Today was the first day in several weeks that I ventured out to Centennial Woods to visit what I’ve deemed “Miranda’s Place.” Centennial Woods is an absolutely lovely natural area about a 10 minute walk from my dorm, and Miranda’s Place is within a quarter mile of the opening. When you walk into the natural area, take a left at the first pine stand and when the boardwalk trail begins, you’re there!
I find this spot very important because even though it’s very close to an urban area and the highway, it registers with me as the first point on the Centennial Woods trail where you start to feel disconnected from society. The first thing I noted was a change in scent. It’s been about 2 weeks since peak foliage in Vermont, so the trees have shed and the forest floor is a springy mix of leaves and pine needles from various species. Walking off the main road and into Centennial, the smell in the air quickly shifted from exhaust and gasoline (if there were a Yankee Candle scent for pollution, this would be it) to decaying leaves. It’s the kind of smell that brings back nostalgic memories of walking home from school in the fall, and has a wonderful calming effect.
Miranda’s Place is in the midst of an eastern white pine stand, but I noted today that there are several hardwood species as well: Norway maples (especially sprouts!), green ash, and basswood. This area is also overgrown with buckthorn—one of Vermont’s most persistent invasive species. I stepped off the boardwalk for the first time with the intent of sitting on a mossy rock and observing, and immediately sank into a several-inches-deep spread of thick, dark, rich mud. I can honestly say I felt truly connected to nature in that moment, as the mosquitos that had been hovering there swarmed around me. I sat on the rock regardless, and named Bertha, the giant, elderly white pine on the edge of my place. Looking up, I could see the overcast sky peeking through the pine needles and umbrella-like Norway maple leaves, and I felt as though I were several miles deep in the wilderness, rather than in a constructed forest mere meters from society. I consider that sensation to be the best part of Miranda’s Place.
