12/8/22
For the final week of our phenology posts, I took some extra time at my spot to really take in all it had to offer. This was the most barren that I have seen the spot since our assignment began. There were no leaves on any of the trees, and the only remaining life that I could see were winterberries. They really added a nice holiday cheer to the space with their bright red color.
Thankfully, even though the deciduous trees had lost their color, the eastern white pines still showed their vibrant green color looking beautiful in the background of the winterberry. Another great sight of the holiday season.
Unlike my previous visits, I didn’t see or hear and animal life, or indicators thereof. The ground was very muddy so I hoped I may be able to see some animal traces on the ground but no imprints were anywhere near my spot. Additionally, I couldn’t see any Chickadees even though I had seen flocks of them in the past.
Even though the area was quite barren and cold, I still had a great time enjoying the peace and quiet that the area provided for me. I believe this has been my favorite part about my spot and this project: the connection with nature. So often, we neglect the serenity that the outdoors can provide when it’s only a skip and a jump away. I plan on continuing my peaceful walks outdoors over break and into the spring semester. I’m truly so grateful for what this project has provided.
For a final piece, here is a side by side of one of my first visits to my spot and this final visit from today:
