10 December 2022: This is my last blog post for the 2022 fall semester and looking back I couldn’t be happier with choosing Centennial Woods as my phenology spot. I chose Centennial Woods because I connected with the area during our first tree identification assignment. It brought nostalgia from my favorite trails in my hometown and has quickly become my favorite trail for my home away from home at UVM. I look forward to witnessing all the charges that occur when I return for the spring semester.
Today was cold with a slight wind but overall was a beautiful day full of sun. It had just snowed all day yesterday so there is still a fresh blanket of white powder about half an inch thick, just enough to not see the grass anymore. As I reached my spot in the woods, I noticed how all the foliage was completely gone with not a single trace of a leaf hanging from the trees. All were now littered amongst the forest under a layer of snow most likely beginning the decomposition process. The only trees still persisting were the Eastern White Pines in the overstory with full branches of pine needles. This is because the needles of the Eastern White Pines have a special waxy coating that allows the evergreens to conserve water during summer and winter months. The conservation of water allows for the continuation of photosynthesis and gives them the ability to stay green and remain on the branches for a few years. I noticed tracks along the trail, some i could distinguish as dog tracks but the majority of them belonged to the hikers of centennial woods. I did however hear bird songs from the trees above, and it sounded like a chickadee after comparing the sound to an online reference. Compared to the beginning of the year animal activity definitely, has decreased. I used to hear several different bird songs now I just hear one song from the chickadee. This makes me wonder if chickadees migrate, and if so, when do they migrate? With the decrease in activity and the cold temperatures, I would think most bird species have flown south by now but considering it’s mid-December with snow, maybe these bird species don’t migrate at all.
As I stood on the bridge and watched the stream slowly trickle along, I did notice the brook was slower moving and lower than usual; I could see a lot more woody debris crowding the brook, so I wonder if that is causing a decrease in the brook or if other factors are at play. I’m excited to see what this spot looks like when I return and I’ve had a lot of fun observing the ecological changes in the ecosystem of my phenology spot.
