Hey everyone! Welcome to my phenology blog! Throughout the next few months, I will be periodically checking in on and observing a riverside point along the Calkin trail in the Intervale located in Burlington, VT.
If you enter the Intervale at the center just off Intervale Road, you’ll come across a small path. After walking down that path for a minute or two, you will come across the trailhead for Calkin’s loop. Less than half of a mile down this trail you will spot a gorgeous grove of silver maple trees, all leaning towards and some even leaning over the Winooski River. The spot is picturesque in every way imaginable. The intricate maple leaves catch the sun just right, illuminating the entire area with a sort of golden-yellow glow. The river itself glistens in the sunlight and across it is a forest which is almost beckoning to be explored.
When I came across the grove for the first time, it was hard to tear myself away and I knew that I would have to spend more time studying it. I want to learn about the history of this space and what was here before the Intervale was established. I want to find out what plants are growing here and how the ecosystem functions even just in this specific area. I want to visit the grove, on at least one occasion, simply to perch on a tree and read a book while shrouded in this almost mystical sunlight. I’m excited for you all to join me on this project of learning about this space and cannot wait to find out more!
