Visiting my phenology site for the last time this school year was definitely bittersweet. The leaves are finally coming out and the weather is finally warm again. The walk down to Centennial was lovely, with many flowers blooming and plants growing all along the path. My actual spot looks fairly similar, with differences mainly because of many new spring plants blooming.
Nature and culture intertwine at my phenology place because I think that these woods are such an important part of the culture at UVM. We are fortunate enough to have a vast preserved natural area to learn about and enjoy. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to go down to my spot over and over again this year. It absolutely became part of my routine and part of the “UVM culture” for me. I do consider myself a part of this place because I interact with it and value it in the same ways that every other species does. Being able to watch this place change throughout the year has been incredibly interesting. In a way, it is like watching something grow and evolve, and I think this year I’ve grown with it.