To start LOOK AT THIS CUTIE I WAS ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH!!

I saw about 20 chickadees at the feeders near the entrance of Centennial

How has your site changed over time? Phonologically, and also maybe larger human-caused or storm-caused changes.

In the center of my spot there was a down log when I first visited. I have seen moss grow on this log and then turn dark green in the winter and back to bright green in the spring. I got to experience the Vermont fall in my phenology spot. The leaves of the Norway maples and the American beeches turned orange and light yellow. I witnessed the ferns on the ground go into hiding for the winter. I was so shocked to see them bloom after the winter snow covered them for months! I saw the ground pile up with leaf litter and overtime I watched the leaf litter decompose into the ground which was super neat! There has been no changes from humans or storms that I saw.

What are the major and minor landmarks you’ve become familiar with?

I would say my landmarks start on the walk to my phenology spot. In the beginning of the semester I noticed a beech tree that fell on the way to my spot. I took pictures because I had thought that moss would grow on stump. Every time I visited my spot I would be surprised that even through winter there was no moss, lichen, or mold growth on the stump. Stay with me here. In lecture we learned that Indigenous cultures make food containers out of beech bark because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. What if there has been nothing growing on it because it fights bacteria!!!! It was also a shock to see that all of the leaves from the beech tree remained on the branches throughout the seasons. It’s almost like it’s preserved in time.

The first two landmarks at my spot are two huge eastern white pines. I remember hearing the first creeks from the tree one of the first times I visited. These two coniferous trees always leave a bed of needles on the ground. The main piece of my spot is a fallen down log in the center of my spot. I love watching the growth that emerges from this dead tree. The moss and lichen are aways so vivid and lush especially in the fall and spring. I would consider the ferns on the ground very familiar to me as well. There is a barberry bush at the back of my sight and near that bush are two Norway maples that just sprouted!

In what ways do nature and culture intertwine here? 

My spot in Centennial is connected to the UVM culture and the greater Burlington area. The woods is a place where people of all kinds and students can go to explore. In many courses at UVM the ecological processes in Centennial are investigated by students. The woods is an outdoor classroom for so many people at UVM. This is apart of our culture because it is the most accessible natural area for students.

Do you consider yourself a part of your place? Why or why not?

I am so torn with this question! Here’s the thing, I don’t think I contribute to the growth/health of my place. This spot would still exist without me in it. I guess that could be said about a lot of things. Life goes on. I think what I contribute to my space is, what feels like, a deep understanding of my place unlike any other person. It like I am watching my kid go through the stages of puberty/teenagerhood. At first I didn’t really understand my place. There were bushes and random tree sprouts everywhere that looked awkward. That was the first stage. Then just as I began to get familiar with place and started to deeply appreciate it the winter came. It felt like my place was shutting me out. I was angry because I thought to myself “why didn’t I appreciate the greenery more” and “should I have visited y spot more to enjoy the green while it lasted”. But then I realized that I did enjoy my spot and that just like a lot of things in life things go through changes. So then the winter came. I found the beauty in the cold. Nothing compares to the silence of the woods as the snow falls lightly. How the branches would delicately hold the snow creating a glowing outline of the dark tree branches. It wasn’t necessarily a shut out but a time to slow down. Similarly, teenagers are sometimes misunderstood about certain things that they do. Then came march, a time for new beginnings for all living beings. My spot slowly but surely opened up to me and showed me the beauty in regrowth and regeneration. It is beautiful to watch my trees that I know so closely sprout. So in this reflection I think I am very closely connected and will always be connected to my spot. My spot has also seen me in many different lights. On tough days my spot has always been there for me. So in a way we both see each other go through the stages of life.

Guys look my American beech STILL has not bloomed. The tip appears to have gotten bigger and the tip is turning to a white color. I have a feeling that this week they will pop open. I’ll keep you all updated!

Also I figured out, on my last post of course, that I can change the color of the text and make my post look cool. I also found out you can add pictures for background and add different layouts. Maybe I’ll go back and edit my other posts bc I honestly love doing this.