During my final trip to the Intervale this semester, I was welcomed into Mckenzie Park by this curious garter snake. After studying each other for a couple of minutes, we both went on our ways. I walked further alongside the Winooski River, noting the plethora of new life that has only arisen in the past …
Author Archives: jhrice
5/4/21 – City Nature Challenge
I went out to Burlington’s Arms Forest last Monday afternoon, to see what species I could find before the City Nature Challenge came to a close. The highlight of my stroll came at the very beginning, as I was welcomed into the forest with the rapid, high-pitched call of the pileated woodpecker. I saw the …
4/17/21 – Emergence of Spring
Just like the rest of Burlington, the snow at McKenzie Park melted weeks ago. The trails were a bit muddy because of rain earlier in the week, so I was hoping I could spot some animal tracks in the mud. However, I was reminded of how many dogs romp around in the park, so I …
3/7/21 – Phenology of Downtown Burlington
I strolled down Main Street with a friend on an overcast afternoon in early March. The temperatures had risen to the high twenties, and much of February’s gifts began to thaw. The grass peeked out from beneath a layer of frost in some places, and we witnessed a large flock of birds taking advantage of …
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2/7/21 – Winter Wildlife and Phenological Changes of McKenzie Park
I walked back to McKenzie Park on the Rena Calkins trail, alongside the Winooski River, searching for potential signs of wild activity. The first week of the semester was marked by a bundle of snowstorms followed by several days of bone-chilling wind, creating a hard crust over the snow which was covered by uneven patches …
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12/5/20 – Pre-Winter Break Post
As I sit bundled up at my desk at home, I’m fully protected from the first Nor’easter of the season. Without my insulated house, wool socks, and a home-cooked meal on the way, I would be nothing in the face of this winter storm. Life at McKenzie Park is also braving the big storm. Luckily …
11/29/20 – Phenology At Home
For my at-home phenology spot, I ventured to one of my favorite places in the world, Newfound Lake. I chose a site by the water at Camp Onaway, about a fifteen minute walk from my house, or five minute paddle by kayak. On this brisk Sunday afternoon, I stepped through the entrance to the girl’s …
11/8/20 – Event Map, Seasonal Changes
After the season’s first snow earlier in the week, the temperature shifted to back to the mid 60’s. Salvaging the season’s last warmth before winter comes to stay, I biked to McKenzie Park where I witnessed the area’s seasonal changes from two weeks ago. Almost all trees had shed their leaves, and the few leaves …
10/25/20 – Bird’s-Eye View Map, Vegetation, Wildlife
Visiting my phenology spot in McKenzie Park again after two weeks, I noticed how quickly fall is turning over to winter. Many of the trees in the Silver Maple Ostrich Fern Floodplain Forest have shed their leaves, including the cottonwood and boxelder trees. The silver maple’s leaves have all turned a bright yellow, indicative of …
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10/11/20 – First Visit, Twilight
After a Sunday full of calc homework, I biked to McKenzie Park while the sun was setting, hoping I could get a few good pictures in before it got completely dark. It was basically a straight shot from Redstone, past the University Green, and downhill to a dirt road that I rode on for about …