When I first began to consider the classification of my phenology spot in Centennial Woods, I was stuck because while the spot is in a forested area, there is a stream running through it. But through looking into Wetland, Woodland, Wildland, I noted that the water in the system “moves through the area in surface streams (81).” This classification fit my natural area making clear that it is an Upland Natural Community. For further specificity, it is a Woodland due to its forested nature. The landform structure of the space made this distinction clearer.
Unfortunately, having switched to a new phenology location second semester, I still haven’t become totally familiar with the ins and outs of the space. But since my last visit, there have been some changes. While there is still snow on the ground, it is not the same as last time, it is less deep, and crisper. Following the precipitation and the below freezing temperatures afterward this makes sense. The ground is also very firm and feels notably frozen. Because of the thinner snow, more of the ground underneath is visible, mainly in patches of observable dirt. The stream that runs through my spot is an important piece of the puzzle. The added precipitation led to more water running through the stream, it is not frozen, but there are pieces of ice on the edges around it. Because my area leads downhill into the stream, and because of the below freezing temperatures the ground isn’t oversaturated with water.