Since October, I have had the pleasure of observing the phenological changes that my site in Centennial Woods experienced, from the famous Vermont fall to the -40 degree Fahrenheit real feel of winter and to mud season Spring. The changes in plant species where the trees and shrubs were full of leaf coverage to slowly dying off of branches and “hibernating” through the winter and now, restarting its life as a bud ready to flower and return to its max strength form. Similarly, the relatively strong presence of wildlife that got quiet in November and now, you can hear birds chirping all the time and the faint noise of pollinators. Throughout the months, my site in Centennial Woods has remained intact. While water levels of the brook that navigates its way through Centennial fluctuated from month to month, everything else has luckily remained the same. This year, we experienced some extreme weather and will continue to, yet my site remains the same and has the ability to continue to support the natural system that it is supposed to support.
The Centennial Brook has become a familiar major landmark with me. It makes its presence known from the tranquil babbling that you can hear as you approach my site. I recognize that the dynamics of my site would not be the same if the brook was not there. In addition, I have had the privilege to watch various young plant species grow over the months like a sugar maple and various birch trees. Lastly, a minor landmark that phenologically does not contribute or get affected but helps define my site is the wooden walkway that divides my site.
Nature and culture intertwines at my site through the species that it houses, as well as the acknowledgement that Centennial Woods was once indigenous people’s land. Not all of the species are native to Vermont and therefore have a unique and culturally rich origin. There has been a long lasting discussion of UVM’s on ways to honor the Abenaki people and give credit to them for the land that UVM has. In Centennial Woods, you will be able to find some indicators of Abenaki activity that culturally contributes to my site. Additionally, the norms of recreational use, or just use in general, of Centennial Woods ties in culture as well.
Personally, I do not think that I am a part of my place. I believe that I am someone who thoroughly enjoys everything that my place has to offer and has a pretty good understanding of the dynamic. However, in my opinion, to be a part of a place I feel like you need to influence positive changes on that place and I feel like I have not done that. I have simply and respectfully observed my place.
