Since my phenology spot is along the edge of the forest and the meadow, I would consider it to be a part of multiple natural communities. The forest resembles a Northern Hardwood Forest because of the presence of Eastern Hemlock, Eastern White Pine, and Red Oak. The marsh edge on which my spot resides could be classified as a cattail marsh because of the abundance of cattails and tall grasses in the warmer months. Both of these communities are characteristic of the Champlain Valley Biological Region.
While this Centennial location was not my phenology spot first semester, we did visit Centennial for our first lab and I can recall many of the traits from the numerous visits made in the fall. In the fall, the trees all had leaves, the stream was flowing, and the natural world was alive in the fullest. Moving into November, leaves covered the muddy, damp ground as vegetation was preparing for snow. Now, the substrate is frozen and ice hides under patches of snow along the paths in Centennial. Maples are without leaves and it is the Eastern White Pines who continue to tower over the forest with their needles.
All photographs are my own.
