NR 1010 Phenology Project A UVM blog

The majority of the area is blanketed with dead leaves, remnants of the autumn season. However, amidst this brown carpet, there are small patches of vibrant green, resilient against the harsh cold of winter. These hardy plants are identified as Garlic Mustard, a species known for its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Despite the surrounding dormancy, these lively green spots stand out, showcasing the plant’s remarkable adaptability and persistence in surviving the winter chill.

How Has The Foliage Changed?

• Are there any leaves still hanging on any trees, and if so, what species?
  • There are no leaves still hanging on the trees
•   Is there persistent vegetation or fruit?
  • Yes, that would be the Garlic Mustard
• How has the fall leaf litter changed—are there signs of decomposition and decomposers?
  • The fall leaf litter has most definitely increased since my first visit here. I see little to no presence of decomposition or decomposer.
• Are there any animals to observe or traces of their presence, such as nests, tracks, scat, marks in tree bark?
  • During my visit today I saw no animal presence or any sign of animal activity.
• How much has the animal activity decreased, if at all?
  • There typically are not too many critters in this area since there is a walking path that people typically go through.

What aspects of your phenology place do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy that it’s just a few steps away from my dorm. I live on Trinity Campus, where there’s practically nothing nearby, so having a little place to go is great. I also appreciate that this spot allows my friends and me to hang out without the harsh fluorescent lighting found in nearly every building.

My New Location is Cecil Park, but specifically the Montour Trail Section of the park. In the summer I would take my dog for a walk there at least once a day. That is the primary reason why this location is so special to me.

Google Map

Why Is It So Special?

These pictures were taken this summer

Comparing Ecology and Phenology

When it comes to my location in Burlington, there little grass. The ground is most covered with woody plants, and shrubbery. While the Montour Trail has grass on both sides of the trail, along with shubbery when it comes to hill sides. The trees that are along the Montour trail are also far more lush than the ones in the Burlington location.

This is my bird’s eye drawing of my location. Specifically where I sat and reflected for 15 minutes. Also, the only difference that I noticed from visiting in October is that now a majority of the leaves have dropped from the trees. The leaves that have yet to drop have changed colors drastically, and are now bright orange to a more palish yellow.

My Experience While Being Centered

This is an experience I wish I could relive for the first time. While attending college, I have come to realize how difficult it is to find a truly quiet place that also makes you feel connected to home. However, this particular spot checked both of those boxes. At home, we have a wooded area in our backyard, and I often go out on my deck to look at the trees and listen to the birds. This place felt just like my backyard again. The sounds of chirping filled the air, and today, I was fortunate enough to see a chipmunk. I really enjoy watching chipmunks; back home, there is one that lives under the steps at the front of our house. His name is Bernard, and my family and I have been feeding him for the past three years

Below is a picture of the chipmunk that visited me today