It is with bittersweet feelings that I post my last phenology blog for NR 1020. I will miss writing this blog, however I hope to come back to the Salmon Hole and do my observations. I also might give an update on my Coldbrook Creek spot back in Michigan that I posted about some weeks ago.
My final visit to the Salmon Hole happened on a beautiful, rainy, and pleasantly warm Sunday afternoon. To show how the Salmon Hole has changed over time, I tried to retake the picture I took at the beginning of the year.
The Salmon Hole in the fall (left) and spring (right)
They’re not exactly the same picture layout and weren’t taken at the same time of day, but you can clearly see the difference in leaf cover, as well as the difference in colors between fall and spring.
These weren’t the only phenological changes occurring at the Salmon Hole, though. I especially noticed this visit how luscious the understory was. I think the combination of rain and warm weather was making all the plants really happy : )
This one robin was probably my favorite part of this visit. What a curious cutie!! :0
The main landmark I’ve come to love at the Salmon Hole is my favorite birch tree!! Here’s some cool pictures I got of it, including me in my infamous sit spot (plus woah a blog face reveal).
One of my favorite parts of the Salmon Hole is how it is a prime example of a place that combines nature and culture. The site holds important history as unceded Indigenous Abenaki territory, particularly its proximity to the Winooski river, a river who’s name was given by the people due to the wild onions that once grew along its shore.
The river and the Salmon Hole in particular have retained its importance to humans. Almost every time I’ve come to the Salmon Hole, I have seen people walking dogs, hammocking, hiking along the Burlington Wildways trail, or fishing. There is evidence of human-caused pollution at the site (trash, proximity to wastewater treatment plant, etc.) however the joy that I see people gaining from the spot gives me hope.
Speaking of people who gain joy from the Salmon Hole, I would consider myself to be a part of that group. I feel very connected to it, especially after visiting it for the past 9 months. I’ve gone here with friends and family, and I now believe it is one of my favorite spots ever.
Here’s one picture that sums up my love for this place:
Thanks for reading and happy spring-almost-summer! 🌿