Vegetation Change and Wildlife Observations
Observations of Vegetation Change:
Since I have last visited the quarry, the leaves on the trees have continued to change, and there are significantly more leaves on the ground than the last time I visited. The grass seemed to get less and less green as I walked farther along the path, and most of it was covered in fallen pine needles, oak leaves and maple leaves. The tall grasses in the marsh along the water were more droopy and looked less lively because of the colder weather we have had recently. I have also noticed that the wildflowers near the path also seemed to droop and were losing the vibrant colors the had earlier in the month.
Wildlife Observations:
As for the wildlife that occupies the quarry, I did not see any on my most recent visit, but I did notice a couple of monarch butterflies near the wildflowers in the past. Although I did not get any documentation of wildlife, I did notice some geese flying nearby and there was movement in the trees next to the water but I could not identify exactly what it was. I am hoping to see more birds or animals during my next visit, and to observe the species that inhabit this area during the colder months.
I have included this hand-drawn map of the quarry to highlight its most prominent features such as the remains of the quarry rock, the forest and the water towards the end. These are key features because they influence what kind of vegetation and wildlife inhabit this area, and they are a part of this unique location.