Since my last visit to my spot in Centennial Woods in November, I noticed that many things have changed. For starters, the days have gotten exponentially shorter and the weather much colder, with an occasional flutter of snow. Although this time of seasonal transition seems to come later and fluctuate more as the years pass (similarly to where I’m from), these signs point to the nearing of winter which largely reflects much of what I saw in the woods on Sunday, December 4th. During my time in the forest, I noticed that many of the hardwoods that had not lost their leaves last month were pretty much bare now, with the exception of Norway and Sugar Maples. I had also noticed that the only vegetation which still persists now were the intermediate wood ferns as well as some mosses and drying fungi. While analyzing the forest floor, I could see that the leaves which carpet the ground in a thin layer have begun to brown and naturally decompose back into organic matter. Having rained the days prior, much of the sloped path central to my spot had collected some water. Although I had not noticed any animal tracks, scat, or marks, the quiet air of the forest was occasionally filled with the calls of birds. Hearing these, I looked around to find a nest sitting snug up in the branches of an Eastern White Pine.
Throughout the last few months, the beauty of Centennial Woods has been an accessible natural area to escape into. The peacefulness and serenity that the walk through the streams and into the forest brings me is one I do not find when I am walking through campus. I really appreciate the diversity of the landscape as the exploration of these woods is full of surprises. The diversity of species and organisms has been exciting as well. Plus, when the weather was warmer, fish swam in the brook! Though this may be the last time I will visit my spot this year, I look forward to coming back soon!