trees decomposing more, and saplings being developed, but the big changes that have occurred are simply phenological. this means it’s the area’s natural cycle and it will return to each stage again and again. I have become familiar with many landmarks near my site. I know to turn off the main trail, onto a smaller one, soon after I pass a large snag in the middle of the path. Then, I go down the hill and see the two fallen trees that first brought my attention to this area. In addition to this, a few large oak trees inhabit my spot as well as Centennial Brook. On a smaller scale, I like to check on my favorite saplings and plants each visit. This includes a little tree, I believe to be a hemlock, growing out of one of the downed trees. Nature and culture intertwine in many ways, while I am in my spot, I like to ponder the connection that the indigenous had to this area and to the brook. The past is also connected to the present with medicinal uses of plants in the area. I now consider myself a part of this place primarily due to the frequency in which I visit it. But further, because of the impact I have on this place due to my frequent visits. If I go off the trail in certain directions, I will harm the organisms around me. I can also have positive impacts, such as cleaning up trash I see and simply valuing my spot.
