Over the Thanksgiving break, I chose Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve as my new phenology spot. This spot seemed like an obvious choice to me as I have frequented it countless times over the past few years. However, I was able to see it in a new light with the knowledge I have gained over the semester from NR-001.
The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve is a very valuable 700 acres protected by the New York State (NYS) Canal Corporation and designated as a Bird Conservation Area by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The preserve also ensure the protection of multiple historical sites as it is bordered by the Mohawk River to the south and contains remnants of the original 1800s Erie Canal towpath.
The ecology of Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve reminds me very much of Centennial Woods. The preserve has a rich land-use history and has served many purposes, similar to Centennial Woods. Now the preserve exists as a place for recreation, historic education and wildlife conservation.
Similarly to Centennial Woods, the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve is a wetland habitat. The nature preserve is made up of mostly deciduous trees you would find in a northern hardwood forrest – sugar maple, American beech, and ash trees. I also was able to identify some Eastern white pines and Eastern hemlock trees. However, the biggest difference I noticed between the nature preserve and Centennial Woods was that the amount of coniferous trees in Centennial greatly outnumbers the amount of coniferous trees in the nature preserve. I also have speculated that there is significantly more wildlife present in the preserve than there is in Centennial Woods. I cannot say this for certain, but in past trips to the nature preserve I have spotted beavers, Eastern bluebirds, Mallards, Eastern cottontails, Canadian geese, cranes, and Eastern grey squirrels whereas the only wildlife I have ever seen in Centennial Woods is an Eastern cottontail rabbit as well as traces of beavers and raccoons.
Centennial Woods and Vischer Ferry Nature and Historical Preserve are both natural areas with great value. However, the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve will always have a significant amount of sentimental value to me as I spent much of my childhood walking there with my family and eventually exploring by myself. Here are some pictures of me and my dog, Max, walking at the nature preserve!
