The Phenology of Centennial Woods A UVM blog

UVM students are fortunate to have such a biodiverse area so close to campus. Centennial Woods features both deciduous and coniferous trees as well as various shrubs that line its extensive stream system. Some of the most populous tree species in the woods include:

• American Beech
• Sugar Maple
• Northern Red Oak
• Eastern White Pine
• Eastern Hemlock
• Striped Maple
• Basswood

Species in the understory that are found along the riverbanks include but are not limited to:

• Poison Ivy
• Buckthorn
• Honeysuckle
• Barberry

Some photos of the vegetation:

Centennial Woods is a small but frequently visited natural area just outside of the University of Vermont campus. This is a well-preserved and biologically rich area that is used by the community for education and leisure. There is a network of footpaths and trails that crisscross the forest, but the most traversed entrance is a short walk down the street from the UVM Police Department. I chose to garner a more intricate understanding of this space because it has a similar phenological makeup to a wooded area in my town, and I’d like to have a more developed relationship with both of these spaces. I want to understand the importance of exploring what is figuratively “in my backyard” by getting to know the nuances of this place.